Woodcraft 4-Jaw Chuck

[Billy Tallant]

I'm wanting to try my hand at turning some miniature birdhouses. Woodcraft has a Self-Centereing 4-Jaw Chuck on sale for $74.99. I know there are much better chucks out there, but this price is tempting me to go ahead & pick it up.

Any ideas on this chuck, or anyone using it? Thanks in advance for any responses on this.

[cliff smith]

i have that chuck over a year now works good for me and a great value for th price has a good list of jaws to choose from.

[Michael Mills]

I’ve had one for a little over a year and it has met most of my needs.
Pro’s It will adjust about 1 inch. (My new Nova only adjust about ¾ inch).
Con’s There is no stop for the jaws so they will fall out if opened too far.
Jaws were poorly stamped (numbered); I finally engraved them to be readable.
I also purchased the #1 jaws which goes down to 3/8 inch…about $20.
You may also want to check out http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2009/Main/130
for their $99 chuck. I have never used one but I have read a lot of good reviews.
Mike

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Try e-bay and search for the Nova g3. One handed operation, and all the jaws interchange if you wan to go bigger, or smaller. Last I heard it's 129 and free shipping, which is more than 75 bucks. It's the only series of chucks I've owned. I also have the midi, which is 2 handed operation, but is physically a smaller check. The g3 is a "fat" chuck, and will cut into your length about an inch (extra). Pretty critical if you only have a mini. Just something else to consider.

[Chris Rae]

I have a couple of the Woodcraft chucks and they work great, no problems.

[David Christopher]

Ive had mine for over a year and still like it

[Billy Tallant]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I will probably pick up a chuck soon to start playing with. I don't know why I let the vortex pull me down into another direction. I seem to always be behind in my penmaking so I've really got plenty of work to keep me busy just making pens. :)

[Bernie Weishapl]

Hey Billy don't mind that sucking, swishing sound.:eek::D:rolleyes::cool:;)

[David Walser]

... I don't know why I let the vortex pull me down into another direction. I seem to always be behind in my penmaking so I've really got plenty of work to keep me busy just making pens. :)

Let the vortex pull you down? There is no letting involved. Resistance if futile. Woodturning is is an addiction for which there is no 12 step program!

[Mark P. Brown]

Ah yes the vortex. Call the bank second/third mortgage. More wood, more tools. more ...
Mark