Nova Chucks - Original or Super?

Re: Nova Chucks - Original or Super?

John Lucas

>Brian

I have the original Nova and the Vicmarc 100. The Super Nova is probably closer to the Vicmarc in quality. Although I think the Vicmarc is a better chuck I still use the Nova a lot. I wouldn't necessarily jump in and buy a new chuck if there were other pressing needs. However I know how it goes when you get the bug for new chuck. The Vicmarc and Oneway are probably the way to go unless the jaws from the original Nova will fit the Super Nova and vice versa.

Consider the Titan

sroxberg

>They now offer a Titan 5" model, and rumor has it that the Super Nova will be replaced with a Titan like model late in 2004.

The Titan will use the same jaws, but has a sealed back (not really sealed, but protected a little bit) and a much better key to adjust the jaws.

The best source for new jaws and Nova Accessories that I know of is KMS tools in Canada. They have some great prices and their service for me was excellent.

Hope that helps.

Buy one if you need it, otherwise you might want to spend your money on a vacuum chuck. I'm just now getting mine setup and it will offer me some things that a new Nova Titan can not.

Re: Nova Chucks - Original or Super?

Ron in Drums PA

>The jaws do interchange with one another.

Re: Nova Chucks - Original or Super?

Peter Teubel

>I started with a SuperNova. I was never very happy with it. The wobble key is about the most ridiculous device ever allowed into production. I replaced it with a Oneway Stronghold, which I have used/abused for a couple years now and have had NO problems whatsoever. I also have an original Nova chuck and while the twin bar tightening mechanisn is a bit tricky to use, I find it holds BETTER than the Supernova ever did.

Re: Nova Chucks - Original or Super?

Dick Hines

>Everyone complains about the Super Nova chuck key. T have found that instead of holding the T-bar when you are trying to get the key in place just hold the geared thing. It will drop right in place. Then you can crank her down.

As long as we're on the subject...

Donna Banfield

>I have a Super Nova, Vicmarc and very recently the Nova Titan. I purchased the Nova Titan when I picked up one of the jet mini lathes for 199. at Woodcraft. I wanted to be able to use a chuck on that lathe, but found it a PIA to change inserts on the Super Nova. My other lathe is a Oneway 2436, which is why I have the Vicmarc. I opted for Nova's Titan because of the ability to use all the jaws (I have 4 for the Super Nova) on the Titan.

My observation in using the Titan for the last several months is this: when I am tightening the chuck on the tenon, the closer I get to almost 'locked' down, it feels like the turns start becoming 'clicks'. If I can't get the key to turn past one more 'click' because that's as tight as I can get it, I have found the jaws loosen up while I'm working. I have had pieces come completely off, and some just come loose and wobble. I'm really disappointed in this chuck.

Is anyone else having this problem? Did I explain adequately what the problem is?

Thanks.

Donna Banfield

Re: As long as we're on the subject...

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>Sorry for the delayed response. Somehow I didn't follow this thread.

Have your Titan replaced. I have used one for almost a year now and all of your problems are nothing like my experience (nor to my knowledge, Fred Holder's who has probably used one longer than anyone else in the US).

Then Titan is the best chuck I've used to date.

Re: As long as we're on the subject...

Mark Kauder

>Lyn,

Better than a Vicmark or an Axminster?

Mark

Re: As long as we're on the subject...

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>I haven't used the big Axminster, so it doesn't fall under the category.

I do own or have used about everything else. The Vicmark and Titan are similar in most respects, but there are three small things which cause me to prefer the Titan. One is their new chuck that is a ball ended hex. This is the best key I have used and right now I believe it is the best key, period. Not only will it allow some angularity when operating the chuck, but the rounded ends help the key slide right into the chuck socket, even if the key is slightly mis-aligned.

Second is that the shape of the insert system allows a hex wrench to be used to remove a chuch which is tight on the spindle. This is so much easier and effective that the usual methods of struggling to get such a chuck off.

Finally,. I really like the three screw jaws and the new huge PowerJaws that match them. Very secure, both with respect to mounting the wood to the jaws, and the jaws to the chuck.

All minor points, but they add up to make the Titan the more convenient chuck to use. Which is not to in any way fault the quality of the Vicmarks, which are obviously excellent chucks.

Re: As long as we're on the subject...

Donna Banfield

>Thanks Lyn. I kinda' forgot about the thread, too. I'm glad I was scrolling down and saw a few responses -- and saw that it wasn't just me.

I'll be making a trip to Woodcraft very soon then, to talk about an exchange.

Thanks again. Boy, between you and Russ Fairfield, if I wasn't already happily married -- for over twenty years -- I'd ask one of you guys! ;-)

Donna Banfield