jdmosley43
Plastic
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2022
Hi, I've used the search feature, but cannot find info specific to my application.
We manufacture tail shafts for river boat on The Mississippi, up to 10+ inch OD and around 30 ft long.
I've got some large 4 jaw chucks on very old, but extremely solid lathes, and am having a hard time eating, twisting chuck keys. We are very hard on our chucks, sometimes using 2ft. cheater pipes with all of our strength to get a couple more thou moved without loosening anything and chasing our tail. I realize this is not the best technique by the book, but it's what we choose to in order to get the job done as quickly as possible.
I'm wondering if anyone here also makes their own chuck keys for very large applications, and if you've got any tricks in regards to choosing the correct alloy paired with a proper hardening technique.
I'm also looking for suggestions on material and possible heat treating options for the pull bar. We are using cold roll and always bend it.
What I DO NOT need is something so hard we break, as this could cause serious injury.
Right now we just machined up a couple of 1018 keys, along with a pair from 4140, but I'm fine with ordering more material if there is a better option!
Any all almost all advice would be greatly appreciated!
CHEERS!
-JD
We manufacture tail shafts for river boat on The Mississippi, up to 10+ inch OD and around 30 ft long.
I've got some large 4 jaw chucks on very old, but extremely solid lathes, and am having a hard time eating, twisting chuck keys. We are very hard on our chucks, sometimes using 2ft. cheater pipes with all of our strength to get a couple more thou moved without loosening anything and chasing our tail. I realize this is not the best technique by the book, but it's what we choose to in order to get the job done as quickly as possible.
I'm wondering if anyone here also makes their own chuck keys for very large applications, and if you've got any tricks in regards to choosing the correct alloy paired with a proper hardening technique.
I'm also looking for suggestions on material and possible heat treating options for the pull bar. We are using cold roll and always bend it.
What I DO NOT need is something so hard we break, as this could cause serious injury.
Right now we just machined up a couple of 1018 keys, along with a pair from 4140, but I'm fine with ordering more material if there is a better option!
Any all almost all advice would be greatly appreciated!
CHEERS!
-JD