Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Which Chuck?
Steve Lewis
>Hi all, I'm looking at purchasing my first chuck for my Jet 1642. I've narrowed it down to three chucks; Supernova2, Oneway Talon, and the Vicmarc 31/2. Although I certainally would entertain other recomendations. I turn mostly small to midsize vessels with an occasional large bowl.
Re: Which Chuck?
Mark Kauder, Phenix CIty, AL
>Steve,
All three of those will work for what you want it for. Everyone here will have their personal preference, but these lathes will all work.
I think what you should do, is look and see what jaws are available for the different chucks, and select the one that has the variety of jaws you think you might need in the future.
The Chuck is just the beginning of the story, and in some ways, the cheapest. The cost of different Jaws is what really addes up.
FYI, Many of the Oneway jaws will fit the Nova chucks.
One of the reasons that my next chuck upgrade will be the New Nova Titon, is that all my existing Jaws will fit it, as well as my chuck inserts will fit it.
Mark
Re: Which Chuck?
John Lucas
>I'm real happy with my Vicmarc. I've turned with the Talon and think I would be just as happy with that. I own one of the old Nova chucks and it's OK. I would think the new ones are much better but haven't turned with one of those so I can't really compare.
Re: Which Chuck?
John K Jordan
>I have experience only with the Supernova and the ^2 version. I'm quite happy with these. You will need the 1-1/4x8 insert for the 1642. If you get the "L" version it will have a setscrew to lock the chuck on the lathe spindle so you can use the 1642 in reverse for sanding or using a gouge inside a bowl on the back side. I recommend getting their wrench to help removing the chuck.
The biggest problem with chucks is stopping to chang the jaws! Some people with tool weaknesses, myself included, end up getting several chucks to minimize the hassle. I think I'm up to 6 chucks now. Somebody help me, maybe a 12-step program or something.
JKJ in East TN
Re: Which Chuck?
Dick Hines
>You are half way there John. You only have 6 more chucks to go.
Hi, my name is Paul and I'm a chuckah...
Paul Porter in Phoenix, AZ
>I've got some catching up to do, I only have 5. Sure is nice though, when you working on a project that uses different jaws.
You know my vote
Les Robison
>
Re: Which Chuck?
Rick Allen
>There are some issues with each of the chucks.
The Oneway has the open back and the spline key. For many the closed back and the hex key are prefered.
The Nova won't fit on a Oneway. They can't accept an insert that size.
The Vicmarc doesn't lock on the spindle. I had a Oneway Stronghold mounted on a Jet mini. My friend was turning on that lathe, had a catch and the chuck started to dismount. The chuck slowly dismounted. Logicly this shouldn't have been able to happen. The jet mini has no dynamic breaking and no reverse. And yet it did happen. If I had used the set screws to lock the chuck on the spindle the chuck could NOT have dismounted.
I happen to have a Oneway lathe and for the reasons stated above the only suitable chucks are Oneway chucks. I have a Vicmarc chuck (5 1/2") which I am careful to use as that chuck has started dismounting on several occasions. On the pluss side the Big Vicmarc chuck has the BIG button jaws which I find to be the best button jaws on the market.
Thanks
Richard
Re: Which Chuck?
JL
>The Talon is nice. So is the Vicmarc. Haven't turned on the Nova. If it were me (sometimes I am not patient enough), I'd get the Talon - but only because I can get parts for it locally. I don't think much of the "Jumbo Jaws", though I do like the other available jaws.
Re: Which Chuck?
Fog Tanner
>I have the Vic 5 1/2" keyed chuck, along with two Strongholds, and do not have the problem with it wanting to unscrew. I lock the spindle and spin the chuck onto the shoulder. If I can unscrew it by hand, I back it off and do it again harder. When I need to take the chuck off, I typically have to lock the spindle and put a wooden handle across the jaws as a lever. The adapter on the Vic chuck and the spindle on the lathe are machined for a "locking collar". I also have a Vicmarc 300, which can use the locking collar, but have not had to use it yet.
Re: Which Chuck?
Fog Tanner
>I have a 16" Delta steel bed lathe and a 24" Vic 300. When I originally got the 16" Delta, I bought a Stronghold. With various jaw sets I can turn from 3/8" to 23" stock. I have since added another Stronghold, along with most of the jawsets, and a 5 1/2" Vic keyed chuck. I like the Vic better than the Stronghold, although they are both good chucks. I just prefer the closed back and hex key. The Vic chucks I have used are also smoother than the Strongholds I have used. The main issue I have had with the Stronghold, is it loosens when I am expanding into a rebate. I have to stop and reexpand the jaws. Both of my Strongholds have this problem, but the Vic doesn't. I also like the Shark jaws better for making boxes. When backhollowing I have pulled blanks out of the #2 profiled jaws on the Stronghold, but not on the Shark jaws. I also prefer the dovetail jaws on both the Vic and the Stronghold when making bowls.
The best thing you can do is use some of the various chucks and see which one fits your needs. Chucks are one of those spirital things which are "discussed" with the same passion as Fords and Chevys....just depends on what you drive as to which one is best.
Thanks all
Steve Lewis
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