How to Make Wood Segments for Cole Jaws

Mark the center of the 12-inch square MDF and drill a small hole through the center with the 1/16-inch drill bit.

Mount the MDF on your bandsaw cutting jig and cut a 12-inch circle. (If your lathe bed cannot accommodate a 12-inch platter, then cut the largest size to accommodate your lathe.)

Mark a line from one edge of the circle to the other, intersecting the drilled hole in the middle.

Turn the circle 90 degrees and repeat marking a line through the center. Rotate the circle 45 degrees and draw another line through the center. Rotate the circle 90 degrees and draw a line through the center. You should now have a circle with eight equidistant lines intersecting at the center.

Draw, with the compass, circles out from the center every 3/4-inch. When finished your circle should resemble a dart board.

Cut the circle, using your bandsaw, into four equal segments and label the pieces 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Drill 1/4-inch holes along each of the numbered segments where the circular arcs in each wedge intersect the straight lines.

Drill a hole through the center of each wine stopper and use the bolts, washers and wing nuts to attach them to the face of the Cole jaws, with the wing nuts located in the back toward the head stock of the lathe.

Fasten the Cole jaws to the face of your four-jaw chuck using the screws that came with your chuck. Countersink the holes, if needed, to ensure a secure fit. This will mount your Cole jaws to your chuck.

Move the jaws of your chuck in and out to ensure a good fit. If needed, sand the edges of your Cole jaws to enable a tighter fit. Your Cole jaws are not ready for use.