Chuck PSI

[Fairlane6t9]

Hi all. We have a HAAS sl10 lathe with the hydraulic 3jaw chuck. Does anyone have an idea what psi setting would be good to hold 2.5" diameter machinable wax? I have it set at 100 psi now and it basically cracks the wax all the way through.

[Geof]

I think you have an unsolvable problem; if you go much below 100 psi the chuck stops moving I have found.

I am guessing you are using a three jaw so the area of contact is small?

Either machine up some pie jaws for almost full 360 degree contact or make a split sleeve to grip it in.

[Fairlane6t9]

Yes, it is a 3 jaw. The split sleeve sounds like a pretty good idea. I think we'll try that.
Thanks