Chuck Doesn't "Shoulder"

[Tom Winship]

Just installed a Nova Midi Chuck on my Jet 1236 and it doesn't shoulder up on the 1" - 8 thread (it could be shouldering inside)

Anyway, should I be concerned and install a washer(s) so it will shoulder, or not to worry? (Or buy a new lathe)?

[Ed Morgano]

Tom,
I would say that it should shoulder on the outside. That will give you the most support for the chuck and also allow you to know that it's shouldered. A washer is in order.

[Michelle Rich]

when I face this, I make a washer from baltic birch ply of appropriate thickness

[Allan Ferguson]

1/4" washer will do the job.

[Craig Matheny]

Buy a new lathe this is a perfect excuse:D

[Tom Winship]

Thanks, all.

Craig, that is what I thought. You can buy a sponsorhip. Sustaining Contributor-$1000.

[Craig Matheny]

Check is in the mail...LOL

[Bernie Weishapl]

Tom that chuck will fit perfectly on a Jet 1642 or a 3520B.:D;)

[Tom Winship]

Thanks for the tip, Bernie. I think it will work better on the 1642.

Seriously, I will probably buy a bigger lathe within the next year and will probably get the Jet due to the longer bed. At one point about 10 years ago, I was thinking about making shaker chairs but the bed was too short on the 1236. In case I ever want to do that again, this would be better than the 3520B. And I think 16" dia. is big enough for anything I will do in bowls or platters.

[Baxter Smith]

I had a similar problem with a 3520A and a SN2 chuck that didn't take an insert. Had a 5/16 aluminum spacer made. I wonder if the Nova chucks with inserts have a little more thread length. Good luck on your next lathe!

[Tom Winship]

Just discovered that the chuck jaws, when all the way closed, hit on the end of the spindle. You can open just a skosh, and the chuck will shoulder. Still would work better on a bigger lathe, I'm sure. (I'm ignoring having to buy a bigger chuck for the 1 1/4"-8 TPI.)