Lathe chuck key material advice needed

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

No problem, Jason

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Confession, they say, is good for the soul …

I don't know what it will do for my credibility, but here goes:

I checked my [now infamous] Chuck Key;

1. The old Tap is actually 1/4" BSF
2. The square head is nominally 3/16" AF … with slightly raised longitudinal ribs on the centre-lines, making a maximum of 0.191" over the ribs.
3. The shank being 1/4" diameter; the corners of the square are slightly rounded.
4. There is no actual marking to say HSS [so it's probably not]
5. Manufacturer's mark is Cardinal L.A.L. Ltd. England

MichaelG.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I have a beautiful set of carbon steel LAL BA taps that belonged to my grandfather (evens 0-8). One or two succumbed to my teenage enthusiasm. Very nice to use and well finished tap and die holders.

Neil

[StevoParticipant @stevo]

My word..

What an incredibly helpful bunch you are – I never expected so many replies!! Thanks to all. And this was only for help on a chuck key, let alone anything turned on the lathe!

Steve

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Steve, what ever you make the key from, just make it long enough that the T bar misses the chuck jaws when they are fully out.

A handy thing I use on a bigger [8"] chuck when changing the jaws, it's the speed wrench/crank, from my 3/8" socket set, did try a square driver in a battery drill but the crank is faster. Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 02/03/2014 10:09:52

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