Problem Solving and Suggestions

[AndrewB]

Okay I'm running into a couple minor problems.  I basically ruined a piece playing with the new jaws but that's okay.  I was prepared for that.  A new piece is being glued up and getting ready to be worked hopefully for later this evening.  How ever I'm running into a slight bit of a problem and am in need of some advice.  I've been using short screws with the face place in order to make sure it says tight.  That worked for a bit now I'm finding that sometimes the screws are actually getting broken off in the face plate which is not a good thing.  meaning the heads snapped off.  Probably due to operator error.  how ever that was solved.  I think I am using too small of screw length wise, the piece doesn't get enough grip I guess and it comes loose from the face plate.  What would be the suggestion here to solve this problem.  Being safety cautious as I am I don't let it make me jump but I don't want to break a hand or worse hurt someone else with a flying projectile.  Suggestions would be helpful.  Thanks.

[lew]

Are you using drywall screws?

 

[lew]

I use pan head sheet metal type screws.

 

Try to use screws that have a diameter close to the diameter of the holes in your faceplate.

 

[lew]

If your faceplate has countersunk holes, then this type of screw can be used-

 

 

 

[AndrewB]

I don't believe it does fair enough I'll run over to home depot in the AM and pick some new screws up for that purpose.  Thank you kindly.  I honestly wasn't expecting the v groove jaw attachment wouldn't of been as heavy as it was but it was at least 5 pounds LOL.

[Gerald]

I am with Lew on the screw and I use a 12 G screw also. Screws will break if you drive them in without predrilling which may be part of the problem here . Also make sure the surface is flat with a slight dish toward the center.

 

You said something about jaws with no explanation. I am guessing you mean a 4 jaw chuck for which we usually just say chuck. For the tenon there are some other things to know. Ask if that is the problem.

[Gerald]

Can you clarify v groove, is it possible you mean dovetail jaws?

[AndrewB]

Yea I figured out the chuck quite quickly.  It is a small one but then again I only have a 12x18 lathe.  I'll figure out mounting pieces to that at a later point.  But at least I have it so I can do bowls when the time comes into play.  And yes Dove Tail Jaws.

Edited June 4, 2020 by AndrewB

[Gerald]

Just looked at the WEN jaws, That is not a full dovetail but just a small one at the top. We can cover that later.

[Gunny]

This diagram will help you and others that might look here for help when referencing parts on the lathe.

 

Lathe diagram

[AndrewB]

That will help quite a bit.

[Ron Altier]

The quality of chinese screws is very low. I have been having problems with screw breaking and the head stripping far more easily then they used to.  

 Maybe I'm getting stronger

[AndrewB]

Welp pre drilling and better fit screws problem solved.  Haven't had one pop off yet this morning.  How ever I did have to sand down the piece quite a bit so it wasn't as wonky on the lathe while spinning oh well.  Either way  issues been resolved.  Hopefully it doesnt decide to pop off on me when I start to hollow out the piece.  But gotta round it first that will probably take some time.  Fortunately I was able to secure the screws with just a regular phillips head screw driver since I didn't have a bit small enough to fit for my electric drill guess I'll have to get a bit for it.

[lew]

I found that my vix bit set helps me center the holes when drilling for the faceplate-

 

I see Habor Freight has them for a really good price-

https://www.harborfreight.com/hinge-drill-bit-set-3-pc-61550.html?cid=paid_google|*PLA+-+All+Products|All+Products|61550&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=*PLA+-+All+Products&utm_content=All+Products&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8fvm4sDr6QIVHwiICR30Bge6EAQYAiABEgJyivD_BwE

[Cal]

15 hours ago, lew said:

I found that my vix bit set helps me center the holes when drilling for the faceplate-

That is a good price on the bits.  I just got a set for Christmas last year, sure wish I had gotten them 40 years earlier!

[AndrewB]

@lew  I did some research just now on Amazon and found this for 15 bucks.  https://www.amazon.com/Koopi-Centering-Set（15pcs）-Cabinet-Replacement/dp/B07R62MR19/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=vix+bits&qid=1591448578&sr=8-6

[lew]

50 minutes ago, AndrewB said:

@lew  I did some research just now on Amazon and found this for 15 bucks.  https://www.amazon.com/Koopi-Centering-Set（15pcs）-Cabinet-Replacement/dp/B07R62MR19/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=vix+bits&qid=1591448578&sr=8-6

That's an awesome price! I think I originally paid about $40 for a set of 3! But that was many moons ago.

[Cal]

Looking at the sets above, and the set I got from Rockler... I wonder why they do not use brad point bits in these?

[JimM]

23 hours ago, AndrewB said:

@lew  I did some research just now on Amazon and found this for 15 bucks.  https://www.amazon.com/Koopi-Centering-Set（15pcs）-Cabinet-Replacement/dp/B07R62MR19/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=vix+bits&qid=1591448578&sr=8-6

And it comes with a "12 MOUTHS GUARANTEE"!     

[Gunny]

4 hours ago, Cal said:

I wonder why they do not use brad point bits in these?

I wondered same thing and replaced the drill bit with a brad point thinking the bit would be centered so it did not matter.  Here is what I found.  Most of the time just working in shop it worked okay but you had to be careful not to push to hard and set the tip before the unit was centered. When using on a field repair this was worse. 

 

Replacing the dull drill bit they came with improved the performance as well.