A
Guide To
Work-Holding On The Lathe
by Fred Holder
Softcover
210 x 275mm
126pp
Published by Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd, East Sussex UK
R.R.P.$29.90
ISBN 1-86108-195-2
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 119
It doesn't take long for the novice woodturner to realise that just holding a workpiece in a lathe is an important factor in the success of any project.
The holding device or method must secure the blank so that it can be worked upon without danger of coming loose. It must also hold the blank in such a way as to avoid even the slightest marks on the finished item.
In some cases, a number of methods may be equally effective; in others, the choice is much more limited.
After an introduction that briefly examines the history of the Lathe and, in particular, the history of Chucking, A Guide to Work-Holding on the Lathe, addresses the commonly used chucking methods and explores each of them in turn.
He begins with the basic Jam Fit Chuck. Typical of what is to follow, not only is the Chuck itself discussed, but also the various ways in which it might be used - for example, supporting the chuck with the tailstock and using duct tape to help hold a bowl in the chuck.
Under the title the Glue Chuck, the author includes holding the workpiece with super glues (ie. cyanocryolates), yellow glues, aliphatic resins and hot-melt glues as well as double-sided tape.
There are then chapters devoted to the Screw, Cup and Pin Chucks. which are followed by sections on complex chucks - the Machinist-type Moveable Jaw Chucks, Jacobs and Collet Chucks.
The next Chapter, which discusses Modern Four-jaw Scroll Chucks is, understandably, the longest in the book, running to some 29 pages.
While the illustrations throughout the book are of high quality, special care appears to have been taken in the scroll chuck chapter where diagrams are essential to an understanding of how these devices work.
The final three Chapters are devoted to the Vacuum Chuck, Eccentric Turning Methods (which will be of special interest to those who aspire to multi axis turning) and Other Forms of Chucking.
Unusual devices which may occasionally be heard about but are rarely described - including the Oval Turning Chuck and the Doughnut Chuck - are reviewed in the final chapter.
The book ends with a list of Suppliers. Six countries are represented (including Australia and New Zealand) and readers will probably find the inclusion of e-mail addresses a valuable assistance in obtaining further information.
Photos: Colour
Contents
Why this Book was written
Safety Procedures
Introduction to the Lathe and the History of Chucking
The Jam Fit Chuck
The Glue Chuck
The Screw Chuck
The Cup Chuck
The Pin Chuck
Machinist-type Moveable Jaw Chucks
Jacob Chucks and Collet Chucks
Modern Four-jaw Scroll Chucks
The Vacuum Chuck
Eccentric Turning Methods
Other Forms of Chucking
Suppliers and Manufacturers
About the Author
Index