How to Remove the Chuck on a Rockwell Metal Lathe

Metalworkers use Rockwell metal lathes for the turning and shaping of metals, brass and aluminum. Rockwell lathe chucks grip the material to be machined. Some chucks feature three jaws that are self-centering, similar to that of a hand drill. Others feature four jaws that move independently of one another for offset work. Still others are designed for special applications. You can remove a chuck from a Rockwell lathe with the proper tools and equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Chuck cradle
• Spanner wrench
• Rubber mallet
• Rawhide mallet

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn off the electrical power to the Rockwell lathe. Tag or mark the lathe switch gear to alert others you are working on the machine.

   • 2

     Position the chuck cradle below the lathe chuck. The cradle is usually stored in the metal cabinet in which the lathe is mounted.

   • 3

     Place the spanner wrench lug into the uppermost hole in the locking ring with the handle facing you. Apply downward pressure on the spanner wrench to loosen the ring.

   • 4

     Pull the Rockwell lathe chuck forward onto the cradle.