Lifting Heavy Lathe Chucks

[erikmannie]

At what point (i.e. chuck weight) does one need a hoist or chain fall to install a heavy chuck?

I just bought a chuck that weighs 107 lbs. I would not expect to be able to get that on & off without a hoist such as this:

Sky Hook with Tool Post Mount Base 8500-00 - 61-171-005

Offering a huge selection of industrial tool sales online. Find over 100,000 metalworking products, precision measuring tools, power tools & accessories.

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One also wonders what exactly a “Tool Post Base” is. I have a CXA with an Aloris T-nut. I’m sure I would be able to figure that out.

I can’t risk a back injury, & I don’t want to be discouraged from switching out lathe chucks.

What do you guys think? I would guess anything over 75 pounds would be risking an injury.

 

[JimDawson]

Looks like a great idea. Will save the back.

 

[erikmannie]

Here is a pertinent link:

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/05805635

 

[erikmannie]

And a video...

At the 4:00 mark in that video, the operator has a lifting eye bolt in his chuck.

 

[DavidR8]

@erikmannie Adam Booth has one

 

[erikmannie]

@erikmannie Adam Booth has one

That is where I first saw one (on an Abom79 YouTube video).

It looks like it fits a DA tool post. I am going to call Sky Hook tomorrow to see what somebody with a CXA tool post would do.

 

[Tozguy]

I got tired of lifting a 25 pound chuck on and off the lathe and rigged a hoist from the ceiling over the lathe.
No more straining in awkward positions. Wonderfull!
There are many creative ways of using rails/tracks overhead (if you have the room) which would be quicker and easier than having to install and remove a skyhook every time.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Sky Hook with Tool Post Mount Base 8500-00 - 61-171-005

Offering a huge selection of industrial tool sales online. Find over 100,000 metalworking products, precision measuring tools, power tools & accessories.

www.penntoolco.com

One also wonders what exactly a “Tool Post Base” is. I have a CXA with an Aloris T-nut. I’m sure I would be able to figure that out.

The stock Skyhook toolpost accessory fits a BXA toolpost, so you would have to fabricate something to make it fit your CXA toolpost. You could bolt the Skyhook to the bed with an adapter. Or fashion something from the small HF pickup truck bed crane. Or find inspiration in the multitude of Youtube videos of homemade creations.

 

[erikmannie]

I called Sky Hook Mfr. at (208)365-5770. The PN for CXA is 8500-03, and the PN for the (universal) chuck hook is 8520.

 

[FOMOGO]

Where is the truth in advertising, if it's a sky hook, it should just hook to the sky. Mike