Lathe, chuck & insert question

Hi all,

My first questions!

I have recently got my hands on a used but excellent condition Axminister chuck (CSC500C) it is no longer produced by Axminster. However, this came without the insert (or the tightening bars) which would have allowed me to use it on my Record Power lathe: the chuck is 1" x 8tpi while the lathe is 3/4" x 16tpi.

I have called Axminster but they tell me they do not have any replacement parts or current inserts that will suit.

I have seen a number of inserts around the web ( like this: Changing the spindle size on wood lathes) and on ebay (like this: Charnwood VIPER2#IN 1'' x 8 tpi to 3/4'' x 16tpi Insert for VIPER2 & W830 Chucks | eBay).

Does anyone know if I am OK to buy one of these inserts for use or am I better off selling this chuck and buying another?

Are tightening bars available to buy or is there a workaround anyone can suggest?

Many thanks
Sam

The second one that you linked to is the same as what was with the chuck see HERE

Second link looks like the one you want, as for tightening bars are they just straight bars? If so you could just harden a couple of bits of bar of the right diameter.

Thank you Dalboy and Doug,

Have ordered the Charnwood adapter, I just wasn't sure if there were differences between inserts, length etc.

Will see what I can do on the bars Doug.

Sam

Have you got any mates with a metal lathe that could turn the handles up for you?

I converted an adapter from one company to enable me to use a Hercus three jaw metal lathe this way I had more meat in the adapter to cut the new internal thread. By me I mean my mate cost me a case of beer.

Peter

For the tommy bars, you could get two screwdrivers of the right diameter from Poundland and cut the end off.

Peter

I like Peters idea about the screw drivers for the tightening levers, I was going to suggest car push rods, from a scrap yard. I made some carving chisels from those.

Thanks all,

wm460, sorry, I have no mates who work metal. Peter, I like the screwdrivers idea, I have a couple of old ones that were destined for the bin, I'll give those a go!

Sam

busby42 said:

Thanks all,

wm460, sorry, I have no mates who work metal. Peter, I like the screwdrivers idea, I have a couple of old ones that were destined for the bin, I'll give those a go!

Sam

Click to expand...

You can use a wood lathe with files to get metal down to a diameter you want, it may be tedious if they are far too big, but it does work.

Peter

Buckeye said:

For the tommy bars, you could get two screwdrivers of the right diameter from Poundland and cut the end off.

Peter

Click to expand...

We think alike Peter

busby42 said:

Are tightening bars available to buy or is there a workaround anyone can suggest?

Many thanks
Sam

Click to expand...

Just get yourself some mild steel rod of a suitable diameter. Plenty on eBay if you don't have a local supplier. Don't be tempted to use something too small, it'll only slip and likely cause injury if you're not careful.

As always, thank you for the advice everyone.

I have located some small diameter rod suppliers on ebay and will order the right sizes in (seems I have two different diameters on the chuck, plus a third size for my thread protector), in the meantime, in a moment of improvisation, I have found that some old allan keys work too, fiddly but will do until the rods arrive!

Thanks again
Sam