Vertex Chuck

[jack620]

I am going to replace the keyed chuck I use in my lathe tailstock with a keyless one. I came across a Vertex brand 1-16mm chuck with MT2 arbor for about $75. This is quite a bit cheaper than the same brand chuck locally, but quite a bit more expensive than this similar chuck from CTC:

KEYLESS DRILL CHUCK - FOR B TYPE ARBOR (1PC) #L18 (http://www.ctctools.biz/servlet/the-659/6MM-10MM-13MM-16MM/Detail)

The Vertex I saw looks virtually identical to the CTC one in the link. For all I know it is exactly the same chuck out of the same factory. However I have heard that Vertex are made in Taiwan whereas most the generic chucks are made in China. Is this true? Does it matter?

Finally, is a tailstock chuck the same as a drill chuck?

Chris

[Ueee]

Hi Chris,
Yes tailstock chucks are the same as drill press chucks. I was under the impression that vertex were made in Taiwan too, but i have no idea if they are better than the CTC ones. I think Rodm just got a new CTC chuck for his new mill, maybe he could chime in with an evaluation?

[Metalman]

Hello Chris,
Keyless chucks have a tendency to loosen when reversed, this is not usually a problem in a drill press using drills but if you use a chuck to hold taps in a lathe when the lathe is reversed to extract the tap from the threaded part the tap comes loose in the keyless chuck in my experience. The keyless chuck I was using was a German Rohm brand in good condition.
Regards, Mm.

[jack620]

Thanks fellas. I've never actually run my lathe in reverse, although that doesn't mean I never will. These Vertex chucks have an optional spanner for tightening. The Chinglish notes at the bottom seem to be saying that this prevents the chuck loosening when it is reversed.

VERTEX MILLING,GRINDING,TOOLING,CNC,LATHE,GRINDER (http://www.vertex-tw.com.tw/products/products_list.php?language=_eng&cid=362)

Chris

[rodm]

Hi Chris,
I got a 16mm keyless with NT30 arbor from CTC last week. I used it first time today and drilled eight holes with a centre drill. It has the same holes as the Vertex for using a C spanner.
I haven't done any tests with it but visually it looks the part, is quite weighty and the chuck moves smoothly through it full gripping range.
Sorry not much to tell and more my first impression than anything usefull.

[jack620]

Thanks Rod. It all helps.