So now to mount the Atlas 6" 4-jaw independent chuck. But first, disassemble. This chuck is made in China.
There were no number markings to match up the jaw with it's slot, so I just used a Sharpie and marked the chuck, and as I disassembled, I put the parts in numbered stainless bowls, and into the Varsol wash tank. Cleaned out all the grit and some bits, and examined the parts.
It looked like the guy making these parts finished making one and pitched it 20 feet into a bin. Quite a few dings which I had to clean up using files, scrapers, and stones.
Of course the little red Atlas logo came out from the varsol.
The chuck key has this black oxide finish that was coming off on my hands, so wire wheeled it smooth.
The thrust bearing, that's what Bison calls it, the part that holds the operating screw in place, seemed like they were press fit in position. So I had to pound them out with a brass rod.
All the parts were hardened, but not glass hard. A file would just cut, so probably Rc40-45.
Deburred every thing, honed out the thrust bearing holes to a tight slip fit. I think the guy installing them at the factory just smashed them in with a hammer and peened the edges.
Stoned the back face of the chuck because of burs.
The jaws in their slots were tight, no perceived movement.
Installed the chuck to the backplate to a tight fit.
Bolted it together and checked TIR. Zeroed next to the jaws, and 0.0025" TIR at about 3.75" out.
Not so bad. Maybe one of these days I'll regrind the jaw faces.
Make no bones, this is not a Bison, which I have in 3-jaw. Is it better than an Accusize or Vevor? I don't know, I don't have one to compare.
I'll provide a follow-up in a couple months.