Wen LA4374 - User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST
MODEL LA4374
4
No. Part No. Description Qty.
1 LA4374-001
Back Plate Screw,
Phillips-Head, M4x6
2
2 LA4374-002 Back Plate 1
3 LA4374-003 Pinion Screw 2
4 LA4374-004 Pinion 2
5 LA4374-005 Jaw Carriage 1 1
6 LA4374-006 Jaw 1 1
7 LA4374-007
Jaw-Mounting Screw,
Hex Head, M5x8
8
8 LA4374-008 Chuck Body Assembly 1
9 LA4374-009 Jaw Carriage 4 1
No. Part No. Description Qty.
10 LA4374-010 Jaw 4 1
11 LA4275-011 Stop Screw, M4-0.7x8 1
12 LA4374-012
Screw Chuck,
M10-3.0x30
1
13 LA4374-013 Jaw 3 1
14 LA4374-014 Jaw Carriage 3 1
15 LA4374-015 Jaw 2 1
16 LA4374-016 Jaw Carriage 2 1
17 LA4275-017 Chuck Key 1
18 LA4374-018
Hex Wrench,
T-Handle, 4mm
1
HAVE PRODUCT QUESTIONS? NEED TECHNICAL SUPPORT? Please feel free to contact us:
TECHSUPPORT@WENPRODUCTS.COM1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST)
This item has a 2-year warranty - for the full warranty statement, please visit wenproducts.com.
Replacement jaws and the most up-to-date instruction manuals can be found on wenproducts.com.
Your chuck is designed to aid in holding wooden
workpieces on your lathe, and is capable of gripping
on both the outside and inside of various workpieces.
EXTERNAL GRIP VS INTERNAL GRIP
The external grip is applied on the exterior of the
workpiece, while the internal grip is applied on the
interior of the workpiece. See Figures 1 & 2.
DOVETAIL JAWS
Your chuck has dovetailed jaws that are suitable for
gripping a recess or tenon prepared in your workpiece
for clamping. Ensure that the recess or tenon pre-
pared has a flat base so that it can rest flush against
the flat surface of the chuck jaws. For the dimensions
of your chuck’s dovetailed jaws, see Fig. 3.
2
8
4
6
10
9
5
3
1
17
16
15
14
12
13
11
18
Pre-Assembled
7
7
7
7
3.75-INCH 4-JAW
SELF-CENTERING LATHE CHUCK
Compatible with all WEN Wood Lathes
SPECIFICATIONS
Mounting Thread 1"-8
Screw Chuck Thread M10-3.0x30
Jaw Type Dovetail
External Grip Range (Fig. 1) 1-1/4" to 2-1/2"
Internal Grip Range (Fig. 2) 1-3/4" to 3-1/8"
Self-Centering Yes
Fig. 1 External Grip
Internal Grip Fig. 2
Visit wenproducts.com and search the phrase
"wood lathe" to purchase live centers and other
lathe accessories.
1
3
2
Packing List
1) Chuck ......................1
2) Screw Chuck ............ 1
3) Chuck Key ................ 1
4) Hex Wrench .............1
4
V. 2019.09.26

Summary

Specifications

Packing List

Lists the components included with the chuck for assembly and verification.

External Grip vs. Internal Grip

Explains the chuck's external and internal gripping methods for workpieces.

Dovetail Jaws

Details the chuck's dovetailed jaws for workpiece clamping and preparation.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The WEN 3.75-Inch 4-Jaw Self-Centering Lathe Chuck, model LA4374, is a versatile accessory designed to securely hold wooden workpieces on a lathe. It is compatible with all WEN wood lathes and any other wood lathe featuring a 1-inch diameter, 8-threads-per-inch (1"-8) headstock spindle.

Function Description

The primary function of this chuck is to provide a reliable and self-centering clamping mechanism for various woodturning projects. It is capable of gripping workpieces both externally and internally, accommodating a wide range of shapes and sizes. The self-centering feature ensures that the workpiece is automatically centered when clamped, simplifying setup and improving turning accuracy.

The chuck utilizes dovetailed jaws, which are ideal for gripping recesses or tenons prepared in the workpiece. This design ensures a strong and stable hold, provided the recess or tenon has a flat base to rest flush against the jaw surfaces.

An included M10-3.0x30 screw chuck further enhances the device's versatility, particularly for turning larger workpieces. This screw chuck can be mounted internally within the main chuck's jaws, allowing the workpiece to be screwed directly onto it for a secure hold.

Important Technical Specifications

• Mounting Thread: 1"-8, ensuring compatibility with standard lathe spindles.
• Screw Chuck Thread: M10-3.0x30, for attaching the screw chuck.
• Jaw Type: Dovetail, designed for gripping recesses and tenons.
• External Grip Range (Fig. 1): 1-1/4" to 2-1/2". This refers to the range of workpiece diameters that can be gripped externally by the jaws.
• Internal Grip Range (Fig. 2): 1-3/4" to 3-1/8". This indicates the range of internal diameters or tenon sizes that the jaws can expand into to grip.
• Self-Centering: Yes, simplifying workpiece setup.
• Jaw Dimensions (Fig. 3): The jaws have specific dimensions, including a width of 17mm, a depth of 7mm, and an 8° dovetail angle. The jaw carriage has a width of 22.50mm and a depth of 16.2mm.

The packing list includes the main chuck assembly, a chuck key for operation, a hex wrench (T-handle, 4mm) for maintenance, and various screws and jaw components. Specifically, it includes four individual jaws (Jaw 1, Jaw 2, Jaw 3, Jaw 4) and four corresponding jaw carriages (Jaw Carriage 1, Jaw Carriage 2, Jaw Carriage 3, Jaw Carriage 4), along with back plate screws and a stop screw.

Usage Features

• Mounting the Chuck: The chuck threads clockwise onto the lathe's headstock spindle. The spindle should be held stationary while the chuck key is used to fully secure it.
• Opening/Closing Jaws: The chuck key is inserted into the keyhole on the chuck body. Turning the key counter-clockwise opens the jaws, while turning it clockwise closes them. Workpieces should be placed flush against the jaw face and fully tightened.
• Using a Live Center: For longer workpieces, a live center in the tailstock can be used for additional support.
• Mounting the Screw Chuck: The screw chuck is mounted internally within the main chuck's jaws, with its bottom lip positioned under the jaws for support. A pilot hole (3/8" drill bit, approx. 31mm deep) is drilled into the center of the workpiece, which then screws onto the screw chuck. The workpiece's base should be flush against the top of the jaws.
• Grease Removal: Before first use, a protective layer of grease coating the chuck's surfaces should be removed with a dry cloth.

Maintenance Features

• Safety First: Always turn off and unplug the lathe before any cleaning, adjusting, or lubrication.
• Cleaning: After each use, wipe the chuck down with a soft cloth to remove chips, dust, and debris. Compressed air (limited to 25 PSI or lower, directed outwards from the center) can be used to spray away debris. Occasionally, a small brush (like a toothbrush) can help clean hard-to-reach chips from the jaws, jaw carriages, and body.
• Lubrication: Apply a dry lubricant (PTFE works well) to the moving parts of the chuck to ensure smooth movement. Wet lubricants or grease should be avoided as they can attract dust and chips, potentially leading to decreased performance or damage.
• Scroll Screw Cleaning: Periodically, open the jaws and use a wire bottle brush to clean the scroll screw by running the brush along the screw while turning the chuck key.
• Deep Cleaning: For frequent users, a thorough tear-down and cleaning of the chuck may be desired. Resources for this can be found on the manufacturer's website.
• Replacement Parts: Use only identical WEN replacement parts for servicing to prevent hazards or product failure. Replacement jaws and updated instruction manuals are available on the manufacturer's website.
• Disposal: The product contains components that should be recycled. At the end of its lifetime, it should be taken to a local recycling facility for responsible disposal.

The WEN LA4374 chuck is designed for durability and ease of use, providing a reliable solution for woodturners to secure their projects effectively. Its self-centering mechanism, dovetail jaws, and screw chuck option offer flexibility for a wide array of turning applications. Regular cleaning and lubrication, as outlined in the maintenance section, will ensure a long service life for the device.

Wen LA4374 Specifications