Anyone using the "Easy Chuck"

[Curtis Myers]

I was looking at the specs of the Easy Chuck from Easy Wood Tools. Like the quick jaw changing feature. $399 is lot for the chuck but might be cheaper (for someone just starting out turning) then buying four or more chucks so you do not have to change out jaws.
It comes direct threated 1-1/4 x 8 or 1 x 8 and 1-3/8" jaws. Add the following dovetail jaws
1/2" $70
2-3/8 $70
3-1/2" $90
total of $629

What do you experianced turners think.
Anyone have one?

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

you can darn near buy 2 chucks and 2 sets of jaws from any other supplier for the same money as an Easy Chuck.

for your $629 you could probably get 2 chucks and 1 of each set of jaws to fit the 2 chucks.


I'd rather have 2, than 1

[Curtis Myers]

you can darn near buy 2 chucks and 2 sets of jaws from any other supplier for the same money as an Easy Chuck.

for your $629 you could probably get 2 chucks and 1 of each set of jaws to fit the 2 chucks.


I'd rather have 2, than 1

Don't folks buy multiple Chuck so they do not have to change jaws?
For $629 I would be getting 4 jaws with the 1 Chuck. Wouldn't it be equivalent to 4 chucks not 2. Changing the jaws on the Easy Chuck seams as easy as changing Chucks with the other brands. Am I missing something?

[Michael Mills]

I haven't used either but does the Easy Wood have an advantage over the Nova Infinity ($199 at Tools-plus)?
http://www.tools-plus.com/nova-lathes-8012.html

[Eric Gourieux]

Curtis,
Changing jaws easily may have it's benefits, but you may be overlooking an important issue: the benefit of having several chucks. I have 9 SN-2 chucks, a Hurricaine and an older Nova chuck with various sizes of jaws and some duplicates. I use all of them. The more I turn, the more I find myself starting a project, and, for various reasons, switching to a different project. Rather than removing the first piece from the chuck, I can simply pick up another chuck and begin turning the new piece. I often don't want to remove the first project from it's chuck, because I want it to run true when I get back to it. I haven't used the Easy Chuck and RARELY change jaws, so I can't speak to that. There have been previous discussions about what chucks (and how many) that we own or recommend, and recommendations and experiences vary based on each turner's style of turning. I have purchased a lot of reconditioned SN-2 chucks from novatoolsusa.com. They have a new warranty and have been as good as new, in my experience. They come with 50mm jaws, so I've had to purchase separate jaws for some. Currently, they are $179 with the 50mm jaws. Some like the Hurricaine brand, which is less expensive than the retail price for a new SuperNova or other name brand chuck. So, it's really a matter of preference and style of turning. For the money, I'd rather have 3 or 4 different chucks with different jaws and not have to worry about changing jaws.

[Thom Sturgill]

Granted the Nova Infinity Jaws are just as expensive, and upgrading a SN2 to an infinity is more expensive, but if you are will to stay with the older SN2 -

You can buy reconditioned Nova SN2s from Nova for < $180. Two for $360 - that leaves $220 from your $630 to buy jaw sets after buying inserts, Nova jaws are themselves cheaper than the Easy Chuck jaws. Probably 4 or 5 sets in addition to the 2 that came with the chucks.

If you don't want to buy reconditioned, a new chuck is $200 from Packard and a second w/o jaws would be $180. That still leaves $200 to buy jaws after purchasing inserts.

With two chucks you leave one with the default jaws and set the other up for whatever special job is needed. If you find that you use one of the other jaw sets more, then that becomes the default. BTW, Nova has the largest lineup of jaws from what I can tell.

[Edward Weingarden]

I recently went through the same consideration and concluded that I don't change jaws often enough to justify the higher cost of the chuck with quick change jaws. A new SN 2 can be had for $165 on Amazon. At that price you can get three SN 2s and have $135 left to buy additional jaws (or two chucks and $300 left over) as compared to the Easy Chuck.

[John K Jordan]

Curtis,

I highly recommend having at least two chucks if the budget will allow. Personally, if finances were limited I would buy a less expensive chuck now and plan another identical chuck in the future. At last count I had 11 chucks and I certainly didn't get them all at once! Some I bought used.

I personally have multiple chucks for two reasons - one is certainly to avoid changing jaws. I don't think I've changed a jaw set in the last few years - I just grab a different chuck from the chuck drawer.

However, and perhaps more importantly, I often use two chucks at one. I even keep identical jaws on some chucks. Using two chucks allows me to do things that would otherwise be difficult or time consuming. One example: Last week I turned a batch of nearly identical small pieces. Each was turned in a chuck and each was reversed and held in a kind of "jam chuck" (basically a wooden mandrel) to turn the base. I made one jam chuck and used it for every piece. I made the jam chuck from a block of wood held in a second scroll chuck. If I had just one chuck, I would have had to use a different method or perhaps turn a new jam chuck for every piece since it would be nearly impossible to rechuck with perfect registration each time.

I sometimes use two chucks to work on two parts of the same piece. This allows more flexibility in methods of work. I think I sometimes end up with a better result since I can adjust the shape of each as I go.

Another good reason for multiple chucks is to stop work on one piece and leave it in the chuck while I work on another. I've done this to demonstrate turning or make something for a visitor, to let something dry or set up (like sanding sealer, tru-oil, or punky wood treatment), to test an idea or method, make a jig, or simply for a change of pace. At times I've had two or three partially finished things in chucks. (Two chucks are even more fun with two lathes!)

Multiple chucks are great for demos too - I can bring several partially prepared pieces to make better use of the time.

For me, multiple chucks make turning more enjoyable and more efficient with my limited play time.

JKJ

[John Keeton]

I am with John Jordan for all the same reasons, though I have constrained myself to only six Nova chucks!!:D

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

Don't folks buy multiple Chuck so they do not have to change jaws?
For $629 I would be getting 4 jaws with the 1 Chuck. Wouldn't it be equivalent to 4 chucks not 2. Changing the jaws on the Easy Chuck seams as easy as changing Chucks with the other brands. Am I missing something?

see posts by others in this thread for reasons why multiple chucks is better than one.

I've got 2 VicMarc chucks, 2 BullDog chucks (jaws are interchangeable between VM and BD) and a Nova Midi chuck for my small lathe.

and I would buy another used chuck in a jiffy if it was available.

If you start off with that very expensive Easy Chuck - if you want to add another chuck to use the jaws you already have, guess what you have to buy...another expensive Easy Chuck.

[Joe Bradshaw]

I'm in the multiple chucks camp. I think that I have 14 0r 15 Talon chucks, plus 4 Strongholds. I really hate to change out jaws. Of course, I acquired these chucks over a 10 or 11 year period. Just jump head first into the vortex.
Joe

[Robert Henrickson]

One other consideration. A glance at the Easywood site seems to indicate that the chucks have integral threading for the headstock spindle. To use it on a lathe with a different thread on the spindle, you will need an adapter between the chuck and spindle. Not all that expensive but one more item potentially affecting alignment.

[Curtis Myers]

see posts by others in this thread for reasons why multiple chucks is better than one.

I've got 2 VicMarc chucks, 2 BullDog chucks (jaws are interchangeable between VM and BD) and a Nova Midi chuck for my small lathe.

and I would buy another used chuck in a jiffy if it was available.

If you start off with that very expensive Easy Chuck - if you want to add another chuck to use the jaws you already have, guess what you have to buy...another expensive Easy Chuck.


How do the BullDog chucks compare to the Vicmarc?
Are they as tight or is their more slop?

All the Best
Curtis

[Curtis Myers]

I haven't used either but does the Easy Wood have an advantage over the Nova Infinity ($199 at Tools-plus)?
http://www.tools-plus.com/nova-lathes-8012.html


Excellent tip.
I just ordered one of these and an adapter for my lathe for $222.90.
I will get more Infinity jaws and chucks when needed.

All the Best
Curtis

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

How do the BullDog chucks compare to the Vicmarc?
Are they as tight or is their more slop?

All the Best
Curtis
I've been happy with them so far.

I would say they aren't quite as tight as VM, but not so much that I would call it "slop"

[Curtis Myers]

I am with John Jordan for all the same reasons, though I have constrained myself to only six Nova chucks!!:D


Thank you Mr Keeton and everyone for your words of wisdom. I ordered a Nova Infinity chuck and adapter from Tools-plus for $222.90. I will get more chucks and jaws as needed.

All the Best
Curtis

[Stan Smith]

When I first saw the Easy Chuck, it was $500. At that time I had a Oneway scroll chuck (w/lever bars) and a Talon chuck. The jaws on those are interchangeable. For whatever reason, I've come to dislike using the lever bars, though. I thought the Easy Chuck was way too expensive even though the easy jaw changes was appealing. I bought a Vicmarc which I really like, but the jaws are not compatible. I recently got the pen jaws for it and I just leave them on the Vicmarc most of the time. I do turn a lot of pens, too. CSUSA had the Easy Churcks on sale for $320 so I got one. and also a couple of jaw sets. I admit that this was a convoluted way to buy chucks (over 15 years). I don't use my Oneway scroll chuck anymore so I'm giving it to my son. I have been in the position where I wanted to leave a project in a chuck, but still work on another project. Having more than one chuck is an absolute must if you have that situation....and it will save you some grief, too. OTOH, if you change jaws often and want to save time, the Easy Chuck makes things easier. I think that it's an excellent quality chuck, too. YMMV

[Thom Sturgill]

Excellent tip.
I just ordered one of these and an adapter for my lathe for $222.90.
I will get more Infinity jaws and chucks when needed.

All the Best
Curtis

I may join you in that. The infinity is rated for higher RPM than the standard jaws due to the fact that they tighten as the chuck rotated because of the tapered design.

[Michael Mills]

I will get more Infinity jaws and chucks when needed.
Curtis

I have Novas, just not the Infinity. I do think they offer a nice line up in jaw selection but be aware the names/sizes are different than other standard Nova jaws. I think they improved on the size options and the jaws are much thicker in most cases.

Here is a link to jaw sizes for the "bowl", "saw tooth", and "smooth column" for the Infinity. About page 10 on each link.
http://nebula.wsimg.com/92ea3754c7ac0273c77698d500b4cb59?AccessKeyId=D2C57 FC221DAD3E5F11A&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
http://nebula.wsimg.com/7dbf2cb75d1504d0bc943f40e630865d?AccessKeyId=D2C57 FC221DAD3E5F11A&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
http://nebula.wsimg.com/eaaed80666ed799a102d550c0ce52620?AccessKeyId=D2C57 FC221DAD3E5F11A&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

It will probably be useful to compare the jaw sizes by the charts. i.e. the #3 bowl and #2 saw tooth are almost identical in the size tenon and recess.

[jeff oldham]

I can't speak for the easy way chuck;;;but I have the nova infinity and love it;;;I can change jaws quicker than you can change out the different chucks;;;and if you compare the price all of these different chucks you buy;;;I think regardless if its a easy wood or the infinity the price should not be a concern;;;just figure up the price of just 5 different chucks;;; plus having to store them;;;I personally like mine;;;but I really am a novice turner and I get on here a lot and ask for advice;;;but that's is just my opinion; ;;I honestly think if you are undecided; ;;buy it from amazon;;;you can always send it back;;;

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

I'm sure most experienced turners can change chucks faster than you can change jaws.

[Jeffrey J Smith]

I'm sure most experienced turners can change chucks faster than you can change jaws.

I, too fall into the multiple chuck category. I'm not sure I fully understand the appeal of saving what literally amounts to a few seconds when changing jaws - unless, of course, you're a production turner that's obsessed with his revenue measured by the minute. Don't know too many of those.
A jaw change on my Oneways takes only a few seconds - as long as it takes to remove and replace eight screws. But then it is quicker to just change the whole chuck...but only marginally.
Just out of curiosity, what's the hurry?

[John Keeton]

As pointed out, it isn't all about the time involved. Many of us turn works that involve multiple components and like to keep them chucked as long as possible. That requires multiple chucks.

[Geoff Whaling]

As pointed out, it isn't all about the time involved. Many of us turn works that involve multiple components and like to keep them chucked as long as possible. That requires multiple chucks.

New turners as they advance will quickly realize the limitations of only having one chuck. John is correct many of us will have a few projects on the go at any one time and also use techniques with reversing mandrels and a second chuck to reverse some projects accurately. I would recommend turners have at least two chucks of different sizes (VM90 & 120 say) but preferably four - two of each size chuck with a range of chuck jaws to cover most projects. I use 2 Nova midi's; 4 VM90's, & 2 VM120's plus have a range of dedicated threaded body ER collett chucks to suit my lathes.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

One could argue on speed changing 8 screws and 4 jaws vice spinning off and on a different chuck. BUT, drop 1 of those screws in your pile of shavings, and I bet I can beat you spinning off and on a chuck....... DAMHIKT:)

[Mike Campbell KS]

Twice as I have settled into the garage for an evening at the lathe I have lost a screw when changing jaws, and two other times I have stripped a screw when trying to change the jaws, ending the session. I now have 5 Nova chucks and doubt i will ever change jaws again. It is not too painful when purchased over time.

[Geoff Whaling]

I may join you in that. The infinity is rated for higher RPM than the standard jaws due to the fact that they tighten as the chuck rotated because of the tapered design.


What happens in reverse?

[Jeffrey J Smith]

One could argue on speed changing 8 screws and 4 jaws vice spinning off and on a different chuck. BUT, drop 1 of those screws in your pile of shavings, and I bet I can beat you spinning off and on a chuck....... DAMHIKT:)
My comment on the time saved between changing jaws and changing chucks spoke more to the relative value of that time in the overall scheme of things. I rarely approach the time spent in the shop as a competitive event where seconds count. A few seconds changing jaws gives me a good opportunity to blow out the chuck, consider what I'm doing, what needs to be made next to get to the result originally sought. I rarely spend more for an item based solely on time savings - I'd rather spend a little time with a sharp plane than endure the sound levels of a power plane whenever it makes sense to - so I'm not likely to spend twice as much for a chuck that only offers a few seconds of time as a reward for my hard earned dollars. Loosing a screw in the shavings taught me to, whenever possible, change jaws before mounting the chuck on the lathe, and always have extra screws on hand along with extra chucks...
My original point was simply a question of what's the hurry...:)
p.s.: My father always referred to his Scottish propensity - meaning he was, essentially cheap. I've picked up that banner in my later years. When buying excercise equipment I can't justify spending more for smoother operation since I'm essentially buying it for the resistance anyway. Just the way I roll.

[nelson lasaosa]

Howdy every one. I´m new to this fórum, and though I´ve never turned Wood I just bought an old lathe which should serve my purpose for a start. Would you please tell what 2 basic chucks I should have to get started? just wanna spend only the necessary money to get Wood turning safely. I am a Jack of all trades and love to work with difernt media: cement, metal and Wood. Basically, thus far I´ve seen two basic methods of securing a Wood blank: 1) having a recess, and 2) with a tennon . I appreciate concise info, knowing there´s always the issue which Brand to buy. I would like to have 1 or 2 chucks that would give me the greatest range of Wood size to work with. Thanks so much. Here's what I do : www.flickr.com/photos/ironywood (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironywood)

[nelson lasaosa]

Hi Joe
would you tell me which two chucks could get me started, that could provide the widest range of Wood sizes? Your input is greatly appreciated-Thanks

[John Keeton]

Nelson, you should start a new thread on your request. Posting a new topic in a running thread, particularly one that has run its course won't get you much response.