Chuck to lathe size

**NeilS** · 10th October 2012, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

In saying that the VM90/100 are not compatible with the VM120/140 but then you have the best of both worlds.

If you need to go above the 150mm dovetail jaw size, the only option is Vicmarc that has some really nicely made dovetail jaws running in increments right up to 223mm, but you do need at least the VM120 chuck to swing them and then, as Jim points out, you run into compatibility problems with the jaws that fit the VM120 and those that fit the VM90/100 chucks.

For that reason alone I'm not sure about throwing away either good Vicmarc or good Nova chucks to have them all the same brand, as it doesn't solve the jaw compatibility problem.

Nova made good chucks and jaws up to the Nova Deluxe (later re-badged the Titan with an extra screw hole) but then seem to lose their way for a while with their own incompatibility issues and with engineering details on their jaws and inserts, besides not keeping up with Vicmarc on the range of jaw sets available. For that reason I suggest that anyone starting out begin with Vicmarc.

But, I for one won't be letting any of my good Novas go that have had years of reliable use and still have years of good use left in them.

And, having both Nova and Vicmarc gives you more jaw set options, like the Nova 81mm bowl jaws (which they call for some reason their 75mm jaw set...

) which is a nice step between Vicmarc 72mm and the Nova 97mm jaws (they call 100mm jaws). Also the Vicmarc standard jaws which go down to 45/46mm in bowl jaw mode, unlike the Nova standard jaws that can only manage 51mm. The 45/46mm is a nice step between the 51mm and the Vic 36mm jaws.

So, as others have said, it's the jaw size/make that determines the chuck, and, unless you are very disciplined and prepared to be for ever changing jaws, the number of chucks will multiply... an expensive vortex which is waiting to suck us all in if we can't resist.

Not an unpleasant prospect, Jim...

Originally Posted by Tim the Timber Turner

I just counted my Vicmarc's.

Now I'm feeling unlucky.

Do you think I should get another one just in case?

Hmmm.... I'll be one short of a baker's dozen (but not all Vicmarcs) when a local unnamed Vicmarc agent delivers my next two. So, please don't make that three Tim, I don't need to tempt fate to be paid a visit...

**RETIRED** · 10th October 2012, 03:20 PM

Well written Neil. My sentiments exactly.

**Rod Gilbert** · 10th October 2012, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

Dave

What they all said

issatree
I note you said you don't want a 50mm set but if you ever get the urge to round out the collection, drop me a line as I've extra (don't know why you can't buy a chuck without a set of jaws attached

)

Hi I have been looking for a set of standard 50mm jaw's for my nova titan Gary Pye doesn't have them if you wish to sell yours or know where I can get some could you let me know.
Regards Rod.

**RETIRED** · 10th October 2012, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by Rod Gilbert

Hi I have been looking for a set of standard 50mm jaw's for my nova titan Gary Pye doesn't have them if you wish to sell yours or know where I can get some could you let me know.
Regards Rod.

I have a couple of sets of 50mm Jaws you can have. Just Pm your address and I will send them off.

**Mobyturns** · 13th October 2012, 08:56 AM

Chuck to lathe size should be based upon manufacturers recommendations for both – max speed recommendations for chuck & jaws, max work piece dia etc. Small goes on big but big chucks on small lathes unnecessarily stress headstock spindle bearings (VM90 1.7kg – VM120 3.9kg – VM150 6kg) & also greatly increases rotating mass, time to decelerate etc due to flywheel effect. Big chucks also changes toppling moments – making the lathe much more tippy which is important with midi / mini lathes as mostly they are portable and not held down.

Recently I had a good conversation with Enzo from Vermec. He pointed out that Aussie manufacturers are struggling with the high <st1:stockticker>AUD</st1:stockticker> & also mentioned that his imported generic chucks are given a bit of work with swarf & burr removal plus plating before sale. So the extra few bucks at times may be well worth spending to have a safer burr free chuck.

Have to agree about the std jaw dia’s as well. I prefer the Vicmarc chuck’s. The VM90 45mm min dia is brilliant for spindle work & small bowls. The Nova midi also has a minimal jaw movement range, not that important really, given jaws sets should never be used past their safe working limit as it damages the scroll & is unsafe. Vicmarc’s chuck manual recommends min/max dia’s, max rpm etc. The Vicmarc std dovetail jaw profile I believe is the safest design & I’m not a fan of the Nova profile on their midi std jaws. That secondary bevel is nasty in my opinion & creates micro cracks in timber just where you don’t want them unless you are careful in cutting your spigot shape/profile.

**Rod Gilbert** · 14th October 2012, 08:03 AM

I have had a couple of goes at a PM but I dont know if it has worked.
Regards Rod.

**RETIRED** · 14th October 2012, 09:02 AM

Yes, got them.

**Sawdust Maker** · 14th October 2012, 03:33 PM

Thanks
I've still got some if anyone wants

back to chucks

Enzo (Vermec) made a chuck which took both vicmarc and nova jaw sets
I believe he is going to do it again but has been a little while in happening

Hah - thought I'd have a look and it seems he has got them on the market here
Should have looked before I posted

**NeilS** · 14th October 2012, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

Enzo (Vermec) made a chuck which took both vicmarc and nova jaw sets
I believe he is going to do it again but has been a little while in happening

Hah - thought I'd have a look and it seems he has got them on the market here

I understand the Vermec CHU-600 chuck takes the jaws that fit the VM90 and VM100 chucks and the Nova chucks other than the Titan PowerGrip jaws, but not the jaws that fit the VM120, etc., but still a very good solution as far as it goes.

**rsser** · 16th October 2012, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by NeilS

I understand the Vermec CHU-600 chuck takes the jaws that fit the VM90 and VM100 chucks and the Nova chucks other than the Titan PowerGrip jaws, but not the jaws that fit the VM120, etc., but still a very good solution as far as it goes.

Indeed.

If things haven't changed in the last couple of years you will still have to drill out the VM 90/100 jaw holes by 1 mm though. No drama; couple of minutes work. (Because of the countersink the jaws remain backwards compatible).

My last chuck purchase was a bare GPW Gen 3 110 which has performed well with VM90/100 Shark jaws with drilled out holes.

Teknatool has some info on chuck to lathe size here but the link to 'which jaw set is best' is dead.

**rsser** · 16th October 2012, 04:08 PM

Found another link to ratio of workpiece size to Nova jaw size/type here:

http://www.teknatool.com/products/Ch...set_poster.pdf

**NeilS** · 17th October 2012, 09:25 AM

And, while on compatibility, a workable retrofit is Vermec's jaw adaptor set that allows Nova (and Bonham) chucks to take VM90/100 jaws.

**rsser** · 17th October 2012, 06:14 PM

Yes, have used those. They look somewhat rustic but they work.

While I haven't bought chucks or jaws for a while, I remain a fan of VM jaws and remain prepared to fit them to other chuck brands.

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