I just pulled my mid-size lathe out of storage and noticed that the 3 jaw chuck is now notchy. It used to be smooth all the way around when moving the hard in and out but now it sort of sticks part way round each way. You can pretty easily force it past the holding spot, but it definitely was smoother before.
Any thoughts on the issue or a fix?
-td
THREE JAW CHUCK REPAIR!
If your chuck sticks every third of a turn when opening it, here are the instructions on what to do.
REPAIRING THE CHUCK:
If the key is left in the chuck and the lathe is turned on it opens the chuck much to fast and slams the chuck scroll up against the side of one of the jaws. This bends the end of the scroll over and causes the chuck to stick every third of a turn when opening. It can even completely lock the chuck up. Here is how to repair it yourself.
To remove the chuck from headstock:
#1 On Deluxe headstock lock the headstock down with a indexing pin. On Small headstock machines use a thin wrench behind the chuck to lock head down or very cautiously use indexing pin.
#2 Then rotate the chuck counter clockwise to unthread off of the spindle.
#3 Pencil numbers on all chuck jaws and slots in case they come out of slots.
#4 Remove the snap ring from the back of the chuck.
#5 Then remove the back scroll plate from the back of the chuck.
#6 Turn the scroll plate over and you will see a spiral scroll. The inside very end of the scroll will be slightly bent or compressed from hitting the side of the jaws at high speed. Take a small diamond file or really coarse sandpaper and smooth up the burr or bent spot.
#7 Close jaws all the way until they touch each other and put scroll plate back on. If it opens and closes smooth then remove scroll plate again and grease inside of chuck with lithium or axel grease and reassemble.
