Way Protection

[Mr Ron]

I too am getting on in years (88) and my 8" chucks are indeed heavy. I have a bed protector many years (piece of plywood), but wouldn't stop a chuck from rolling off and unto my foot. I will have to do something about it for safety. The broomstick idea sounds good.

[gwrdriver]

Rich,
The Skechers work shoes are worth looking into, because they make a very wide range, and mine have been completely satisfactory, especially with foot comfort and support. I don't HAVE to replace them just yet, so what I plan to do is contact Skechers Corporate and find out what shoe replaced mine, or what the nearest replacement for my shoe is. The store personell don't have the answers.

[Bill Shields]

They list a steel toe show on the www....

[LouStule]

or just nail a couple of 'furring strips' along the Z axis...

or

or

or...

everyone has an improvement on a good idea...

I just use a piece of 3mm cheapo plywood that bends under any load....

typical blacksmith solution...

It won't bounce?

[Bill Shields]

Bouncing has not been a problem -> plywood just sags...not enough elasticity to lift an 8" chuck.

I have thought about something like a bean bag...maybe one of these dessicant bags...but the cheap piece of plywood works well -> AIIABDFI

[Harold_V]

AIIABDFI

Gesundheit

H

[LIALLEGHENY]

The shop next door had a Leblond with a L1 taper which can be a PITA to swap . They took a 4 x6 and notched it to fit on the ways, and cut a radius in the top to match the chuck diameter being used, at the mounted height. Slip the block under the chuck, release the chuck from the spindle and slide it back to clear the spindle nose. This way the block is supporting the weight, not you and it can't roll. You could then get a better grip on the chuck to take it off the machine. Works even better for getting the chuck back on.
I have an engine hoist I roll under the lathe with a steel bar that I clamp in the jaws, that loops over the top of the chuck with an eye in it for lifting. Makes changing my 15" chuck, or smaller a breeze.

Nyle

[Bill Shields]

I have seen folks with screw up jacks on sliders.

For my big lathe, I screw an eye into the chuck and use an overhead come-along.

I may be a simple blacksmith, but I am not stupid

[rmac]

If you put a broom stick or rod of aluminium in the chuck and tighten the jaws such that it is 6+ inches into the spindle and the same towards the tailstock, you have a handle that makes it easier to carry and slide the chuck on and off.

The broomsticks also lend themselves to putting the chuck on a notched rack for storage.

Two great ideas, adopted today. Thanks!

They took a 4 x 6 and notched it to fit on the ways, and cut a radius in the top to match the chuck diameter being used, at the mounted height.

It's definitely worth the effort to make a cradle that supports the chuck at the correct height. It makes it much easier to get the threads started with a heavy, screw-on chuck.

-- Russell Mac

[Inspector]

You are very welcome.

Ho! Ho! Ho!
Pete

[Bill Shields]

I have think I have the same lathe...

[tornitore45]

I screw an eye into the chuck

Where does your chuck has a threaded hole?