What else can a spider chuck be used for?

[RemingtonAI]

Hey guys,
I'm about a year into learning machining but not for gunsmithing. I've been making tools, fixtures, little inventions of mine, ect and set on learning all of the old school methods. I know a lot of you guys use a spider to chamber barrels and such and I', just looking for some ideas of other applications it can be used for. I currently only have a 3 jaw chuck, but it's adjustable so It's pretty accurate. I will be getting a 4 jaw sometime in the near future but I'm wondering if the spider can be used like a 4 jaw for things other than barrels. I was thinking 1/2" screws with brass tips. Is it a pipe dream to think I could securely hold square stock with a spider?
I realize it shines with long items and a rear spindle spider which I do intend to make should I decide to make one for the spindle nose, but I'm more interested in using it with shorter items that would typically be held in a 4 jaw. I've looked through discussions online and don't see a lot of talk about using them with anything other than barrels which is probably for good reason but I figured if anyone knows about spiders it would you guys. Thanks for the help in advance. Jesse

 

[carlsbad]

You can use a spider with a center in the tailstock similar to turning between centers. No real advantage and some disadvantages to this so I would only use if end of stock can't be centerdrilled. traditional method is to use the 4 jaw with a #9 copper wire wrapped around workpiece.

--Jerry