5/8" chuck key needed

[LaunchPad]

Anyone know where i can find a good 5/8 chuck key for a "Jeachin" chuck (mounted on a "tru-Drill")?

Any help would be appreciated. Already looked at Enco and MCS they have oodles but nothing to make me thing one of them will fit. Tried several universal type to no avail. Meanwhile stuck using 2 pipe wrenches. :(

[JohnW]

Check out http://www.mcmaster.com/

[LaunchPad]

thank you

I can't decifer their system either though. :-[

i could tell you the number of teeth on the chuck. the diameter of the holes, how far the key holes are from the crown of the teeth, etc, etc. but have no clue what that would equate to on any of these charts. oy!

[tufhelp]

Haven't ever heard of a "Jeachin" chuck. Did a quick Google and had no hits. Is it similar to a Jacobs chuck? What is it like and used on/with/for? Thanks
Tufhelp

[LaunchPad]

well it is on a drill press i inherited from my grandfather. It is a fairly small drill press (tru-drill brand) but has a really good chuck very similar to the Jacobs chuck-and a really long stroke on the thing.

would be really nice to find a chuck key. :)

i got all the info off of the chuck itself. there is a picture under the "other weapons" section on "this is the day" thread of this forum.

Maybe i should pull the chuck and consider a new jacobs chuck- but then will have to hope the taper on the chuck currently in the system is some what standard- say M2 (morse #2)

[JohnW]

Hey LaunchPad,
Whatever you know about drill presses is more than I know. I have heard that that McMaster place has pretty good customer service. You might call them on the phone.

Also, there are several other sites with knowledgeable people. You check out this forum

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/

These guys work with all kinds of tools. Also, the folks on the www.anvilfire.com site would surely have experience with your drill press.

[DM]

MT2 is the most common taper in floor drill press' that aren't HUGE... But, any well stocked hardware/tool store can get you the chuck key you need. Pop the chuck out, and take it with you for a matchup..

DM

[LaunchPad]

i'm glad i talked to you guys!!

Take out the chuck! never thought of it but i sure know how to do it- not 5 seconds to do either. sure beats the method i was trying- buy a chuck key- try chuck key- return chuck key- get another.

Thank you!

Another "should have had a V-8" moment

I will try that and hope- i do know Lowes does not carry one big enough- only because we tried EVERY ONE with my method :-[

your idea is so much better!

[ArmySGT.]

Bring the chuck down here to Trinidad any Tuesday or thursday morning when I am in machine shop. Your chuck could be out of adjustment and that is why no key fits. We'll have a look and try all the keys in the tool room.

Mullen Building second floor ask for Paul 0830-1130

[LaunchPad]

Thanks,

I may have to eventually do that because i am still without a chuck key.

The poor chuck is taking a beating too from having to use pipe wrenches. I may yet just order a new assembly from MSC or Enco and put the current one in my car if i head South for anything. Looks like its about 2.5 hours from my place in Peyton. I don't have anything planned just yet for that direction before i depart to Afghanistan. Maybe this winter when i return??

That is on the Junior college campus, right?

Are you there for the gunsmithing classes? Student? or instructor?

[ArmySGT.]

I am a third Semester Gunsmithing Student. I will probably refer you to my friend Richard. Richard (also third sem) was a tool and diemaker for 25+ years. Anyway the chuck disassembles and can be adjusted. It may be too long, too short, or the gears off by a fraction.

No luck finding a guide for your chuck?

[LaunchPad]

No luck. It is definitely an odd ball drill press. Like i said it was my Granfather's and one of very few things i have left from him. I hate beating it up- but i also cannot do without the tools right now with the AR projects and all. (12 days off left to play with before i have to leave everything as is for an extended period)

I think i will risk ordering a MT2 tapered chuck tonight and hope it fits. This one LOOKS like an MT2 but the way things have gone so far with the particular drill press it my be another odd ball.

Heck, low risk to order another chuck because it will fit in the larger mill i have. I just don't like to dump the funds right now, due to other issues keeping my wallet pretty empty.

I should try and get a few pictures of the chuck up though.