Large Three-Jaw Chuck Project (any tips on removing support material?)

I decided that I was going to re-learn/practice Solidworks by designing, and eventually printing and casting the parts for a lathe. I tackled the three-jaw chuck first figuring it would be the hardest part/s to design and print. The first part I have printed is the front face plate.

And after 16hrs 55min...

But breaking out the support material took its toll on my hands as well as the part. Two of the corners broke off along with the support material. This is my first time not only printing a very large object such as this but using this much support material.
Over all I am very happy with how it turned out! This was only a test piece so I am not to worried about the minor damage, and the experience showed me I need to re-design it and print it as in two parts, but does anyone have any tips on support material settings or removing support material from small areas like this?

 

Nice print. Yup a nice needle file set can be picked up pretty cheap and helps a lot.
Also, I learned early on when I was using blue tape, if you soak the piece for a couple minutes in cool-warmish water, the tape peels right off clean. Saves a lot of scraping and cleaning. You could soak that one still and the tape would come off with just a fingernail, or I found the little teeth on a butter knife scrapes well too after soaking.

 

When designing, just add your own support into the model and make it so it's thin enough to break off easily.

 

I tried using Cura and it has a great feature call Touch Build Plate. It puts support in as need and it's really easy to remove. Try and see it works.


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