Hey guys I’ve got this problem at work with a large piece of steel moving in the workholding, I was curious if it would be better to hold it with serrated jaws or smooth jaws. The surfaces being clamped on are both machined surfaces if that helps. Thanks in advanced
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Serrated Jaws could be a good workholding tool. Just keep in mind there is a chance that they could Mar the part.
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do you have a crude drawing of you part or a picture. Easier to make suggestions because sometimes you have to think outside the box.
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You dont say if your machined surface is at finished diameter. If it is not I would use serrated jaws. If it is I would use soft jaws machined to .010 below the diameter you are gripping. You say large but that is 6 inches to some and 18 inch to others. If it is above 8" i would use the soft jaw option and turn your jaw pressure up to keep it from moving.
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Can you machine a pocket in the jaws to locate the part. We need more info or a picture of your current setup
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Is the part pushing back? Are you chucking or bar feeding? Is it the secondary op on finished surface?
Hard jaws or serrated jars or collets will possible mar the parts as someone else stated. Boring the jaws with a dead stop is the best method to omit any chance of push back. Make sure jaws are clean then rub part in while closing chuck. Check pressure on the chuck or collet closer.
I part is spinning then you either don’t have good pressure or the jaws might not be positioned properly. Alway be sure when boring jaws you have enough travel.
Hope this helps. I’m assuming it’s a turning job.
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Sorry I didn’t see this posting earlier.
Soft jaws are made to be machined into whatever shape part you want to hold, and of course a stop so you can hold length and perpendicularity and that kind of thing. You can get full grip (pie jaws) or jaws similar to the hard jaws you are using.
Monster Jaws makes some very nice jaws for different chucks at very good prices.
If you look on you tube haas has some informative videos on making soft jaws.
Hope this helps you