All this is determined by the choice of the tool to the job just as the lathe chuck. The workpiece can slide, wobble or not perform well in terms of precision unless the correct chuck is used. However, when you strike the right one you will know that there will be less trouble in machining and the type of precision that will make any project the one of the finest quality.
The three-jaw chuck is normally fitted in the most-shops. It is rapid, trustworthy and suitable in the case of round or symmetrical components. The advantage of a three jaw chuck is that when it has been clamped, it will automatically centre, therefore is suitable in working large volume jobs. This however has a twist to the same with odd shaped components or projects which may require a close positioning cannot be served using a three jaw chuck. And here comes in the four-jaw chuck. Such a jaw provides the ability to control each jaw manually to provide the precision of the position of which is critical with un-symmetrical workpieces.
Now we will be talking of collet chucks. The chucks that are used in the tight fittings and smooth accurate gripping are favored as conjugated with collet. They have a steady hold on the workpiece that provides uniform pressure that rules out the possibility of distortion or slip. The collet chucks are most suitable on low diameters and in cases of high accuracy requirement and where uniformity and close clamping are required.
You need to consider the things you are throwing around as well. The steel chucks are very strong and durable and thus make them applicable in heavy duty jobs. They are extremely hard, they are able to deal with much bigger amounts of work and they are able to struggle with wear and tear. Aluminum chucks, however, are lightweight and convenient and are most suitable in work that is non heavy. You might simply require the weight to good performance ratio which you obtain in manipulating an aluminum chuck and a sequence of lesser tasks in rapid succession which you require it in.
Another thing which should not be excluded is maintenance. Nothing will go amiss in the long run in a well maintained chuck. The wear and tear of the jaws is to be checked and the cleaning of jaws should be carried out regularly to make sure that the chuck will be in a position to cling to the part. The last one is the need to have a worn chuck that may influence the quality of your work. Such a maintenance routine will leave you without the headache in the future and avoid mistakes that may prove to be quite expensive to commit.
Finally, the clamping force should not be forgotten. Hydraulic chuck evenly delivers even uniform clamping force which is crucial in repetitiveness and efficiency. Hydraulic chucks have the edge where a trouble-free, smooth and straight clamping is required. They also come in handy in a production system that has speed and accuracy as the order of the day. Manual chuck may be cheaper and easier to deal with on manual work but more work is required on a manual chuck.
The lathe chuck is not a purchase made by choosing the one that is available in the store. It is concerned with the suitability of the chuck to your project. The right chuck will either be more accurate, faster and efficient whether it is machining a small part or volume. You will have the right chuck in your toolbox, and work smarter and not harder.