Tooling organization

[Jim Johnstone]

I've pieced a few together from eBay over time. Most of the chucks I get become operational (and fairly nice) after just a disassembly, cleaning, greasing, and re-assembly as long as all parts are still good.

I attribute my success to being very careful about which chucks I bid on. I won't bid if I can't clearly see most sides of the chuck and without certain views, I never bid - like I have to see the jaws and up close.

Unfortunately I need jaws for most of mine. I've got several BB superchucks, some rohm chucks of various sizes, some keyless. All of them being tossed out at the machine shops I worked at since they weren't holding the bits well anymore. Hopefully I can find jaw kits for them.

 

[pcmeiners]

Finding cheap repair kits for the Superchucks is getting difficult. Purchased all my USA made Superchucks a couple years back before the prices increased. At this point Ebay is the most reasonable for repair kits.

" It all started out with a pawn shop that had two 20Ns way too cheap to leave them there."
Yep, that is how the disease starts, only mine started with Ebay.

 

[Strouty]

I am not sure mine would have started on eBay, a 20N is so much more impressive in person.

 

[pcmeiners]

"a 20N is so much more impressive in person. "

What can I tell you, I am easily impressed, even by Ebay pictures. Shoot I was impressed by the weight of the 20N in the shipping box. To me tools are like ****, doesn't take much to get me going.

 

[lilscorpion]

"a 20N is so much more impressive in person. "

What can I tell you, I am easily impressed, even by Ebay pictures. Shoot I was impressed by the weight of the 20N in the shipping box. To me tools are like ****, doesn't take much to get me going.

No kidding...it's a massive chuck and add to it a 4MT shank, two hands. The only reason I even need one is for those super-XL bits, readers, and taps I use rarely. Not even sure I have the readers anymore.

What I've managed to hold the line on is that I only need one 20N.

For those who haven't seen the massive 20N in person, let me paint a picture. Here's the 8 1/2N which is designed to use micro drill bits up to 1/4-inch in diameter



And the 20N can't hold a bit smaller than 3/8-inch but can go up to 1-inch. The only thing more insane than the size of the chuck is what it retails for - ~$550. Bam.

 

[sakurama]

As an example - I have somewhat of a Jacob's Super Chuck fetish. It's a little weird, I know, but ever since I became comfortable rebuilding/refreshing them, finding deals became super easy.

I would love to see the rebuild process. I picked up a couple chucks in place of holders for tapping on the turret head. Having extras is handy but even better if the mystery of getting them apart was explained.

Gregor

 

[lilscorpion]

I would love to see the rebuild process. I picked up a couple chucks in place of holders for tapping on the turret head. Having extras is handy but even better if the mystery of getting them apart was explained.

Gregor

I think the only reason I ended up with so many is that I've learned that once they become tough, in many cases, it's the result of the factory grease getting dried out and all the chuck really needs is new grease...which is an easy fix. Most of the chucks I've purchased that are visibly in good order, are underused and just need a thorough cleaning.

All of the chucks shown in the pic below that are sitting on the work surface, with the exception of the 20N, need to be rebuilt. I also have a few regular duty chucks awaiting a refresh. Next rebuild I'll document a regular and a super chuck and post 'em up. They're nearly the exact same process with the primary difference between the two is the super has ball bearings.

I have yet to tackle a rebuild on a keyless precision chuck like an Albreght. It's on the list of things I'd like to learn however it may be a while before I try because I don't have one yet and they're really really expensive.

Matt

 

[Jim Johnstone]

I think the only reason I ended up with so many is that I've learned that once they become tough, in many cases, it's the result of the factory grease getting dried out and all the chuck really needs is new grease...which is an easy fix. Most of the chucks I've purchased that are visibly in good order, are underused and just need a thorough cleaning.

All of the chucks shown in the pic below that are sitting on the work surface, with the exception of the 20N, need to be rebuilt. I also have a few regular duty chucks awaiting a refresh. Next rebuild I'll document a regular and a super chuck and post 'em up. They're nearly the exact same process with the primary difference between the two is the super has ball bearings.

I have yet to tackle a rebuild on a keyless precision chuck like an Albreght. It's on the list of things I'd like to learn however it may be a while before I try because I don't have one yet and they're really really expensive.

Matt

I've got 3 keyless chucks all in need of service. I'll post a thread when I do them.

 

[longlivepunk]

Tom Lipton did a video where he demonstrates how to rebuild an Albrecht too:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h_jQ7-UiWgI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[lilscorpion]

Tom Lipton did a video where he demonstrates how to rebuild an Albrecht too:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h_jQ7-UiWgI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I've watched that one at some point. His videos are awesome and his fab/machinist skills, even more so.

 

[pcmeiners]

Rebuilt about 15 Superchucks, a few plain bearing chucks, the only hard part is getting the sleeve off. Used different sized copper pipes, and at times PVC pipe, along with a 20 ton press to get the sleeve off. Surprising how much force is sometimes needed to get the sleeve moving; one old chuck took 10 tons for the sleeve to move, bit scary when it let go. It can be sometimes be done without a press or vise but it is not easy, can take a lot longer. The next rebuild I plan to heat the sleeve to about 175, should make it a lot easier, even with a press.

 

[Strouty]

The first chucks that I got had a weird adapter in them for a turret lathe that I bought. Drilling out the middle of the chuck freaked me out a bit, but that was the only way I could get the adapter out so I could put the R8 one in. I have not rebuilt any yet, I have one that is pretty stiff, so I should rebuild it, but I have not even got my lathe or mill going yet. I figure until they are up and running, I have no need to rebuild any chucks.

 

[pcmeiners]

"Drilling out the middle of the chuck freaked me out a bit, but that was the only way I could get the adapter out."
Felt the same way about drilling out some of my chucks, but after spending 2 hours trying to remove a taper adapter it was the only way. Had one plain bearing chuck which was hardened totally, I could not get a drill bit to bite.

 

[Strouty]

Luckily I had a friend with a working lathe, so we used that, then into the press, damn that thing made some noise when it let loose.

I was watching the video, doesn't look like you can do that with the albrecht.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Re: Tool Organization



All this talk of drill chucks inspired me to dig out all the ones I have that need service. I've got 3 rohm Spiro keyless 1/2" chucks, I thought I only had 2 of those lol, a 3/4" rohm keyed chuck, jacobs 14n, 16n, and 18n. These are just the ones I have at home. I've got another 2 or 3 chucks in my toolbox at work.

 

[lilscorpion]

Re: Tool Organization

All this talk of drill chucks inspired me to dig out all the ones I have that need service. I've got 3 rohm Spiro keyless 1/2" chucks, I thought I only had 2 of those lol, a 3/4" rohm keyed chuck, jacobs 14n, 16n, and 18n. These are just the ones I have at home. I've got another 2 or 3 chucks in my toolbox at work.

Howlers, how did they get so rusty?


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[Jim Johnstone]

Re: Tool Organization

Howlers, how did they get so rusty?


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Sitting in a plastic bag in my garage all winter lol. It's all just surface rust, no pitting and they all still rotate freely. Nothing a 10 minute evaporated bath won't fix.

 

[Duker]

Re: Tool Organization

With this whole diversion into discussing chucks I don't know if I should thank you or curse you guys but it has given me the confidence (thanks for the Tom Lipton links) to rebuild a used one i bought awhile back. I didn't have the confidence I could get it apart without mangling it so I first soaked it in Evaporust then Kroil until it moved freely. I wasn't sure what to lube it with so I just sprayed the **** out of it with white Lit grease and put it in a food saver bag and vacuumed the bag shut and left it for a few days. It has worked fine in my Powermatic 1200 but I think the time has come for a proper rebuild.


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[RonRock]

Re: Tool Organization

Nothing a 10 minute evaporated bath won't fix.

What is an "Evaporated bath?"

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Re: Tool Organization

What is an "Evaporated bath?"

Sorry that should say evaporust bath.

 

[RonRock]

Thanks. I was hoping you had a secret solution for rust removal. Hadn't had my first cup of coffee yet or I might have figured it out. I've never used evaporust, will have to search for some.

 

[jeffmoss26]

James Greene just did a really good video about Evaporust:

 

[Trenton]

I'm sure everyone is getting tired of watching me machine plastic. I'm getting a little tired of doing it. Instead of throwing out all of the pics from today's time in the shop, I'll just share the final pic of the completed small tray

...and the completion pic of the ratchet drawer.

It's time to drag everything away from the wall and start cleaning up plastic chips. They're everywhere.

Howdy! I read your thread a couple of years ago, when it was still mostly fresh, but I felt the great desire to re-read it today after going through some other epic threads here on GJ.

I just had to say that this picture, and all of your storage trays, make my brain happy. That is something that rarely happens, unless everything has its specific place! Thanks for sharing!

Trenton

 

[lilscorpion]

Howdy! I read your thread a couple of years ago, when it was still mostly fresh, but I felt the great desire to re-read it today after going through some other epic threads here on GJ.



I just had to say that this picture, and all of your storage trays, make my brain happy. That is something that rarely happens, unless everything has its specific place! Thanks for sharing!



Trenton

Trenton,

Thank you! I completely agree, of all of my drawers, this one is the one I like to pull from the most and, as a result, nothing ever finds itself out of place.

To date, my second favorite is my pliers drawer.

Matt

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Matt: Did you make the pliers drawer insert on your CNC mill? What kind of plastic did you use?

Looks very nice.

 

[wkearney99]

Matt: Did you make the pliers drawer insert on your CNC mill?

What did you use CNC software and model-wise to make all the cutting paths?

 

[Jo Diesel]

Wish I could make my pliers drawer that purdy! Lot better than it used to be in my old tool box.

My tap and die drawer is what I am going to tackle soon.

 

[lazer50]

I have a large inventory of taps and dies and the huge blow molded case they came in i dont care for.plus all the misc.ones i have as well i found a large drill index with drawers and use that.

 

[wkearney99]

Trouble is most organizing schemes take up space. Which you're already out of due to all the tools that need organizing!

 

[Nexussian]

Jo, I'm curious what the item is on the top of your box that has what looks like the tuning head / pegs off a guitar (it's between the front edge of the box and your yard ton torque wrench)?

Is it a tool, or the result of some craftsmanship?

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt: Did you make the pliers drawer insert on your CNC mill? What kind of plastic did you use?



Looks very nice.

Thanks! Yeah, I machined slots of varying widths on the mill with a 5/8-inch endmill in some 1 1/2-inch thick HDPE I scored at some point for a sweet deal.

 

[Jo Diesel]

Its a marine spark tester. I use it to test ignition system. You hook all the spark plug wires up to it and hook the clamp to ground and crank engine over. You can adjust each pin for spark gap and watch it.

 

[Nexussian]

Its a marine spark tester. I use it to test ignition system. You hook all the spark plug wires up to it and hook the clamp to ground and crank engine over. You can adjust each pin for spark gap and watch it.

Ahh, thanks.

 

[Nuts]

Epic thread, read it a couple of years ago and just spent a couple of nights catching up.

Lots of ideas to steal.

Thank you lilscorpion

 

[Southernbuild]

This is one of the very best threads on the site; carry on with your inspiring work, both in the house, and in the shop

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Been busy all summer and most of the fall.. just got all caught up.. Nice projects in between,Matt....

 

[Carquest]

WOW! New to this forum, read this whole thread from front to back. I am re-organizing my shop space, with the addition of 2 Vidmar cabinets, and there are great ideas on here. I am not a machinist, so I can not replicate 95% of what you have done, but you helped jump start my thought process. Many thanks

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

CARQUEST, welcome to the GJ... and yes, like all of us here this thread is addicting.....

 

[Carquest]

Curious, do you allow extra room in your trays knowing, if you are like most of us, that your tool collection will be constantly growing?

 

[bill9860]

Re: Tool Organization

Organization???!! What fun is that?