Thread: Four Jaw Chuck

Save yourself some tears and pain. Take it back for a refund and get a Nova Scroll chuck. There is an insert made that will attach it to even your el chaepo lathe. All you need is the thread size of your spindle and hey presto an insert will magically appear with the chuck.

Cheers - Neil

I've got to agree with Neil . I got a Nova chuck years ago when I had a no name el cheapo lathe and it served well. When I ugraded the lathe , the chuck got a new insert. You really don't want to deal with a four jaw chuck that is not self centering, well not unless you're heavily into S&M

Or a Bonham

I quite agree with the other responses about cheapo chucks. Take it back, and have a look either at Vicmarc, Oneway or Multistar Titan.

I've reviewed them for Woodturning magazine and they are all good. You pay a bit more, but you get quality. Always buy the best tools you can afford.

Good luck



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Terry

Just add support to the above "always buy the best you can afford", a chuck is a long term investment the extra cost spread out over the life of the chuck is next to nothing.

The Oneway chuck is to the best of my knowledge not available in Aust. I've got two of their key opperated chucks and find them quite good, they cost US$210 & US$250 each, at the current rate of exchange that would make them $420 & $500 each. The Nova is quite a good entry level chuck and will be coming on special soon for around $160, the Vicmarc chucks are generally considered the best by turners wordwide, however they cost a little more than the nova.

Graeme

Thanks for your replies guys. Unfortunately at the moment that is all I can afford.

I would still appreciate some advice on the use of it tho...


regards,

Allen

Tonks
You can use the 4 independant jaw chuck the same way a machinist uses one except you don't need a dial indicator gauge.
Adjust the jaws until they are roughly the size of the piece and centered by eye. Now tighten a couple of the jaws so it holds the piece. Rotate the work by hand. It will be off center. loosen one jaw and tighten the opposite to move the piece. Repeat this procedure until the piece is centered.
You could have some fun with off center work using this chuck. Move it off center and turn a little. Then move it in another direction and turn a little. It's a lot of fun.
All and all I agree with the others. It would be easier to use a faceplate or 4 jaw self centering chuck but you have this and it will work so Have fun turning. John

Hi Allen,
my only experience with four jaw chucks is on a metal lathe. Most four jaw chucks have concentric ring machined into the
front face. These are to aid in initial setup of the work piece.
To add to John's advice, try to get the job centred between one pair of jaws at a time,
then go back and re-check it.

Cheers,

Glen

Thanks guys
Sorry for taking so long to respond.

Later on I will probably use it for a paperweight or boat anchor but for now I'm stuck with what I can afford

Nevermind, I'll get out tomorrow and try setting things up as has been suggested. If I live I'll let you know the results )

regards,

Allen

Well, here's an idea: Use the 4-jaw for one project-make as big a club as possible on your machine and use it to close a deal with whoever sold it to you! At least move to a 3jaw chuck which will be self centering. These are wicked in their own little way also but at least you stand a chance of spending more time turning than chucking up yer wood. When using a multi jaw chuck you should always paint the ends of the jaws a bright color (white works well) so you can better see them as they whiz around. Getting a tool into the jaws is a very dangerous hazard with these type chucks, so be careful. P.S. When completed with the club just leave chuck right on it as the head, it will be most effective that way!

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"Always cutting corners...!"

Hi,

Four jaw chucks are not the best to use; why could you not buy an adaptor to suit the thread of your Lathe, or have one made to suit the thread of your Lathe. You then can purchase a Chuck that is operated by one tool. If you want any further information (I am an experienced Woodturner,) I would be pleased to hear from you on my E-mail. Also, if you require any further info' to suit you, I will see if I can help with that as well.

Happy Easter
Norm

Hi,

I was very interested to have my 5 cents worth to Allen's question, but you beat me to it. I've just registered with the forum, and it just won't post my reply. Help. I'm really looking forward to getting started and talking to you all

Regards
Norm.

Originally posted by doors
The best use for it is either as a paper weight or you could perhaps hurl it at the cat..... but whatever you do DON'T put it on your lathe !!!!