seating a drill press chuck on taper

[John Cerny]

I was informed that it is not good practice to just ram a chuck onto a taper, and then wack it with a mallet (with at least a board between the chuck and hammer!)

I was wondering if someone can give a recommended method of securing a chuck to a taper. There was mention of a method in Woodworking magazine, but a part of the explanation didn't make sense to me.

Thanks in advance for your help

[Ned Mellon]

Some people swear by putting a little valve grinding compound on the taper so you can lap the chuck to the taper before seating it. I've never had to do this. I guess my chucks and tapers have been of sufficient quality. Before seating the chuck you need to get both parts REALLY clean. Use a solvent to get all traces of grease off those parts before seating them. I've uses denatured alcohol and MEK for degreasing sucessfully.

Ned Mellon

[John Cerny]

So, what do I do after I clean everything off well?

[Ned Mellon]

After cleaning the parts just dry fit the chuck onto the taper. Then use a hammer to seat to force the chuck onto the taper. Do not hit the chuck directly with a metal hammer. Cushion it with a wood block or use a rubber mallet. I use a rubber deadblow mallet. You don't have to really bash it hard, just a few solid taps should do it.

Ned Mellon