PDA

View Full Version : Chuck advice...



Yonnee
15th June 2012, 06:36 PM
I got a wood lathe as a gift, but have never really had anywhere to set it up. Now I do, I'm looking at how I can hold some fairly small pieces. The lathe has a 3/4"UNF spindle, so I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences with one of McJings chucks (http://www.mcjing.com.au/categorybrowser.aspx?categoryid=64#"C"STYLEECONOMYSCROLL4-JAWLATHECHUCK)? (the top one, IS21160S)

Jim Carroll
15th June 2012, 06:56 PM
The problem is if you want to expand the range of accessories for the chuck this is very limiting.

That is the reason you buy a vicmarc or nova, you are not limited.

Acco
15th June 2012, 07:11 PM
Will you be home tomorrow afternoon?

I can drop in after I've been to http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/another-get-together-already-151952/ or you could drop in and catch up with the gang.

Reasons for asking is you said small stuff, but really need more info, maybe a collet chuck (http://www.cws.au.com/shop/item/vicmarc-collet-chuck-set) will do?

nz_carver
15th June 2012, 07:22 PM
If you can got to the gtg at grumpy Johns
Of see

I'd say bank for your buck vicmarc

vk4
15th June 2012, 07:29 PM
Don't buy it , buy a VICMARC, better quality more accessories available, Cost is more quality is far better.

Jeff
vk4

nz_carver
15th June 2012, 10:58 PM
I ment to say bang for your buck
Vicmarc is the way to go

I have a nova and a china made chuck
And after using a vicmarc nothing has came close
Vicmarc make the best chucks,tools,and well if it was not for being in love with stubby lathes I'd buy a vicmarc in a hart beat

Yonnee
16th June 2012, 09:29 AM
Thanks one and all. Now I have to table a report for the Minister for Finance to increase the budget!

This one (http://www.cws.au.com/shop/item/nova-g3-scroll-chuck) takes my fancy...


Reasons for asking is you said small stuff, but really need more info, maybe a collet chuck (http://www.cws.au.com/shop/item/vicmarc-collet-chuck-set) will do?<!-- google_ad_section_end --> Hmm... maybe not quite that small.

I might see if I can pop round to GJ's for a bit.

orraloon
16th June 2012, 10:33 AM
That is more like it. You will actually save in the long run. You would have ended up getting a good chuck after finding the first ones limitations.
Regards
John

vk4
16th June 2012, 04:17 PM
I suggest a VICMARC VM 100, these will do nicely for small work , up to 290mm dis plates / bowls.


Jeff
vk4

NCPaladin
18th June 2012, 01:35 AM
I think the G3 you linked to would serve you well. I have four and have never had a problem.
A lot of folks here have purchased from this guy in Canada. You would have to email to see what shipping is.
NOVA G3 WOODLATHE CHUCK W/ INSERT - SPECIAL PROMOTION and FREE SHIPPING CA & US | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOVA-G3-WOODLATHE-CHUCK-W-INSERT-SPECIAL-PROMOTION-and-FREE-SHIPPING-CA-US-/310375382639?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item4843d07e6f)

At $125 including insert (and free shipping here) it is a great deal. Should leave about enough for you to purchase Pin jaws (spigot from 3/8 - 1") for small items. Keeping the larger 50mm for larger items.

Paul39
18th June 2012, 05:23 AM
Check here for a long discussion about chucks:

http://www.woodworkforums.com/search.php?searchid=7972931

I was looking for a larger chuck some months ago and asked for advice here. The answer was the best was Vicmarc.

I asked a a professional turner demonstrating locally who had a Vicmarc on the lathe and a Oneway on the bench. He thought the best one was the Vickmark, next the Oneway.

I had been using the original Oneway on my 14 inch lathe for years and liked the quality.

I looked at a smaller Nova locally, but the dealer would not order a bigger one unless I bought it.

I stopped at a large woodworking store on my way to visit my daughter and looked at the larger Oneway with #4 jaws and insert. I asked if they would match the price from Oneway, they did and I bought. The same size Vicmarc was about $100 more.

Asking about the Nova on this site brought enthusiastic replies from people who owned older ones and complaints from people who bought early ones made in Asia. Possibly that has been sorted.

If you buy from a dealer that will replace one that does not run true out of the box, the risk is minimal.

I just bought a Penn State Industries Barracuda 2 outfit used for $85 It looks a lot like a Nova.

Barracuda2 Lathe Key Chuck System at Penn State Industries (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC3000C.html)

It will go on a 12 inch swing lathe and will not be used for heavy or big stuff as I have a 20 inch swing Woodfast and the larger Oneway chuck.

The best thing is to get involved with a turning club and test drive a few chucks, and talk with owners of the various ones. The best and most expensive ones are wonderful, but one does not need that as a casual hobbyist.

Someone who roughs out 16 - 20 big bowls a day will thrash a lesser expensive chuck rather quickly. Someone who turn on the weekend and makes spindles and small bowls would not wear out the same chuck in a lifetime.

One can also make bowls by using a faceplate and one fixing. Do a bit of reading. If you can find a 1970s edition of this:

Amazon.com: The Craftsman Woodturner (Master Craftsmen) (9781861080752): Peter Child: Books

He shows how to do lots of things without a 4 jaw scroll chuck.

Sawdust Maker
18th June 2012, 10:48 PM
I've nova stuff because that's what I got first up - I've had a small problem with one chuck which the retailer, with a little persuasion, replaced.

My main comment is that if you are looking to hold small stuff, one of our better known small stuff turners (doesn't like timber thicker then your finger :rolleyes:)* says that you need to ensure the jaws are attached with two screws. (see I did listen) You'll see that some of the nova jaws have one screw - but the new smaller jaws set has two.





* I've probably just received the 2 fingered salute