Woodchipper
Member
I have a SuperNova2 chuck. While turning some blanks yesterday, I noticed an accumulation of wood dust in the back. Anyone tackle disassembling a chuck? Easier way to clean it? Thanks for your replies.
Cleaning a chuck?
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I have never done it, I've heard it can be a nightmare. I just blow mine out once in awhile and have never had any issues.
monophoto
Member
Chucks have either an open back (where you can see the gears), or a closed back (where you can't see anything).
Open back chucks are relatively easy to clean - blow out any loose dust with compressed air, and then soak them in a pail of solvent (gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, etc) for an hour or so.
Closed back chucks are more difficult to clean, with the major challenge being how to open them. Fortunately, they typically require cleaning less often because its more difficult for dust to get inside to gum up things. The major challenge seems to be in removing the ring spring - and in addition to requiring a special tool and lots of patience (especially when the ring spring pops off and flies across the shop), that task can be a bit dangerous. Be sure to wear face/eye protection.
The other challenge I have found is remounting the sliders - specifically, getting them mounted in the proper order so that all four reach the center at the same time when you close the chuck. There are probably about four ways to mount them, only one of which is right, and my experience is that I always seem to try the wrong three first.
Open back chucks are relatively easy to clean - blow out any loose dust with compressed air, and then soak them in a pail of solvent (gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, etc) for an hour or so.
Closed back chucks are more difficult to clean, with the major challenge being how to open them. Fortunately, they typically require cleaning less often because its more difficult for dust to get inside to gum up things. The major challenge seems to be in removing the ring spring - and in addition to requiring a special tool and lots of patience (especially when the ring spring pops off and flies across the shop), that task can be a bit dangerous. Be sure to wear face/eye protection.
The other challenge I have found is remounting the sliders - specifically, getting them mounted in the proper order so that all four reach the center at the same time when you close the chuck. There are probably about four ways to mount them, only one of which is right, and my experience is that I always seem to try the wrong three first.
Woodchipper
Member
Will fire up the air compressor and give it a blast or two...or three. Thanks for the replies.
Next question related to the chuck: Need any lubricant? Will check the manual.
Next question related to the chuck: Need any lubricant? Will check the manual.
howsitwork
Member
Here you go
Woodchipper
Member
Thanks. In this day of Internet and YouTube, I should have known.
WriteON
Member
BirchWood Casey gun scrubber? But care how /where it's used.
Woodchipper
Member
Yes, not friendly with some plastics. I keep a supply on hand. Thanks. I plan on watching the video tomorrow.
WriteON
Member
There is a less aggressive type of Scrubber... however the original is nasty to breath, bad on skin, eyes. Dissolves latex gloves...
moke
Member
Woodchipper.....We had a class in our turning club on cleaning various chucks.....when you look inside they are quite durable, but somewhat picky on reassembly. I came to the conclusion that I am going to continue to use it until it is too stiff to comfortably use, then disassemble. As well built as they are, it will not hurt it. I clean the outside and blow out as much as I can with compressed air. Just my .02
Woodchipper
Member
Thanks. Better to err on the side of caution.
howsitwork
Member
I find a SMEAR of Moly based grease on re assembly is enough , but prevention by blowout is the go to first route
oh and marking what went were with something easy to remove such as felt coloured pen marks is handy ( in case you get distracted )
oh and marking what went were with something easy to remove such as felt coloured pen marks is handy ( in case you get distracted )
Woodchipper
Member
My son lays out things and takes a cell phone photo. When in basic training, I laid out everything in order. Reverse to reassemble. Somewhere I read of a guy who put parts in sequence in an egg carton.
howsitwork
Member
good idea the egg box one. Photos are good but which of the three identical pinion drives came from where ???? Hence I mark with different coloured felt pens