Q: Non-marring Working holding

[Deviant]

I was curious how other people are holding finished work without marring it?

I've turned down some 6061, then flip it around in the chuck to work on the other end. I get nice little jaw marks on the finished side.

I thought about putting some masking tape on the the finished side. I just wasn't sure how that would effect the accuracy of the turned part. The chuck already gives me problems about items spinning exactly true. ((when it's been flipped over))

[HuFlungDung]

Professionals use collet chucks or collet pads to grip parts. But wrapping a turn of thin brass shimstock around the part will protect the surface pretty well, too.

[miljnor]

paper works well if your on a budget although its kinda a pain in the butt. Same with shim stock though!

[mxtras]

When the configuration of the part allows, I perform all finishing work between centers to eliminate chuck's marks.

I also use card stock - like cereal boxes cut into small pads to protect the part from chuck's teeth. When I use pads it is only for light cuts and I will use a live center. I would suggest that all roughing work is done first then chuck lightly for finishing, or finish between centers.

For some apps I have used fine sandpaper to provide additional grip.

Scott

[Deviant]

I'm turning the part between centers, but I have to part and face off the ends.

I'm fighting with the chuck and it's inability to center the part regardless of how I insert it. It's always a gnat hair off.

Ah well. I guess it's a learning experience. = )