The old 3 jaw chuck on my SB10K started jamming up. Even when backing out the jaws. Thought it was just swarf but couldn't get it running right even after cleaning. Time to tear it apart for "deep cleaning".
Then I noticed the pinion was broken out at all four corners. It was pretty worn when I got it a year ago but it finally broke.
The chuck is likely a 1970's vintage as is the lathe and well, no longer supported by Buck.
Internet searches and inquires turned up Kalamazoo Chuck Manufacturing which still makes parts for and supports the older Buck Chucks, and probably more.
The nice lady (Dawn) at the other end of the computer was really helpful and got me set up with a new pinion and chuck key. I probably didn't need the key but was so grateful for the support I bought a new one anyway. The outside jaws were missing from this lathe when I bought it and Dawn said they can even make me a new set of jaws and gave me a price. All the prices seem high at the onset, but when you think about what it takes to make these parts it really isn't that bad. Especially compared to tossing the chuck and buying a new one.
Cleaned, lubed and reassembled the chuck is once again smooth as silk. Since it is the acu-tru it was easy to dial back in. Now running with half a thou indicated with repeatability of about .001". I'll take that any day for an old machine for a rank amature like me to play with!
I have no connection with KCM except as a happy customer.
Hopefully this will help someone else with an orphan Buck Chuck.
Stuart
