Chucks, Collets, and Vises

Class Outline
Objectives

The Purpose of Work holding

work holding Devices for the Lathe the
Chuck
Types of Chucks
Basic Chucking Setups
the Collet
Types of Collets Basic
Collet Setups
work holding Devices for the Mill
The Vise
Types of Vises Basic
Vise Setups
Summary

Objectives

Distinguish between dedicated and universal workholding devices.

Describe work holding on the lathe.
Describe a chuck.
Identify common types of chucks.
Describe how chucks are used on the lathe.
Describe a collet.
Identify types of collets.
Describe how collets hold workpieces.
Identify common workholding devices for the mill.
Describe the operation of a vise.
Describe the most common vises.
Describe basic vise setups.
Figure 1. A three-jaw chuck.

Figure 2. A collet.

Figure 3. A basic vise

The Purpose of Workholding Devices

Every machining operation requires a workholding device that
firmly positions the workpiece in place. Companies rarely
make one single part; instead, they make a whole series of
parts with the same shape and dimensions. Workholding
devices ensure that each part is made identical to the others.
Workpieces can have very simple or complex shapes. The shape
of the workpiece determines the best type of workholding
device for holding it in place. A complex part may require a
dedicated fixture to locate and clamp it in place during a
machining operation, as shown in Figure 1. However,
workpieces with a relatively simple shape can be held in place
with universal workholders

Figure 1. Complex workpieces may require a fixture

built specifically for the workpiece.

The most common universal workholders are the chuck,

collet, and vise. These workholding devices function as allpurpose components that can
accommodate a variety of workpieces. They are also
relatively inexpensive to use. Figures 2 and 3 show
simple workpieces held in universal workholders.

Figure 2. A simple rectangular workpiece can be held in a vise.

Figure 3. A simple cylindrical workpiece can be held

in a chuck

Workholding Devices for the Lathe

A lathe is a common machine that is used to make round or cylindrical
workpieces. This machine holds a workpiece in place and rotates it
while a cutting tool moves down the length of the workpiece. The
cutting tool removes a layer of material from the workpiece surface.
Figure 1 illustrates the turning process.
Workholding devices for the lathe must be able to firmly grip and hold
cylindrical shapes as they rotate. An effective workholding device must
also be sure that the workpiece is rotating exactly on its center.
Otherwise, the part will not be made with the right dimensions. If you
have ever driven a car with a tire out of balance, you can appreciate the
importance of centering a spinning object.
Complicated parts may require a faceplate if they are turned on the
lathe. However, most parts are held in either a chuck or a collet. Each
one of these components has its distinct advantages.

Figure 1. A turning operation shapes a cylindrical

workpiece.

The Chuck
One of the most versatile workholding devices for the lathe is
the chuck. A chuck is a round-shaped component that
typically has three or four jaws that clamp down on the end
of a workpiece. Figure 1 shows the jaws of a chuck.
One of the key advantages of the chuck is that its jaws can be
adjusted to accommodate a variety of workpieces. First, the
jaws of the chuck are opened and the workpiece is inserted.
Then the jaws are clamped down to hold the workpiece, as
shown in Figure 2. The range of a chuck is the difference
between the smallest and widest workpiece diameter that it
can hold. The typical range of a chuck is most often an inch or
two (approximately 25-50 mm).
Some chucks are manually operated and require a special
wrench to open and close the jaws. However, many
modern shops use chucks operated by electric power or
hydraulic power.

Figure 1. A three-jaw chuck has moveable jaws that clamp down on

the end of a workpiece.

Figure 2. A workpiece held within the jaws of a chuck.

Types of Chucks
Chucks are available in standardized sizes. The most common chucks are
equipped with either three jaws or four jaws. Chucks with two jaws are also
available.
Three-jaw chucks, as shown in Figure 1, are normally available as self-centering
chucks. In other words, the jaws of the chuck open and close in unison. This
motion is similar to the hinges of an umbrella that you open and close. The
advantage of a self-centering chuck is that the workpiece is automatically
positioned in the exact center of the chuck.
Unlike three-jaw chucks, four-jaw chucks, like the one in Figure 2, are often
made as independent chucks. The jaws of an independent chuck move
separately from one another. These independent jaws can be adjusted to fit
irregularly shaped workpieces. Four-jaw chucks are more rugged than threejaw chucks, and they are often used to hold heavier workpieces. However,
four-jaw chucks may require a counterweight for irregular workpieces to
balance the workholding setup as it rotates.
Figure 1. A three-jaw chuck.

Figure 2. A four-jaw chuck with independent jaws.

Basic Chucking Setups

When used on the lathe, a chuck is attached to the machine spindle. The
spindle rotates the chuck at a specific speed while the chuck holds the
workpiece. Shorter workpieces are held only on one end by the chuck.
Longer workpieces may be held by a chuck on one end and a center on
the opposite end, as shown in Figure 1. If a workpiece needs to be held
by the inside of a hole, the jaws of the chuck can swivel around.
Sometimes, chucks can be used "as is." However, chucks are often
purchased with jaws made of softer metals such as cast aluminum or lowcarbon steel. These jaws can be machined to fit irregular shaped
workpieces. If another workpiece needs to be held, the machined jaws
can be removed, and another set of jaws are then added to the chuck.
Figure 1. A chuck and a center hold a workpiece at each
end.

The Collet
The collet is another type of workholding device used to hold
workpieces on the lathe. Collets are tapered metal sleeves with
slits inserted down the length of the tube. These slits form the
fingers, or prongs of the collet. Figure 1 shows a common type of
collet.
Unlike the chuck, the prongs of a collet are not removable.
Because the prongs are formed by the slits in the side, they do
not move as far as the jaws of the chuck.
Consequently, collets tend to be more accurate when
holding the workpiece.
One of the key advantages of the collet is that it has a
standardized hole in the center. Long bar stock can be passed
through this center. As the bar stock is machined, it advances
through the collet.

Figure 1. The basic collet has narrow slits that allow it to expand
and contract.

Types ofCollets
Like chucks, collets are available in standardized sizes. However, a
collet has a much smaller range for holding workpieces.
Consequently, machine shops must have an entire set of collets in
stock that each match different workpiece dimensions. Figure 1
shows a set of collets. Collets generally hold workpieces that have a
diameter smaller than 1 in. (25.4 mm), and each size decreases by
1/64 in. (0.397 mm). The smallest collets can hold a workpiece with
1/64 in. (0.397 mm) diameter.
The most common collets are designed to hold cylindrical bar stock.
However, collets are made with jaws designed to hold square or
hexagonal workpieces as well. Figure 2 illustrates how a hexagonal
collet matches the shape of a workpiece.
Because the collet is one piece of material, it is not machined like
the jaws of a chuck.

Figure 1. Collets are available as a set to match different

diameters.

Figure 2. Collets are available with prongs that match hexagonal

stock.

Basic Collet Setups

The collet is frequently used to hold long bar stock on the lathe. As you
can see in Figure 1, the collet has a tapered end. The collet is screwed
into the matching hole in the machine, and the bar stock passes through
the collet. If the collet is pulled back by the machine, the tapered end is
forced tightly against the workpiece to hold it in place.
Parts begin as rough stock. Each machining operation adds a new feature.
If a part has already been through numerous machining operations, it may
be best held in a chuck. Because bar stock is long and cylindrical with the
same dimension, it is ideally held in a collet. One end of the bar stock is
inserted through the collet. The machine shapes a part and separates it
from the bar stock. After the part is cut off, the bar stock advances
through the collet for
the next part.

Figure 1. A collet is tapered to match the hole in the

spindle.

Workholding Devices for the Mill

Along with the lathe, one of the most popular machines in the
shop is the milling machine, which is shown in Figure 1. This
machine is most often used to make cuts in flat, rectangular
workpieces. A milling machine can cut along both straight and
curved lines. The more sophisticated machines hold cutting tools
that can drill holes in the workpiece as well.
As is the case with the lathe, the complexity of the workpiece
determines the best type of workholding device for the job. If a
workpiece has numerous irregular dimensions, it may require a
fixture during milling operations. Figure 2 shows a basic plate
fixture. However, workpieces with more simple dimensions are
often best held in a vise. Figure 3 shows a workpiece held in a
vise that is mounted on the mill.
Figure 1. A basic milling machine is used most often for
rectangular workpieces.

Figure 2. A fixture holds workpieces with complex dimensions.

Figure 3. This vise is mounted on the mill and

holds a relatively simple workpiece

The Vise
The basic vise is arguably the best-known workholding device.
Many people who practice woodworking at home rely on simple
vises. In the machine shop, the vise is a reliable workholding
device most often used with the mill.
Essentially, a vise is a workholding device that has one fixed jaw
and one moveable jaw. A lever is used to turn a screw that
tightens the moveable jaw against the fixed jaw, as shown in
Figure 1.
One of the key advantages of the vise is its versatility. Because
the design of a vise is relatively simple, vises can be altered to
hold a variety of different workpiece shapes. Figure 2 shows a
vise that has been changed to
hold an irregular workpiece.
Much like the chuck, some vises are manually operated
by a turn of the lever. However, many modern shops use vises
that are operated by electrical or hydraulic power.

Figure 1. On a vise, the moveable jaw is opposite the fixed jaw.

Figure 2. The jaws of a vise can be machined to match the features

of a workpiece.

Types of Vises
The design of the basic vise is very simple. The basic vise consists of two
jaws, the base, and the lever and screw used to tighten the vise.
However, manufacturers have added all sorts of features to this basic
design. Numerous vises are commercially available for a variety of
purposes.
Vises are available with either smooth jaws, like those in Figure 1, or
serrated jaws, which are shown in Figure 2. The smooth jaws are
effective for most clamping requirements. The serrated jaws can be
used if increased gripping power is necessary. The one potential
problem with serrated jaws is that the sharper edges will leave marks
on the workpiece surface.

Figure 1. A vise with smooth jaws.

Besides flat surfaces, jaws may use V-shaped edges. Flat jaws are
used to hold workpieces with a matching flat edge. The
V-shaped jaws can be used to hold a cylindrical workpiece. Figure 3
shows a cylindrical part clamped in a vise. Like chucks, vises are also
available with machinable jaws to customize for odd-shaped parts.

Figure 2. A vise with serrated jaws to increase gripping power.

Figure 3. A cylindrical workpiece can be held in Vshaped jaws.

Basic Vise Setups

The greater the complexity of the workpiece, the more a vise will have to be
adjusted to hold the workpiece in place. If the shape of a workpiece is simply a
flat rectangle, a basic vise will match it perfectly. However, vises must be altered
to match more complicated dimensions.
On some vises, the moveable jaw has parts that can be adjusted and angled to
match the edge of a workpiece. Other vises may have a pair of moveable jaws
for greater versatility, as shown in Figure 1.
As is the case with chuck jaws, it is possible to purchase vise jaws made from
softer materials. These jaws are made from aluminum or low-carbon steel, and
they can be machined to match the dimensions of the workpiece. If another
workpiece needs to be held in the vise, the old jaws are removed and a new set
is put in place. Figure 2 compares
a machined jaw to the original jaw.

Figure 1. This vise has two moveable jaws.

Figure 2. Vise jaws after and before machining.

Summary
The most common universal workholders are the chuck, collet, and vise.
These workholding devices function as all-purpose components that can
accommodate a variety of workpieces. The chuck and the collet are
commonly used on the lathe to hold cylindrical parts. The vise is used to
hold rectangular parts on the mill.
A chuck is a round-shaped workholding device that typically has three
or four jaws that clamp down on the end of a workpiece. Shorter
workpieces are only held on one end by the chuck.
Longer workpieces may be held by a chuck on one end and a center
on the opposite end. Special jaws may be machined to hold more
complex workpieces.
Collets are metal tubes with slits inserted down the length of the tube.
They are available in a range of standard sizes to match workpiece
dimensions.
The vise is probably the most universal workholder. The vise holds a
part between its fixed and moveable jaws. Vise jaws can be adapted to
hold rectangular parts as well as parts with cylindrical sides.

Figure 1. Most chucks have three jaws.

Figure 2. Hexagonal collets match the shape of the stock.

Figure 3. Vise jaws can be machined to match the

workpiece

Class Vocabulary

bar stock
cast aluminum

Stock that is sold in the form of long cylindrical, hexagonal, or square bars.
Aluminum that is poured as a liquid into a mold and cooled into a solid shape. Chuck jaws are often made of cast
aluminum because it is easily machined.

Center The device located in the tailstock of a lathe or turning center that supports the end of a cylindrical workpiece
opposite the spindle.
Chuck A workholding device with three or four jaws that clamp and hold a cylindrical workpiece as it rotates on a lathe or
turning center.
collet A tapered workholding device with prongs that grip a workpiece passing through a hole in the center.
Each collet is designed to match a specific workpiece diameter.
Counterweight

A weighted device that is used to properly balance a rotating workpiece or workholding setup on the lathe or turning
center.

Faceplate A special fixture that is designed to hold a workpiece as it rotates on the lathe or turning center. A faceplate is often
required if the workpiece is not cylindrical.
Fixture A customized workholding device that is designed to effectively support, locate, and hold a specific type of
workpiece. A workpiece with multiple, complex dimensions often requires a dedicated fixture.
four-jaw chuck A chuck that uses four jaws to surround the part. Most four-jaw chucks are independent chucks, with jaws that open
and close independently of one another.
hydraulic power
independent
chuck

Power created by the motion and pressure of fluids.

A chuck with jaws that open and close independently. Independent chucks can be adjusted to
accommodate irregularly shaped workpieces.
A machine tool commonly used to create cylindrical forms. A lathe holds a cylindrical workpiece on one or both ends.

lathe

The cutting tool is gradually passed along the surface of the rotating part.
low-carbon steel

Carbon steels that contain less than 0.3o carbon. Low-carbon steels are easy to form, and they are used to make
machinable chuck jaws.

milling machine

A machine that uses a multi-toothed milling cutter to remove metal from the workpiece. A milling machine is most
often used to machine flat or rectangular workpieces.

Range The difference between the smallest and widest workpiece diameter that a chuck can hold between its jaws.
self-centering
chuck
Serrated
Spindle

A chuck with jaws that open and close together. Self-centering chucks accurately position a workpiece
along the centerline of the chuck.
Having a surface with a series of small teeth or notches. Serrated vise jaws offer improved gripping strength.
On a lathe or turning center, the part of the machine that rotates while the workpiece is held in a chuck, collet, or
faceplate.

Stock Raw material that is used to make manufactured parts. Stock is often sold as bar stock or flat plate stock.
tapered
three-jaw chuck
turning
universal
workholder

Gradually decreasing in size from one end of the object to the other. Collets are tapered.
A chuck with three jaws. Most three-jaw chucks are self-centering, with jaws that open and close in unison.
A machining operation used to make cylindrical parts. A single-point cutting tool passes along the outer surface of a
cylindrical workpiece as it rotates, and gradually removes a layer of material.
A workholder that is designed to accommodate a variety of workpiece sizes and shapes. Chucks, collets,
and vises are universal w o r k h o l d e r s .

Vise A workholding device with one fixed jaw and one moveable jaw. Vises are often used to hold simple rectangular or
cubic workpieces on a mill or machining center.
workholding
device

A device used to locate and hold a workpiece. The workholding device references the tool performing t h e
operation on the part being held.

Workpiece

A part that is being worked on. It may be subject to cutting, welding, forming, or other operations.