Introduction: How to Cut Something Small on the Lathe -- I Made It at TechShop!

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Have you ever had to turn a small piece on the lathe and it just won't stay put??

Trying to turn something small and slippery on the lathe can be especially frustrating when centerdrilling or boring because applying any amount of pressure causes the piece to slide deeper into the chuck instead of staying put. If you don't have a chuck spider, then you're kinda out of luck...

HOWEVER, there is a quick fix to this problem. Check it out!

Step 1: Examine the Lathe

Check inside the throat of the chuck...

You'll notice that there is significant space between the jaws of the chuck and the back wall of the throat.

This is kind of a problem when you are trying to drill small pieces because there is nothing stopping them from sliding back there.

You'll also notice a shaft that goes clean through the lathe and out the other side. We'll come back to that...

Step 2: Locate the Dead-Center

This tool should accompany every lathe. Find it.

Step 3: Insert Into the Throat

If the dead-center came with the lathe, it should slot perfectly into the throat behind the jaws. Simply slide it into place and the taper should lock it into place nicely.

Step 4: Prep Your Piece

I like to use some good ol' duct tape to protect the surface of my part, especially if it's something slippery like Delrin.

Step 5: Insert Your Piece Into the Chuck Until It Hits the Dead-Center

Simply slide it in as far as it will go.

Step 6: Crank Down!

Always crank down. Always.

Insert your chuck key, tighten, and REMOVE THE CHUCK KEY! Don't forget.

Step 7: With Every Season, Turn, Turn, Turn...

Turn away!

Your piece should be securely fastened and will no longer slip into the chuck. You can drill, bore, cut, whatever!

Happy turnin'!