MetalworkingFun Forum

you lot most probably know already but thought id put it in .on my enco/grizzly lathe I have problems in my chuck key reaching the lockdown thingys on the lathe .I had a watch on few different how to make chuck key but im not that switched on yet .I found that a 1/4 inch drive extension bar with a rachet fits perfectly .is there any no no about using that setup or do I have a go at makin one /buying one
cheers

p.s I had to make a brass coolant line to a flexable head the other day and a old mate 91 yr old told me to close the end and fill with table salt then once full close that end and bend .so easy to get a tight 90 bend in 3/8 tube its even better than using the tube bender I have an doesn't damage any of the tube .hope it may help some as I recon itd be great for oil lines brake lines ect

Dry sand use to be used for bending large pipe.  I've attached an article that may be of interest.

As for the chuck key - use whatever works.  Like with any bolt/nut, as long as the fit is good, you shouldn't screw anything up.  The four jaw chuck on my lathe has a 16mm hex socket for each pinion.  Eventually I will make a proper key but right now a 16mm Allen key works just fine.

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use to use sand back in 70s when making pipes for reeds fuel car back then was chesterfield rail [showing my age] I had a exhaust shop from 83 to 92 an worked at home making custom bike an drag pipes .loved Camaros mainly the 67  only 1 rear leaf spring to go over lol they are the yank monaro and visea versa .will have a read in morn cheers for that man