by Don Wiederhold

Making small changes to washers seems to be one of those lathe jobs that happens frequently in my shop. Adjustments are quick and easy; it’s holding the washer that often proves difficult.

Magnet Use

There are a number of handy ways to hold washers or other thin parts for turning in the lathe, but this is the method I use most frequently for opening up the ID of a washer or similar part. Simply use three magnets attached to the jaws of your chuck to locate and hold the washer. Tighten the chuck, remove the magnets, and bore to size. By the way, don’t forget the “remove the magnets” part of the operation!

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