Shopsmith Forums

So I'm working on next years tool budget and see this 3/8" pin chuck for bottle cones, problem is they want $17.95 plus shipping for it.

See here:

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchan ... gory_Code=

I looked at it thinking that is a pretty simple project to make if I want to have some fun doing it and save some money. Of course they are not providing the dimensions other then the 3/8".

Now I seem to recall someone on one of the forums making one of these but I'm not finding what I remember...

Well one way or the other someone here can probably supply the info I need, right?

Dia is 3/8", a piece of round stock or even a carriage bolt with a long enough un-threaded length should work.

So how long a piece do I need?

The notch can be ground in if I knew how long, the depth I believe is dependent on the second smaller shaft, its dia would be the depth of the grind. Thus if I know the length of the smaller shaft and its diameter then what remains is the position of the grind relative to the end of the larger shaft.

I can guess but if someone has one or the plans it would save me sometime and guess work. Thanks in advance.

Ed

Seems that you have most of the mechanics worked out already.

Youtube video at the 2:00 minute mark gives the details of how a 5/8" pin chuck works and suggestions for a chuck (or a drill chuck or faceplate mounted) 3/8" pin chuck is shown and a reccomendation for the pin replacement stock is suggested (pin diameter is dependent on the depth of the flat on the shaft).

I was interested in additional chucking methods and a pin chuck was an option. With the two articles, 3/8" OD Bolt shaft, grinder, file, epoxy, 3/8" drill, (faceplate, optional) and a hardwood block, you should be able to build a 3/8" pin chuck, then build 1/2", 5/8", 3/4" ....... pin chucks based on the experience building a 3/8" pin chuck.

Thanks for the info!

Loved seeing all the ducks too.

Ed

It's a train, no it's plane, no it is a pin chuck!

Found a bolt, found some brass rod and now I have a 3/8" pin chuck. OK there was some cutting and grinding involved but still.

So here is the picture:

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Ed

With regard to the length of the pin; is longer better or is it strictly dependent upon intended use?

I really don't know much about these. I was looking for some dimensions but was unable to find a post I remember seeing that had a drawing. I made mine 2-5/8" long. Ground portion is 1-3/16" ish and the pin is 1-1/8 long and 1/8" diameter.

I have yet to get some stock together to give this a try, I believe it should work but trying will be the real test. I have also read it works best in hardwoods then softwoods, no idea if that is true or not.

If and when I get around to having the time to use it I can report back. The concept seems simple enough but execution maybe another thing all together.

Ed

In general with pin chucks shorter is better but mostly depends on your project.

No I could leave well enough alone, having found two bolts I decided to add a threaded version.

Keep in mind I'm using 3/8-16 bolts here but it could just as well be 1/4" or 1/2" material and it not is restricted to just bolts.

This first picture show the pin chuck in front and the new threaded chuck to the rear. These were cut pretty much as shown.

[ATTACH]15243[/ATTACH]

If you look at the rear one it may look like it is threaded longer then the other, and it is. I wanted 1" depth and to be able to have a nut and washer on so I just threaded the bolt a bit father along. Since I had that nut from the set I used it, the washer is the wrong size but it gives you the idea.

[ATTACH]15244[/ATTACH]

Next is a picture of the the pin chuck mounted in a drill chuck followed by a shot of the threaded version in the drill chuck.

[ATTACH]15245[/ATTACH]


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I see no big issue with using the drill chuck for bottle stopper or similar small item. But there are other ways and the following post will show one of them.

Ed

If you own the 1/2" router chuck and you would like to have either of the chucks shown mounted that way it is simply a mater of purchasing an adapter from the world of routing, 1/2" OD x 3/8" ID. Yes they have 1/2" OD x 1/4" ID if you don't own the shopsmith version of the 1/4" router chuck.

Picture wise lets start with a picture of the two chucks and the adapter.

[ATTACH]15247[/ATTACH]

Next is a picture of how it goes together.

[ATTACH]15248[/ATTACH]

And last is it put together, tighten the set-screws and you are ready to go.

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You can pay anywhere from about $4 to about $20 for the adapters so shop around if you want them.

Ed

Hi,

When playing with the threaded adapter I found it to work better when I used a bottoming tap rather then a normal tap. These are a relative good value running less then $5 and I believe worth the money.

Rather then describe the difference here is a picture. The top tap is the bottoming tap....

[ATTACH]19937[/ATTACH]

I have yet another version in the works but cold weather has closed the shop so it will have to wait. Hope to do another post in the spring when it is finished.

Ed