Thread: Record Power Woodturning lathes

Vicmarc are probably the best but Nova and some of the generics are good, you just get the right adapter to match your spindle thread.
Lots of suppliers, CWS are forum sponsors. Google is your friend.

I have a CL3, I have a Nova chuck on mine, but any brand that has an insert with the correct thread will work. Pretty sure it has a 3/4 x 16 tpi ( 3/4 unf ) spindle thread, but check that before ordering. Some manufacturers now make bigger chucks, don't go too big , I think 90-100mm would be the range you would need. Nova and Vicmarc are the two that I would look at, but GPW also has one that might also be worth a look, depending on the range of jaws that will be able to be fitted.

This manual seems to agree with Ironwood's thinking for the spindle thread.

Record CL3.JPG

I also have the older CL3 lathe and use Robert Sorby Patriot chuck on mine and it is the 3/4" X 16 thread but any chuck that either takes an adaptor to fit of a dedicated threaded chuck will be fine.

Best to buy a chuck with a larger hole and use an adapter for the 3/4 X 16 spindle. If the bowl turning bug bites, you may soon be looking for a bigger swing lathe with 30mm or 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch spindle. With the big hole you use a different adapter and the same chuck.

Nova Lathe Chuck Inserts / Adapters | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

There are adapters that can be used on a large spindle to a small hole in the chuck, but they extend out from the head stock and magnify any error in centering.

Don't know why I ended up with a duplicate post

Virtually all chucks sold in Australia use an insert. It is just a matter of picking the chuck that you like and there will be an insert available to suit your lathe which you normally purchase at the same time. Vicmarc are considered the benchmark and Nova are also very good quality. I have no experience with the inhouse brands but I'm sure others can comment on those.
There are many suppliers of chucks but I don't know if there are any shops where you can go and check them out in person on the Sunshine Coast.
Online suppliers could be picked from those below, but there are many more.
https://www.cwsonline.com.au/shop/ca...nd-accessories
Timberbits Vicmarc Chucks
GPW Woodturning Chucks
https://www.timbecon.com.au/woodturn...ks-face-plates
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/WoodLathe-Accessories
https://www.carbatec.com.au/woodturn...ssories/chucks

Vicmarc IMO. I have 2 and they are great.

Peter

I think Vicmarc is the gold standard. When I needed a big chuck for my 20 inch swing Woodfast, the Silver standard of Oneway was my choice saving around $100. I also picked this set used, in new condition for $50 some years back. https://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC3000C.html It has served me well on a 14 inch swing lathe making many bowls. It looks very much like a Nova and may be made by the same factory. It came threaded for 1 inch X 8 threads per inch, with an adapter for 3/4 inch X 12 TPI. I got a Penn State Industries adapter to put it on my 33mm spindle and lucked out as it runs true even though it is hung way out from the spindle nose.

I have seen a Sorby chuck threaded for 33mm X 3.5, which is what my 14 inch swing lathe has, but opted for a Oneway with a big hole and an insert. Just about all chucks with 1 1/4, 33mm, 30mm, or 1 inch will have an adapter to fit 3/4 X 12 TPI. When the small lathe spindle is adapted to a larger thread in the chuck, it is kept close to the spindle nose and less likely to have run out than going the other way.

This: https://www.pennstateind.com/store/LABAR418.html VS this: https://www.pennstateind.com/store/LA3318.html

As Paul39 said if you do get into bowl turning you might need to move to a more solid lathe. I had one of these and despite the 40mm solid bars that form the bed when you get a sizeable bowl blank that is not balanced it is not uncommon for some resonance to start and get those big bars swaying. I ended up using mine mainly for sanding and finishing after turning on my club's big Vicmarc. I also suggest going with Vicmarc chucks as they will serve you well.