They will be in order 1-2-3 and I believe counterlockwise from the tailstock view.
If they are in order, they should all close at (roughly) the same time regardless of where 1 is. However, almost all chucks favor #1 being in a certain spot. the only way to do that is get them in order, temporarily mark the chuck, and indicate a piece of stock to see how well centered it is (use drill rod or a polished rod from a printer. Some stock is not round). Remove the jaws and rotate one slot and do it again. Pick the best of the three and mark the chuck permanently.
Note that inside and outside jaws all have the 1-2-3 thing going, but the number 1 for each set's best position could vary. You will need to recheck for each new set of jaws you use.
The trick is finding 3 hands to hold the 3 jaws in place at the same time for starting. they cant be done one at a time. I put one on top and hold the other two in one hand, running the key with my other hand. Some use a large rubber band to hold them in place.
Hope this helps...
Warren L
I need to figure out how to place my 3 jaw chuck jaws back in place so they close all at the same time. Where does # 1 go & what rotation do I use? Thanks. It is a Harbor F lathe. It has a Harbor emblem on chuck. Thanks In advance. John
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