Chuck backplate help needed

[Ady WilsonParticipant @adywilson52106]

I have the Clarke CL500M 3 in 1 machine. What i want to do is make a chuck backplate which will allow me to use an old 4 jaw chuck I have on the machine. The register boss on the lathe spindle is a whopping 100mm in diameter. From what I have read my best bet when machining the recess for it in the backplate is to make a blank which I can use to test fit my diameter when I start getting close to finish dimensions.

Is there a cheap way I can make one or some kind of workaround to make the blank. Steel for backplate will cost me about £14 and I dont really want to spend another similar amount buying a piece nearly as big as it to make the blank from as the whole operation is going to get costly.

cheers,

Ady.

[Ady WilsonParticipant @adywilson52106]

[Les Jones 1Participant @lesjones1]

Hi Ady,
I think when I was making a backplate for a collet chuck I mounted the blank in the chuck as normal. To check if it would fit I removed the chuck without removing the backplate blank from the chuck and checked the fit. I had marked the back of the chuck and spindle nose to ensure the chuck was re fitted in the same position.

Les.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

The test piece doesn't have to be steel, or as thick or even all there. A piece of aluminium 110mmx50x ?thick would do and would mostly still be usable for something afterwards.

Bottom of old suacepan at car boot?

Edited By Bazyle on 19/08/2014 18:39:57

Edited By Bazyle on 19/08/2014 18:40:44

[Ady WilsonParticipant @adywilson52106]

Thanks for the tips guys much appreciated. I like the idea of taking the chuck off with work still in it but I would rather have something of correct size on hand as I know I will have to be checking very often to make sure I dont take too much off.

So if I can find something like Bazyle said which I can modify to my need that would be good. i am currently looking round house for something to chop up lol.

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