Chuck Recomendation

[mickey cassiba]

After all the advice I recieved a couple weeks ago regarding the type of chuck (bars vs. key operated), I pulled the trigger on a Barracuda clone that seemed worth the money. Today I received an email that the unit was back ordered with 'no anticipated due date', basically telling me I wasn't going to get my chuck. I cancelled the order, and my bank account shows a full credit of $50(what I paid). So, with heavy heart, I asked the CFO 'What now?' She said I could add a little to the fund, but to try to keep the total at $100(well maybe just a bit extra to cover shipping)With this in mind, I need specific recommendations. The clone I had ordered was a knock off of the Barracuda 3 shown in the recent PSI catalog. My lathe is a Delta LA200 with the 1"8tpi spindle. Any of you folks know where I can get what I'm looking for, or better yet, have one collecting dust? If you moderator folks feel this should be moved to 'classifieds' sobeit...I just thought it would be appropriate here, as the request to buy was secondary to the request for recommendations.
Thanks all and please have a good Easter(don't shoot the bunnies in the 'mater patch, they just might be layin':D

[Tim Thiebaut]

I dont have this chuck so I cant speak to its quality, but I do have a lot of tools from Penn State and love them....this seems like an excellent buy, maybe someone that has this will chime in, but I dont think you could go wrong with this....it comes with the #1 & #2 jaws plus free mini-jumbo jaws! It looks like it uses the bars and NOT the key...but is in your price range. Hope this helps.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CUG3418CCX.html

[Bill Wyko]

I was luckky enough to find a new one way at a yard sale along with a bunch of other tools. Keep your eye on C-list and the other sites. Sometimes a real gem pops up. Good luck.

[John Keeton]

Mickey, sometimes the Nova G3 goes on sale for $99, and some of them are direct thread to 1 x 8 tpi. The SN2 is on sale right now for $140, but you will need an insert - $24.

[philip labre]

The Vicmarc clone from grizzly is a decent chuck for about $100, but only comes with one set of jaws. They do sell 2 other jaws that fit or the VM100 jaws will fit. I do have the PSI one mentioned above and still use it, but the tommy bars are a bit of a hassle. Helps to move the tool rest over and rest one of the bars against that and you can do it one handed.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/4-Jaw-Wood-Chuck-1-x-8-TPI/H6265

[David E Keller]

I like the grizzly chuck. I've got one now, and I've got two more on backorder. I think I should get them around the end of May or first of June. I've decided to use the Vicmarc chucks, and the grizzly is a substitute for the VM100. I thinks it's $109.

[del schisler]

i have a nova chuck for yrs now and find it to be very good. I don't remember which one but you can reverse the jaw's for a smaller or lager piece of wood.

[Dick Wilson]

I dont have this chuck so I cant speak to its quality, but I do have a lot of tools from Penn State and love them....this seems like an excellent buy, maybe someone that has this will chime in, but I dont think you could go wrong with this....it comes with the #1 & #2 jaws plus free mini-jumbo jaws! It looks like it uses the bars and NOT the key...but is in your price range. Hope this helps.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CUG3418CCX.html

Hmmmmm. Tim this does look like a pretty good deal considering you get 2 sets of jaws AND Jumbo jaws. Down side they say levers, .........tommy bars. If you get this chuck and the jumbo jaws I would get a set of grippers for it that are beveled. I would feel uncomfortable using straight grippers. Get a catch and the turning is rocketing through the air.

[Michelle Rich]

save your $$ and buy good quality..the grizzly I hear is ok & takes vicmarc jaws..the PSI chucks I hear are good too..the G3 is ok. I have one & it;'s not my favorite, but it works fine. Do not go cheap here. This holds wood spinning at 2000rpm..if it lets go, you have a major emergency room bill. Be smart.

[Bob Haverstock]

Hi Mickey,

I recommend the Nova chucks, I have a Midi and a G3. They are concentric! After using standard jaws for a couple of years, I bought a set of long jaws. I really like the long jaws, they really bite, which means they really hold. They take some of the scare out of a catch. Sometimes you can get a Nova Midi for $90 or less. I also have WoodRiver chucks, they are worth the money.

Bob Haverstock

[Tim Thiebaut]

save your $$ and buy good quality..the grizzly I hear is ok & takes vicmarc jaws..the PSI chucks I hear are good too..the G3 is ok. I have one & it;'s not my favorite, but it works fine. Do not go cheap here. This holds wood spinning at 2000rpm..if it lets go, you have a major emergency room bill. Be smart.

I have to agree with Michelle, you will never regret saving up and buying a quality tool, no matter what kind it may be...

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I have Novas, I got a G3 on e-bay for 120 shipped with insert, although I have not seen it recently. No experience with the PSI chucks, but that was one of my considerations. The big plus with the Nova line is al of the jaws fit the other chuck bodies. Yes, I know 120 is a tad out of your price range, but I have to agree with everyone else, that the chuck is NOT a place to save money on.
Oh, have you tried Amazon? They often have PSI stuff in stock.

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

I have a Vicmarc, Oneway, & Grizzly's Vimarc clone.
I use all 3 . That said, I have put dovetail jaws on my Oneway ( i don't care for the serrated jaws) now I use it most of the time followed by the Vicmarc. The Grizzy only see's minimal use and only on my mini lathe.

[Richard A. Rivera, M.D.]

I also vote for the Nova chuck. I have three SuperNova2's and keep different jaws on each. I started with one on a midi lathe five years ago and now have a Jet 1642, and just by replacing the insert, I still was able to keep the chucks. WoodCraft has them on sale this month.... sure would try to convince your finace minister the importance of quality and ability to keep up as you upgrade your lathe......evey one wants a bigger lathe.

Richard...

[Chip Sutherland]

When this question comes up, this is my opinion (advice if you like it).....Buy the brand you want to continue buying. One chuck isn't enough. These things are investments.

Very few brands are interchangeable so remember that. I started out with the pry bar Nova Midi. Worked well, still have it, still use it when my other 3 Novas are busy....except the Nova Midi will not work on a PM3520 or anything with a 1.25" spindle...unless you use an adapter which is not recommended. So I use it on my other 2 lathes with 1" spindles.

I bought Nova because I couldn't afford Oneway and Vicmarc was mail order. I have no problems with Novas and will likely by another one this week at Woodcraft because 3 isn't enough for me. Maybe I'll run into Richard Rivera there since we both are members of the Golden Triangle Club in Denton.

If I had a do over or won the lottery, I would take a serious look at Oneway and Vicmarc. Grizzy's quality and offerings were not good 5yrs ago but they have improved from what I know. WoodRiver and Barracuda were not around as far as I know.

[mickey cassiba]

While I agree with the advice that price shouldn't dictate, safety first, etc, I am stuck with that constraint. Currently 'employment challenged', the $50 variety was a stretch on the already tight budget. Charlotte squeezing out the extra $50(not sure how she did) helps, but after shipping on top, we're likely looking at $120 or better. Unless I can sell something, that's gonna sting. We're living off of savings at the moment, the pittance I receive as unemployment insurance barely covers her medical costs. I currently use two machinist style three jaw scroll chucks, and while good at launching pieces across the yard, they leave a lot to be desired for wood turning. Michelle, I agree at 2000rpm a launch is, well, awesome! John, I must have been asleep at the wheel when the SuperNovas went up(he said, while kicking himself). I have seen one on Amazon for $69, can't recall the brand. That's probably gonna be the one.
Thanks, everyone, for all the advice.

[philip labre]

If possible spend the extra $20 for the PSI one instead of the amazon one. The PSI one has free jumbo jaws and 2 other jaw sets included and will give you the most versatility for your money.

[John Keeton]

Mickey, I recently purchased several Nova chucks by searching CL - just keep your eyes open for some deals - they are out there.

[J.D.Redwine]

There is a 3" Faceplate/Screw Chuck 1X8 Thread on ebay for 16.50.

[Bill Blasic]

Mickey,
Woodcraft will probably have the Nova Precision Midi on sale in the near future. It usually runs $79 on sale.

I sympathize with your situation.
Bill

[Bernie Weishapl]

Grizzly has one for $48.95 Mickey. I have two of them and still use them on my midi Jet 1220. I have had them for 6 yrs and have not had any problems. For the money don't think you could go wrong.

[Mark A Johnson]

The Woodcraft store in Loveland, CO is closing out some Nova Midi chucks that includes 2 jaw sets for $134. The deal includes 4 extra jaw sets, you end up with a total of 6 different sizes of jaws. The only down side is that it has the 2 bar system to tighten the chuck.

I'm happy with the set I purchased.

[Michelle Rich]

back in the old days when I started turning, chucks were not plentiful..folks used glue blocks and turned bowls. (I assume you want a chuck to turn bowls) Take a junk 2x4 or whatever..cut into squares..put between centers, and round. Glue to the bottom of your bowl and use a faceplate & screw to the block. Turn your bowl, as much as you can inside and then your outside. Make a jam chuck for rim of your bowl and put on lathe, pulling up tailstock..finish bottom. Take off lathe and sand off the little nipple. TA DA NO CHUCK no $$$$ way to turn bowls. Save up for a new good chuck.:D

[mickey cassiba]

Hey all! Thanks for the many good recommendations, and PM offers! I'm afraid the purchase is back on hold for a while again though...Charlottes doctor has prescribed yet another miracle medicine to help her out, and my tool fund just evaporated.
Michelle, I've been playing with the faceplate/glueblock method, with some decent results. Nothing to write home(or here)about, but I am getting a feel for the tools and 'real' wood. Hopefully my homebased tool and appliance repair service will bring in a little disposable income, and I'll be back in the market soon.
Until then I guess I'll just keep watching the beautiful things you all make.

[Michelle Rich]

Tell Charlotte I'm praying for her & you too Mickey..good luck

[mickey cassiba]

Tell Charlotte I'm praying for her & you too Mickey..good luck
Thank you Michelle...She's in ICU right now...the new 'snake oil' apparently had a bad reaction with her other meds. We've been assured that there is no serious threat, but they need to purge her system of the 'miracle cure'. Guess that's why they call it 'practicing' medicine, rather than actually 'performing' it.