chuck keys

[oldskoolron]

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

[Mayhem]

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.

   
   
   
   

[oldskoolron]

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