Centering rod stock

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:26 am

Anybody have any shortcuts to centering round rod stock in a 4-jaw self-centering chuck? I'm picking up a dial indicator this weekend, but until then, any nuggets of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Matt

RadDavis · Post by **RadDavis** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:53 am

Hi Matt,

Round stock should center itself in a 4 jaw self centering chuck.

Rad

ArtGuy · Post by **ArtGuy** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:59 am

I generally don't worry about it. I chuck it, face it, then turn it and drill it

geigerpipes · Post by **geigerpipes** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:36 am

The only advice I can give is to turn the hole peice slightly as ebonite or cumberland (wich is my feild of expertise) is seldom 100% round..it also helps to mark one of the jaws of your chuck and mark the rod right by it with a sharpened nail or something ...that way you can remove the stem and put it right back without it getting out of center

Best

Love
www.geigerpipes.com

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:11 am

Rad:
Yeah, that was my thinking. Maybe I'm just trying too hard? Perhaps I'm not chucking the stock up properly?

John:
I'm going to try that this evening and see if I get better results.

Love:
I was considering turning the whole piece a bit and may try that, too.

I think I'm a bit too concerned about everything turning out "perfect", which just won't happen.

bvartist · Post by **bvartist** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:41 am

I do what Love suggested, I mark the location of the #1 jaw of my chuck on the rod stock with a white china marker. Then rechucking later with the same reference lines will give the same center point. Also helpful for turning the stock around to drill from the other end. Gives me excellent results every time!

David

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:27 pm

Thank you all!!!!

JSPipes · Post by **JSPipes** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:29 pm

Perfect? Is there really such a thing? We do all strive for it though.

As for turning rod stock, to be honest it doesn't need to be centered, just tight. The center is relative to where the hole is drilled for the airway. Everything else is set to that hole. So chuck it up and drill it. Then you can shape in relation to the airway.

Joel

ArtGuy · Post by **ArtGuy** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:09 pm

Yes mark the jaw and rod. Sorry I should have mentioned that. I mark 3 jaws with a colored pencil. Something bright red or blue that is easily seen.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:54 pm

Yea, marking the rod is what I do. I cut a little grove around the jaw where it hits the rod with a utility knife. The if I need to rechuck it its pretty easy.

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:27 am

Marking the rod makes all the difference in the world. Thanks fellas!!!

LexKY_Pipe · Post by **LexKY_Pipe** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 8:40 am

I also find that most rod stock is seldom true, so I always turn it on the lathe and make several swipes until I have a true piece before doing any further stem work.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 2:58 pm

I usually check the trueness of the rod wih my proctoscope before I chuck it up.

LexKY_Pipe · Post by **LexKY_Pipe** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:42 pm

Gosh, that sounds painful

mahaffy · Post by **mahaffy** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 12:23 am

Painful? Naw . . . they usually use pentathol for that, I think.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:23 am

You get anesthetic? Man, I knew somthing was wrong when the doc I saw was named Dr. Payne!!

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:43 am

You old fellas are scarin the bajeezus out of us youngsters with all that procto-logee-cal conversation.. 8O