Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Oct 23, 2007 11:34pm | #1

   What style of chuck for what type of machine?

   John W.

1. 
   user-91243 | Oct 24, 2007 02:39am | #2

    Looking for a 4 jaw scroll type chuck to use on a Powermatic #45 lathe.

    I'd also like to know what size jaw sets you guys find most useful.

     I've done some spindle turning for a few years, Now  I'd like to try  my hand at bowls & gobblets & small vessels ect..

   Thanks Joe

1. 
   mike4244 | Oct 24, 2007 06:28pm | #3

   I bought a 3 jaw chuck from Grizzly that is okay.If I had to do it again I would pass on this chuck and pay more for a high end chuck.No recomendations from me as I do a lot of spindle turning but little work using a chuck.

   mike

1. 
   donhenthorn | Oct 24, 2007 11:36pm | #4

   Unless you do very demanding work, I don't think you would be disappointed with the Grizzly chuck. I have one and it suits my needs just fine. I do hollow forms, etc. Sometimes you can improve on any chuck by doing some tune up.

2. 
   BruceS | Oct 25, 2007 05:27pm | #10

   You wouldn't buy a YUGO for a touring car.  I have a Nova Chuck and love it.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   Napie | Oct 25, 2007 03:49am | #5

   Can't talk to the cheap ones but I have a 15 year old Nova scroll chuck that has never let me down, ever. I'd think it would be worth the extra for a better one.  Oh, and once you have one you'll wonder just how you got by without it.

3. 
   PheasantHunter | Oct 25, 2007 04:15am | #6

   I have a 4 jaw Grizzly chuck that I have used a ton(bought it 5 years ago).  I wonder how I got along without it.  It isn't perfect (lacks a great grip), but for the cost I couldn't beat it.  No matter what, buy a chuck you will love the versalitity that it provides.

4. 
   PrettyMuchIRock | Oct 25, 2007 04:51am | #7

   I have been using the Nova midi chuck and love it, only for a year though. I used it on a midi lathe...but now I have a bigger lathe and feel I might need a bigger one soon, I will defiantly be picking up another Nova.

5. 
   flairwoodworks | Oct 25, 2007 06:38am | #8

   Joe,

   I picked up a Teknatool Nova G3 chuck for $160 Canadian just over a year ago and I am quite happy with it.  I've purchased two extra sets of jaws - the pin jaws for small bowls and the bowl jaws.  I find that the jaws I use most often for the bowls I turn (from 4-10" diameter) are the standard jaws.  The bowl jaws are also really handy.  I haven't used the pin jaws yet.  It's a great chuck for the price - ideal for a midi lathe.

   That being said, I have to confess that soon after I bought the Nova, I began looking at other chucks.  I am convinced that the OneWay chucks are superior in jaw design and quality.  Also, they're Canadian made, as opposed to the Teknatools, which are made off shore.

    

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

6. 
   woodtrner | Oct 25, 2007 06:50am | #9

   you will probably use it a lot once you have it. buy the best you can afford. It will last a lifetime, and will have decent resale value when you upgrade.

1. 
   user-91243 | Oct 26, 2007 01:31am | #11

    Thanks everyone.

    I would still like to hear from some one who has the penn-state Barracuda 2 Key chuck system.

    I'm also interested in a sharpening Jig. either a Wolverine or the Penn State jig. any advice on one of  the sharpening jigs?

    

1. 
   donhenthorn | Oct 26, 2007 02:34am | #12

   I think you will find more people recommending the Wolverine for sharpening. More expensive equipment is available but the Wolverine serves the needs of many professional turners quite well.As to the chuck, I can turn anything on my Grizzly that anyone can turn on the more expensive chucks of similar size. The expensive chucks may operate a little smoother and be a little better machined but the final result of the turning will be the same. Kinda like the car example. You can get there in a Ford or a Lambhorgini(sp) but the end result is you get there which was the objective.

1. 
   donhenthorn | Oct 26, 2007 02:38am | #13

   I meant to add that I have read of many who were quite satisfied with the Barracuda chuck. Depends on your personal demands. Can you stand a Motel 8 to get a quick night's sleep or do you have to stay at a Holliday Express?

2. 
   Napie | Oct 26, 2007 03:31pm | #14

   As to a sharpening jig, if you are talking about one for turning tools I say forget it; they are a waste of time and money, (I don’t believe in jigs for any sharpening for that matter).  Just learn to freehand grind your turning tools.  It requires the SAME motor skills that turning does, if you can turn a cove and bead on a spindle then you can easily grind a fingernail gouge freehand. When you turn you grind A LOT and you need that to be fast, jigs take too much time and don’t really improve the finished product.

3. 
   JonnZ | Oct 27, 2007 05:15pm | #15

   I've been pleased with the Barracuda from Penn State.  Admittedly, I am somewhat new, and have not tried the others, but the main advantage I see to the Barracuda is all the different sets of jaws.  Most only provide one set, and you have to buy a set if you need pin jaws, larger jaws, etc.  The Barracuda comes with four sets, that will accommodate most anything you need.

7. 
   woodwish | Oct 28, 2007 07:30pm | #16

   My first chuck was a 3.5" VicMark.  A little while later I bought one of the Grizzly knock-offs for half the price.  In my opinion it was junk, ended up giving it to another turner and bought myself a second VicMark.  He ended up throwing it away after a piece of wood came loose because it would not tighten correctly.  Maybe that one was a lemon but it wasn't worth the postage it cost to send it.  Among the better chucks (VicMark, Oneways, etc.) they all are worth the cost, it's just a case of which one you can get. I love my Vics but have used Oneways with equal satisfaction.

   Have played with other systems but love the Wolverine the best.  Some turners swear by the water cooled stones like the new Jet.  It's more expensive and slower, but does a good job.  One real advantage to those is it can be used for sharpening anything from turning tools to kitchen knives.  Hope to get one for Christmas myself but more for other sharpening than turning tools.

8. 
   user-91243 | Nov 26, 2007 02:27am | #17

    Ok. I finaily bought the Wolverine sharpening system!

    Hartville had what I thought was a good deal on it.

   I got the basic system the side grind gouge jig & the skew jig & a diamond stone dresser. Got it all for $145. delivered.

    I just got it set up, but I haven't used it yet.

     Next come the Chuck purchase. I haven't decided between the  Super Nova 2 or the Penn State Barracuda 2.  Leaning toward the more expensive Nova.

    I like to buy Quality tools, But I am a Bargin hunter, I like to feel like I'm getting a good deal when I do buy.

    Would still like any Chuck feedback. As I have never used one yet.

    Thanks everyone, Sorry If I was to long.

1. 
   IAC | Nov 28, 2007 11:55am | #18

   Joe,

   Take a close look at the Oneway chucks, I have used a stronghold and a Talon for a long time and never been dissapointed or found a difficulty.  Another slightly cheaper option if you have access to the UK is Axminister tools range of chucks.

   Ian