MiniChuck

MiniChuck

MiniChuck is a toy chuck, not intended as a substitute for a real chuck. It is fun to play with though! I intend on using it to hold PCBs and other projects while I work on them.

Important notes:

This project absolutely requires a smooth PEI sheet. Certain parts in this design slide against each other and certain faces that are laying down on the sheet has been optimized to prevent unwanted wear and noise when operating.

Assembly

The STEP file and pictures show the end placement of each part, though here's the assembly order.

1. The jaw retainers (top four pieces) are not unique, so the order of those does not matter. The scroll plate must be installed before the jaw slide retainers:

   

2. Next assemble the handle:

   

3. Next install the handle into the scroll plate through the underside of the assembly:

   

4. Now for the slightly annoying part… Install the jaw slides into the scroll in this order:

   

5. Next you want to pick how you want to assemble the jaws. I've included two jaw types. One is a no-threaded-insert jaw, pictured as the first image. This can be assembled by hand is glue is optional but recommended. Place a small amount of superglue between the jaw slide and the jaw when you assemble it to help ensure it won't pop apart. The pegs are mostly for alignment and are not very strong.

   

   I used a hammer to tap the pegs into the slide first, then I applied glue to the bottom of the three-level jaw, then I slide it in and tapped it together with a hammer.

6. Done! It might be tricky to turn for the first couple uses as the teeth and scroll “break in” a little.

Other notes:

1. I've designed the jaw slides to accept a threaded insert or a 3d printed peg to hold the jaws to the slides. I've packaged STEP files to help you produce your own custom jaws!
2. The tolerances are quite tight so there is wear as it is used. Even with the tight tolerances, there is still some “play” in the jaws. This is part of why I say it shouldn't be used for anything serious. I hope to address the “play" in a future version, but it will require a significant redesign as I believe the root cause is that the jaw retainers are too easy to push upwards.