Ayao Chuck

[pommyphil]

A bit of a review of my new Ayao chuck might be useful to some. First let my say I'm a great Vicmarc fan and happy owner of two of their lathes and lots of their chucks. I will leave the Chinese v Australian argument for others.

I had decided I needed another 100mm chuck and saw the Ayao on eBay for $180 inc postage and 5% off, so $171 delivered. It arrived a few days later from Brisbane in a nice but unnecassary metal box422085

My first impression was HEAVY. 422086 and pretty, so I pulled it apart and yes it is heavy. Stripped down without insert or jaws it weighs in at 2144 gm compared to a VM100 at 1450 and a Nova 3G at 1074.

422087 This is left to right a Nova 3G, a VM100 and the Ayao. 422088422089 The Ayao and Vicmarc with the back plate off.
Even the jaw screws are more robust L to R Ayao, Nova and Vicmarc. This might be heresy but this could be a better chuck than the VM100 ( at this point I duck under the desk ot avoid the flak )
The only downside seems to be no provision for a grubscrew to lock the supplied insert so Loktite or use a Vicmarc insert with it's own lock screw.
So thats my first impression, it runs dead true out of the box and feels smooth and strong. Time will tell, I'll get back to you in 20years with a full review. Phil

[Old Croc]

Good review Phil. I can't wait for them to make a 125 mm version.
Rgds,
Crocy.

[Woiim]

Hi What thread are they and can you get inserts for M30x3.5 if needed, also where do you get jaws for them. Sound like a decent chuck

[pommyphil]

Nova jaws fit, as do Vicmarc jaws if you drill out for the 6mm screws. Mine was 30mm. Here is their site Wood Lathes & Accessories | Product Categories | Ayao Woodworking Supplies (http://www.ayaowoodworking.com.au/product-category/products/wood-lathe-and-accessories/)

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Certainly looks well presented and a good looking unit. As you say, time will tell how they run and last.

I am fully equipped with chucks so do not need any but it would be good if you could update in a few months for those looking for a second or third chuck.

i wonder whether the added mass of the Ayao may cause some start-up issues for less powerful lathes, or those with slippy belt issues, so, for those other potential buyers, it would be good to know what you are spinning it on too and whether it caused any start-up issues.

[pommyphil]

I suppose it's theoretically possibly to have enough chucks ..................

I did a couple of hours spindle turning with it today on my VL175SH and it behaved very well.

I can't see an extra half kilo making any difference, they handle 5-10kg bowl blanks OK Phil

[Nubsnstubs]

A bit of a review of my new Ayao chuck might be useful to some. First let my say I'm a great Vicmarc fan and happy owner of two of their lathes and lots of their chucks. I will leave the Chinese v Australian argument for others.


My first impression was HEAVY. 422086 and pretty, s
The only downside seems to be no provision for a grubscrew to lock the supplied insert so Loktite or use a Vicmarc insert with it's own lock screw.
So thats my first impression, it runs dead true out of the box and feels smooth and strong. Time will tell, I'll get back to you in 20years with a full review. Phil

Phil, what is that large ring in the right side of the box?

Not having a place for a grub screw isn't a real issue if you have a drill press. Pick a spot anywhere on the body away from the chuck key holes, and drill through it then through the threaded portion. Tap the hole to whatever size that will work, insert a grub screw, and you are and you're in business. If you are concerned about your warranty, ignore what I just said..

The G3 chucks I have has the grub screw next to the chuck key hole. the supplied screws are actually too long and interfere with the chuck key bottoming out. I decided that was not good for my chuck key, and mating cog (drawing a blank as to the name for that part), so drilled holes about 1/2"/13mm off to the side, and now my chuck key works like it should. Jerry (in Tucson)USA

[pommyphil]

Jerry. The ring thing is a 4" face plate, over half inch thick with four screw holes, you screw it onto the blank and expand the chuck jaws into it.

I've used Loctite before on inserts with no problems. Phil

[Woiim]

Thanks for that info.