Ever hear of a Longworth Chuck? May build a set for glassing tubes...

[soopirV]

Was just doodling around the net tonight, and somehow found this gem:
https://ravenview.com/blog/2010/10/17/how-to-make-a-longworth-chuck/

I've got the tools to build this, and am thinking of making a smaller version (x2) to have a self-centering adjustable mandrel for tube glassing that could be easily motorized as well! The blog post shows the device holding a turned bowl on a lathe, but I don't see why you can't hold a cylinder from it's ID...

Anyone heard of this before? Other ideas for holding cylinders?

 

[Steve Shannon]

Since you asked for other ideas, a test plug the right size, chucked in either a three jaw or four jaw chuck should be easy and cheap, but for large tubes the Longworth chuck looks great!


Steve Shannon

 

[rharshberger]

Was not aware of the name or history of the device, but I have seen several commercial versions available from various woodworking vendors.

 

[cwbullet]

This should work.

 

[JohnCoker]

That is an interesting looking tool which might work as well for slotting, at least if the slots don't come close to the end of the tube.

I was also thinking about something that would clamp inside the tube, so you could square it perfectly since many times tubes, especially larger sizes are roughly cut to length. Perhaps a Longworth-style chuck with larger/longer buttons that could clamp inside the tube without touching the end.