CLANG wrote: ↑Mon Feb 16, 2009 9:29 pm
Hi,
Short-time lurker, first-time poster here. Greetings from WV.
I bought an inexpensive 4" 4-jaw independent from Shars tools for my HFT 5980. I expected to have to hunt up a suitable adapter that I could turn to the correct fit for it. However, upon inspection, it needed EXACTLY the same backplate as the stock 3-jaw. The fit was perfect, except that I had to drill and tap 3 extra holes (utilizing one of the original mounting holes) for the 4-bolt pattern on the 4-jaw. I still intend to get a dedicated backplate for it, but until then, when I need a 4-jaw, I just change out the backplate (after indexing it to both chucks).
I have yet to find a suitable adapter. Briefly considered swiping the backplate from the floor model at the local HFT. (That's a joke, BTW.)
Do you have the website or maker and part number for the 4 jaw you purchased? I just bought a 6in independent 4 jaw with shallow mounting holes (closer to the inside of the chuck) that are through hole, and use a nut and bolt setup instead of being tapped. My measurements put the holes at 3.5" apart which should fit perfectly on the existing 3hole backplate.
I would really like to get a new spindle for the lathe part itself, just so i can use something more conventional and easy to get parts for.. I haven't taken it apart yet and measured anything to know exactly what will fit, but for anyone who cares to know the exact thread of the one that comes in the HF5980, the Lathe Spindle threads are M42x2... To my knowledge, nobody but them use this tooling size.
The website for central pneumatic has a newer lathe that uses the same 4in (100mm) chuck, so I'm guessing its probably the same M42x2 spindle, but idk for sure...
If anyone knows of any parts or location to get a replacement or 2nd backplate that fits M42x2 threads, PLEASE let me know.
Thanks