Cut depth: You can achieve a higher cut depth with a 4 jaw chuck.Weight of workpiece: Most heavy stock requires a 4 jaw chuck, while a 3 jaw is best used for moderate-to-light applications.A 3 jaw type chuck only has one hole for tightening or releasing the workpiece. Number of chuck wrench holes: Choose a 4 jaw chuck and you’ll have four separate holes to adjust the jaws.A 3 jaw is reliably accurate to around 0.010, while a 4 jaw can be accurate between 0 and 0.001.
Accuracy: The accuracy difference depends on the centering technique used with a 4 jaw chuck.The independent jaws of a 4 jaw slow down processing speeds. Setting speed: The self-centering nature of a 3 jaw makes it a natural option for fast-paced setting and processing.This is why these chucks are commonly referred to as self-centering chucks. This increases the diversity of available cuts, but also requires the operator to accurately center each workpiece. Construction: A 4 jaw component offers independent jaw movement, while a 3 jaw doesn’t.Common uses: A 3 jaw unit is ideal for hexagonal cross-sections and circular items, while a 4 jaw chuck offers better grip performance when handling octagon and square blocks.
This style of chuck is different in the following features: What Are the Differences Between 3 and 4 Jaw Chucks?Īnother common type of chuck used in industrial manufacturing settings is a 4 jaw chuck. They can also use irregular or uneven jaw shapes for handling irregular workpieces or creating the alignment necessary for your lathe machine.Ĭompare 3 jaw chucks and review the operational requirements of your lathe or other industrial machine to ensure you order the correct option. While these chucks are designed to be universal, there are a range of sizes to match the thread type and dimensions of your machine. The goal of this style of chuck is to safely secure workpieces without replacing the chuck for every diameter and shape change. What is a 3 Jaw Chuck? A 3 jaw chuck is a universal component that can be used in various settings for versatile work.