Sherline offers their 3.1″ 4-jaw self-centering chucks with a 22 x 1.5 mm threaded hole for use on Sherline’s optional ER-16 spindle nose. They can also be used with certain other ER-16 spindles that use the 22 x 1.5mm thread for the collet nut.
These chucks have four advantages over 3-jaw chucks.
- They can be used to hold irregularly shaped parts.
- They can be used to center parts with a great deal of accuracy.
- 4-jaw chucks can be used to deliberately hold a part off-center.
- They can clamp stock tighter.
This is a valuable asset when machining cams, crankshafts and similar parts. The main disadvantage of the 4-jaw independent chuck is that the jaws must be set individually, adding considerable setup time. The jaws are reversible to accommodate larger stock.
NOTE: The independent chucks don’t have Tommy bar holes like the scroll chucks because most people use the 5/32″ hex wrench into one of the jaw screws to thread the chuck on and off. Our P/N 3020 5/32″ Hex T-Driver works perfectly.
Like the Sherline 3-jaw chucks, the 4-jaw chucks can be used to clamp either externally or internally. Although we recommend the 3-jaw chuck for standard lathe projects, the 4-jaw chuck is considered the accessory that could add the most versatility to your machine. If you feel the 4-jaw chuck would be more useful, and you have no need for the 3-jaw chuck, any lathe “A” package can be ordered with the 4-jaw chuck substituted for the 3-jaw upon request. A clamping groove allows the chuck to hold parts for milling.
Jaw Options
- For those who have jobs where speed and ease of use are more important than maximum accuracy and want a chuck that is loose right from the start (No extra charge).
Add the note “loose jaws” to the comments box above - Soft (not hardened or machined) steel jaws are also available when you build your own chuck.
