The key for one of my old chucks broke at the shank/head and can not be fixed. So, when I called Teknatool I got the surprise of learning that they do not make or have available, that key. Does anyone have a good idea on how to create a replacment? The head is what is broken, not the shaft. Fortunately I do have a second one of the same style so both chucks are useable. Do I see the handwriting on the wall; " that's what you get for getting old"????? Philip
That's exactly why I bought the Vicmarc. It uses a standard 10mm hex key. If you loose one you simply go to the local hardware and buy another. A good machinist can make you one but it would cost a fortune. Can you send a photo. Id like to see what happened and take my guess at how it could be fixed. Just for the heck of it.
At one time Terry Scott (http://www.timberly.co.nz/) was getting Supernova chuck keys made. Check with him as he was selling them for $28 NZ with $6 or $7 shipping.
I assume you mean the original SuperNova, not the G3 which has a similar, but non-interchangeable key. I already sent a spare to another person who was going to have one machined. I'll see if I can find the info.
I have a half dozen or so of the older SN chucks. The chucks are fine but I hate those keys - a pain sometimes to get seated. I've slowly been adding the SN2 chucks with the big hex key - far quicker and easier to use.
But yikes, makes me wonder how it broke. Do you think the metal was defective? Weakened by hungry robotic termites?
In general, the steel seems pretty tough. I bought two used SN chucks from a guy once who had put so much force on them with a cheater bar it actually bent the steel in the chuck housing, took me hours to repair.
According to his web site he is out of the keys at this time but getting more made. If I remember there is a 5 and a 7 tooth key, have to check mine which I need to replace also.
If you find any information please post it as I am sure others need the keys also.
Last time I checked with someone through Nova in NZ. the key cost as much as a new chuck.
Did you gather up all the parts? Considering the rarity and expense to duplicate, I would think it would be worth the effort to braze the parts back together.
3-D printing? I read that you can use metal powder and after the item is printed, sinter it so it becomes one piece. Don't know the details, but I've seen Youtubes of making about anything with the printer.
The ones I've seen, the 3D print is just a matrix, and followed with an infusion of lower melting point metal. I can't imagine that has the same strength characteristics of the original. Especially considering the original failed.
The original Supernova keys wobbled (I guess to make it easier to contact the teeth) but that makes it a breaking point. The ones made by Terry Scott were a solid metal key that should last forever. Contact him and maybe they will get more made faster.
Did not realize I was hitting a raw nerve with my Nova chuck key problem.
J. Lucas pix to folllow. J. Jordan I am not certain but the metal could have been defective. I might also be that I am partly to blame for putting max pressure on due to working hard woods all these years- - and not keeping the chucks free of sprays/debris. BB. Lost the broken part and in the shavings and am not sure a braze would hold up to the pressures I use to hold hard woods. The real solution is to keep the chuck clean, lubricated and be a bit more reasonable in tightening at 3 holes.
I fully understand the need to move away from these old chucks but have had wonderful luck all these past 20+ years. But, I see the need to move ahead, not looking behind, as all good ship drivers know. P.
