Used four-jaw chucks for sale (71)

A four-jaw chuck is a type of chuck commonly used on lathes and for holding other tools. Unlike most other types of chucks, it has four jaws which can be moved independently of each other. This feature allows for a high degree of precision when centering a piece of work, making it ideal for irregularly shaped materials or when exceptional accuracy is required.

How Four-Jaw Chucks Function

Each jaw on a four-jaw chuck can be adjusted individually by using a chuck key. This allows the operator to set up the workpiece very precisely, as each jaw can be moved to accommodate various shapes and sizes. The independent jaws also make it possible to clamp oddly shaped objects or to off-center a piece intentionally for specific machining needs.

Applications and Advantages

Four-jaw chucks are particularly useful in custom and precision machining. Since they do not automatically center the workpiece, they provide flexibility that self-centering chucks (like three-jaw chucks) do not offer. This makes them invaluable in applications where precision or custom positioning is crucial. They are often used in both woodworking and metalworking settings.