Cleaning Jaws, whats best?

[Weasel Howlett]

Can anybody tell me the best way to clean jaws. I have some internal and external sets that are jamming a bit due to some quite sticky gunk that im guessing is residue from different finishes. Im thinking i could use paint thinners to disolve it but want to know if this is a good idea and what oil or grease i should use to re-protect the surface after this is done.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[petercharlesfagg]

James,
Your problem is one of those that I have NEVER ever had with any of my chucks!

What woods are you turning, sticky Pine, for example?

Whenever I clean my chucks, after dismantling everything goes into a bath of White Spirit to soak usually overnight.

Any heavy residue I remove with a wire brush.

Reassembling, I use graphite dust instead of grease or oil and the jaws are left untreated apart from a dusting of graphite on the threaded sections.

This treatment usually last for about 6 months even with some production turning.

Regards Peter.

 

[Jonzjob]

The last time I stripped and cleaned my K8 chuck I cleaned it with celulose thinners and then lubed it with some dry bike chain lube. Worked a treat. A liquid, but dries dry and doesn't pick up dust when back in use..

I'm with Pete in that don't use oil or grease. Use dry lubes!