Need help with Lathe chuck please.

[SubtleHustle]

Hello guys, so I am new to machining, but have a passion for learning. This may be a total newb question, but I'll be the first to admit that I'm a newb.
I bought my first lathe a week ago, and have been learning on it every day since. I was trying to decide between a new grizzly g4000 or a 1938 SB 9"C. I went with the SB, based on the number still in operation, and the deal I received on it. Problem I am having is, the old 3 jaw chuck that came with it, seems pretty worn, and I am having a hard time keeping my work piece centered. Havr been looking in to by using a new 4 jaw 6", but cant seem to find any that would fit my 1-1/2" 8tpi spindle. Thoughts? Suggestions? Any would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! I have attached a pic of the lathe, just in case it helps.

 

[Logan 400]

Others will know more because I am also new to the hobby but I recently purchased a used one from Ebay. I bought an independent 6"4 jaw chuck and am very happy with it so far.

 

[4ssss]

3 and 4 jaw chucks for that lathe are a dime a dozen. Ebay and craigslist always have some. If not call Plaza Machinery.

https://web.archive.org/web/20160204012420/http://plazamachinery.com/

 

[SubtleHustle]

So is used the only option then? I would just be afraid it would be as worn as my current one.

 

[4ssss]

If you're really worried about run out buy a Buck adjustable chuck

 

[SubtleHustle]

And thanks 4ssss for the link, very good find!

 

[SubtleHustle]

Would a spindle adapter be reliable? Like say, a 1-1/2 to 1" adaptor?

 

[Bob Korves]

You can get a back plate to match the spindle thread, and then mount a chuck to the back plate.

Here is the first one I found:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-1-1-2-x-8-TPI-Back-Plate/SB1388

More at this search:
https://www.bing.com/search?q=1+1/2-8+back+plate&pc=MOZI&form=MOZSBR

 

[macardoso]

Check out Shars tool company (out of Illinois), Small Tools (Euclid, OH), JTS tool (Mentor, Ohio) or CDCO tool (Illinois). They all have chucks with 1 1/2 - 8 threads (may need a plain back + backplate). I you really want them running true, you need to spend a small fortune on a super high quality 3 jaw chuck, or learn how to use a 4 jaw independent (thats what I use 95% of the time, just takes a little time to set the part up). I see chucks 6 or 8 inch for under $150.

I just bought my 8 inch 4 jaw from Small Tools and I have been very happy with it.

Shars: http://www.shars.com/products/workholding/lathe-chucks?chuck_diameter=6&dir=asc&order=price

Small Tools Ebay page: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAVON-8-3-...le-Mounting-/131968360105?hash=item1eb9ed5ea9

JTS: http://www.jtsmach.com/store-1/

CDCO: http://www.cdcotools.com/

 

[SubtleHustle]

Great info guys! Thanks so much! Yeah I have been thinking about a 4 jaw independent. From what I've read, they are the way to go. That's actually what I have been looking for online, but none had the correct threading. So...an adapter plate, anything I should be looking for, to make sure the plate/chuck are comparable? And again, I am very thankful for you guys quick responses! This is my first time joining a forum, and it is great! Just forgive me, if I am not too savvy on technology. I'm just an old guy, with a phone smarter than himself.