What a corker... Looking at my micro-set chuck that has been tightened up from turning... How to take it off without taking a big crescent wrench to one of the jaws, as mentioned in a number of places...
Chucked up a length of 1.5" brass hex stock for the crescent wrench.
Took my Armstrong pin spanner, hooked it on the spindle, carefully rotated the chuck so the wrench handle rested against the bed. The wrench is underneath the spindle, so it wants to fall off unless its under tension.
Took the big crescent, got a good fit on the hex, and gave 'er a go. Started the chuck, pin spanner felt off, and I had no injuries to speak of.
Awaiting delivery of my Jergens Hook Clamps so I can do some faceplate action on the compound base. I had started to bore the base out, but it gives me the slick willies watching the rectangular base whipping around while being held on a circular boss only 1/3d of an inch deep.