Wheel CNC Lathe Chuck Removal and Installation
On all Lehigh Alloy Wheel Repair CNC lathes, one 3-jaw chuck is installed as work holding device to secure the alloy wheels which are going to be machined on this CNC lathe. A lathe chuck can only achieve its maximum clamping force when its internal components are very clean and well lubricated by its design. Regular maintenance work is required in order to keep the lathe chuck in its best performance to secure the alloy wheels correctly and safely.
During the maintenance work, very often, it is necessary to remove the lathe chuck from the spindle nose of the alloy wheel repair CNC lathe for complete cleaning and lubrication work. Then, the same chuck will be installed back onto the alloy wheel CNC lathe again. For most Lehigh alloy wheel repair CNC lathes, in particular, Lehigh MR-2540 & MR-2940 CNC lathe, a 16” Bison 3-jaw chuck with D1-8 spindle nose are installed. So, we will focus on this type of chuck and provide the basic instructions for its removal and its installation.
Warning: The 16” 3-jaw lathe chuck weights about 250 lbs. Extra caution and special attention are required when to work on this type of heavy chuck from alloy wheel CNC lathe. A dropped chuck can cause serious crushing injuries, or property damage, or both. Please always use a lifting, support, or protective device to reduce this risk when to remove a chuck from alloy wheel CNC lathe or install a chuck onto alloy wheel CNC lathe. One movable crane system is recommended for supporting the weight of the lathe chuck from alloy wheel CNC lathe.
Warning: It is important to have a machine repair specialist from local area to perform this kind of repair services to remove the chuck form the lathe and dissemble the chuck to avoid potential damages to the chuck as well as possible injuries to anyone who works around the lathe. Always use some kind of chuck cradle, protective device, and special lifting equipment when to install and remove the heavy chuck body from the alloy wheel CNC lathe.
A. How to remove 3-jaw chuck with D1-8 Camlock from Alloy Wheel CNC lathe
The alloy wheel must be removed from the lathe chuck.
Three top soft jaws shall be removed from master jaws.
Soft jaws have been removed. Only master jaws are shown.
The Cam Line is positioned in between two “V” when the chuck is secured.
Use square head wrench to turn the Cam Line onto top position to release Camlock.
Follow the correct procedures to unlock the Camlocks: first 1-4, then 5-2, then 3-6 (to be balanced).
A-5. Locate (6) Camlocks on the spindle nose and verify that all Cam Lines are positioned between two of “V” marks. One is located at 3 clock positon and the other is located at 6 clock position, while the Cam Line is in-between them when the chuck is secured.
B. How to Install 3-jaw chuck with D1-8 Camlock onto Alloy Wheel CNC lathe
Clean & Lubricate the spindle nose before chuck installation.
Clean & Lubricate the master jaws.
Clean & Lubricate the soft jaws.
Add grease to the scroll
Adjust datum line of (6) studs in alignment with the chuck surface.
Install & secure (6) Allen bolts in the alignment groove.
Handle the lathe chuck with heavy lifting equipment.
Use wrench to move the Cam Line onto two “V”
Tighten camlocks in a criss cross pattern (1-4, 5-2, 3-6)
Verify if the chuck has fit the spindle nose perfectly.
Install soft jaws onto the master jaws accordingly.
The installation of the chuck is completed now.
As a short summary, the basic maintenance on the lathe chuck shall be followed every day so long as this Alloy Wheel CNC lathe is operational. The quality of the machined wheels are directly related to the performance of the lathe chuck. When it is necessary to remove the chuck from this alloy wheel CNC lathe, please follow the safety instructions with extra caution and special attention to do it safely and correctly.