Power chuck - can they be fitted to a manual lathe - Schaublin 135?

I know very little about the mechanics of a power chuck only in that they are driven hydraulically or pneumatically.

My question has anyone tackled making the adaptor plate to mount the chuck to the lathe and provide the air or oil connections to it?

I'm looking to buy a used power chuck and was wondering if its something that can and has been done or a total no-no? Peter not sure to be fair, as said don't really understand the actual devices capability hence the ask, if it allows you to fit say an air switch like on a milling machine to grab the tooling at a flick of a switch and hold the workpiece in the chuck removing the need to use the T spanner then why the hell not.

If the grip is poor or the power chuck does not work like this then its a no, just got a decent option on an otherwise very expensive brand chuck for messing with and was curious if this was indeed an option.

I often find people who think outside the box when it comes to how to use a lathe, rather than just keep on doing the 'normal' stuff, there is an Italian guy on Youtube who makes some interesting attachments to his lathe and this was an idea I felt might have legs......

I do think a lot of the mainstream lathes are under-utilised when you compare them to some like the Wahli or Scope lathes which did so much more even if you discount the 'accessories' machines like the 135 had as options. Well as a user of both manual and CNC lathes, I can tell you that it is a royal pain to have to keep adjusting the position of hard jaws on a power chuck. They really don't have much of a gripping range (maybe 1/8"?) and require a fair amount of time to reset. But if you end up setting this up let us know how it works out for you. The responses so far have assumed you know something about CNC lathes and power chucks. I'll try the ELI5 version.

The answer is still no.

The long answer: there is no "power" in a power chuck. Power chucks are mechanical and work with a hydraulic drawbar already present in CNC machines. That hydraulic drawbar is controlled by a valving and plumbing system that runs continuously with the machine. You need adjustments and gauges to set the gripping pressure. You need a way to reverse the hydraulic action if you want to ID or OD clamp. You need something to sense that the system is or isn't clamped fully before you start the spindle. So before you could even begin to actuate the thing, you'd have to buy and install all of those systems.

Then there is the adjustment and daily living with a power chuck. Total jaw stroke on a Samchully 8" power chuck is 0.291 diameter range. You're supposed to adjust the jaws on their serrations to be in the center of that range when clamped. So you are constantly fiddling around with allen wrenches and calipers, trying to set all three jaws to the same dimension.

Next there is the issue of "indicating" a chuck. No such thing on a power chuck. On power chucks you install soft jaws and bore them. Or you use universal jaws and you live with what you get.

Why would you want a power chuck on a manual lathe?

When it comes to machine tool applications, the power chuck is a crucial component for holding and rotating workpieces. The right chuck for the job can mean the difference between precise and accurate results or poor performance and costly downtime. This article will discuss the different types of chucks available, the factors to consider when selecting, and highlight a reputable collet chuck manufacturer in India that offers a high-quality option, the UBL chuck.

DRAKE supply professional and honest service.

Types of Power Chucks

Several power chucks are on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:

3-jaw self-centering chucks: These are easy to use and provide a good grip on round workpieces. However, they are not suitable for irregularly shaped workpieces or high-precision work.

4-jaw independent chucks: These chucks offer greater flexibility as each jaw can be adjusted independently. This allows for a better grip on irregularly shaped workpieces and higher precision work.

Collet chucks: These chucks use a collet, or sleeve, to grip the workpiece. They offer high precision and repeatability, making them suitable for precision machining.

Factors to Consider When Making a Selection

When choosing a power chuck for your application, there are several factors to consider, including:

For more information, please visit CNC Lathe Turret.

Workpiece size and shape: As discussed above, certain types of chucks are better suited for specific workpiece sizes and shapes.

Precision and repeatability: Depending on the precision required for your application, you may need to choose a chuck that offers higher precision and repeatability.

Speed and torque: Some chucks are better suited for high-speed and high-torque applications, while others are not.

Compatibility: Make sure your chuck is compatible with your machine tool.

The UBL Chuck: A High-Quality Option from a Reputable Collet Chuck Manufacturer in India

One reputable collet chuck manufacturer in India is United Barfeeds Limited (UBL). The UBL chuck features precision ground and hardened jaws for improved accuracy and repeatability. It is also designed with a self-centering mechanism, ensuring that the workpiece is always in the same position, even at high speeds.

When it comes to power chuck selection, it’s essential to consider the types available and the factors that affect the choice.