rusted chuck stuck

CavinTan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
i just got a 2nd hand lathe and the chuck on the cuesmith headstock had rusted, and now i cant open up the jaws.. i've tried using wd40 already. any help?
 

Dave38

theemperorhasnoclotheson
Silver Member
My advise would be to first make sure it is rusted, and not jammed. If it was operated with the tool in the chuck, it usually slams into the bed, and then jams/damages the scroll plate of the chuck. My advice is to remove the chuck from the headstock and Disassemble the chuck then determine if it's damaged or rusted. If rusted, go to harbor freight and buy this..https://www.harborfreight.com/1-quart-evapo-rust-rust-remover-96433.html Fill a small pan, place the chuck plates in it and then pour the rust remover over it. Let it soak for about a 1/2 day, then clean it and reassemble with grease. If damaged, either file any damaged ridges, or replace chuck.
HTH,
Dave
 

DaveK

Still crazy after all these years
Silver Member
Another trick if the chuck is truly rusted (and off the lathe :thumbup:) is electrolytic rust removal. This method works great and gets into difficult areas.

https://www.diyncrafts.com/12491/li...is-incredible-electrolytic-rust-removal-trick

I have found that the metal used for the other node works best if it surrounds the piece to be de-rusted. I've suspended parts in metal coffee cans so that the node is all around (not above I guess) the part. Of course be very careful not to let the part touch the can or you'll short the charger :( Another tip, use as much baking soda in the water as you can put in without overloading the battery charger ... more amps = faster de-rusting.

Dave
 

CavinTan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
thanks for the replies. i live outside US so those products are not available

anyway, i removed the snap ring, but the chuck has been rusted shut ,so it wont come off.. tried using a small chisel and hammer to pry it open but still no luck
 
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