Chuck Replacement

Author: Dave
Date: 01.20.13 - 12:31pm

I am switching over the chuck on my Rigid Drillpress (model 15501) to a keyless chuck type, but first had to get the old one off. The chuck on these drill presses is a JT3 (Jacobs Taper #3). Its a semi-permanent press fit of the chuck onto a male taper. Getting the old chuck off can be a bit hairy. There is a set of wedges you can buy (jacobs chuck removal wedges) but i didnt feel like paying the 9 bucks plus 9 bucks shipping to get them. (plus the wait)

Trying to figure out teh best approach to take, I thought to look up through the bore of the chuck and just make sure there wasnt a small screw in there or anything unexpected. Turns out I did find a something unexpected. The chuck they ship it with, is already drilled through, and I could clearly see the bottom of the center drilled spindle shaft.

This was awesome because it meant I could just use a standard puller with the screw going up through the chuck. Digging through my tool box, I found an old puller that I had made for a quick fix a long time ago. Within a couple turns, the old chuck popped right off and that was that!

Beautifully non-climatic end to a potentially frustrating task. I have also included a closeup of the simple puller i used. Doesnt get any simplier (or uglier!) than this.