Does anyone have personal experience with Grizzly 5.5" chuck?

[Mark Greenbaum]

I am getting ready to receive the G0766, and wonder if the package deal from Grizzly for their 5.5" diameter chuck is a good unit to get. Looks as though it has everything needed to get rolling for most applications; just wondering if there's any reviews regarding quality out there.
Link here: http://www.grizzly.com/products/5-5-Wood-Lathe-Chuck-Set/T10811

[Joe Kaufman]

I'd be surprised if you get a reply from a end user. Seems like every time that I've checked the Grizzly website the chuck is "Not available for immediate delivery". This chuck was in the 2014 catalog with a 1 1/4 X 8 thread option and the website indicated "not available for immediate delivery".
Earlier this year I set an email to customer service asking if there were plans to offer the 1 1/4 thread option on that chuck. The reply was something to the effect that is only available in 1 X 8 thread.
You might ask Grizzly if they have ever shipped the chuck.
If this chuck is similar to the Vicmark copy that Grizzly has marketed for several years, the thread insert is not user changeable.

[Mark Greenbaum]

Grizzly CSR has offered the adapter that converts the 1"-8 threads to my spindle's 1-1/4"-8 threads:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-1-4-Easy-Spindle-Adapter/T25649

I also noted to Abby at Grizzly the webpage shows the clutch is not available for immediate shipment, but have not heard back whether it will be available if I place an adder to lathe order, to get them shipped together.

[Joe Kaufman]

I really question if you would be happy with using an adapter with that size chuck. Consider that the adapter will add 1 3/4 " or so to the overhang of the spindle.
I purchased a higher priced adapter and it had an unacceptable amount of runout and the intent was to use a 3 1/2" chuck from my MIDI lathe.

[Mark Greenbaum]

good point, I wonder if the 1" could be retapped to 1.25"?

[Geoff Whaling]

I really question if you would be happy with using an adapter with that size chuck. Consider that the adapter will add 1 3/4 " or so to the overhang of the spindle.
I purchased a higher priced adapter and it had an unacceptable amount of runout and the intent was to use a 3 1/2" chuck from my MIDI lathe.

Joe, I don't have any experience with Grizzly products as we don't get them here in Oz but much of the run out problems with chucks & adapters/inserts comes from registration problems, but some issues are the result of poor machining & poor quality control. Unfortunately the images on Grizzly's website don't show the rear of the chuck. The registration surfaces/mechanisms are vastly different between Nova, Vicmarc & Oneway chucks for example and each has its short comings or benefits. It pays to check and clean the spindle nose & insert threads and the registration surfaces each time you mount the chuck. At $219 US I can see why their chuck package looks so attractive.

One other tip on chucks - check what steel grade they are machined from or plating type as that can influence performance / resistance to rust etc with wet turning.

[Roger Chandler]

Mark.......in my opinion, the best value in a quality chuck on the market is the Hurricane HTC-125......a large chuck, very similar in design to the vicmarc. I have 4 Supernova 2's and one original supernova from teknatool. Since then I have gotten one HTC-100 and one HTC-125, and I use them more than the Supernovas now...........the price is very good!

www.thewoodturningstore.com (http://www.thewoodturningstore.com)

[Mark Greenbaum]

Thanks, Roger. Yeah, I've been looking at those Hurricane brand chucks, and they get great reviews. The Grizzly kit has so many jaw sets, and the Cole Jaws, that it's a great package for me, because I only have a Nova G3, which is pretty small for such a large lathe. Grizzly should offer their chucks with direct thread options for all of the different lathe sizes that they sell, you'd think. At least that big one. I know they're probably made by the same company that make Hurricane if they're all coming from China (maybe?).


Mark.......in my opinion, the best value in a quality chuck on the market is the Hurricane HTC-125......a large chuck, very similar in design to the vicmarc. I have 4 Supernova 2's and one original supernova from teknatool. Since then I have gotten one HTC-100 and one HTC-125, and I use them more than the Supernovas now...........the price is very good!

www.thewoodturningstore.com (http://www.thewoodturningstore.com)

[Joe Kaufman]

Mark,

I've had a Hurricane HTC-125 for almost 2 years. I am happy with it. The jaws are reasonably priced also.

[Mark Greenbaum]

How do you spell "Buyer's Remorse"? - I got my 5.5" diameter chuck kit (2 months earlier than expected), and although I don't have the lathe to test it on yet (told them to hold until Aug. 13), I think it is too sloppy to keep. It does not open and close smoothly, and although there's a literal ton of jaws, I don't think the chuck is worth keeping. I've already added the Hurricane HTC-125 to my cart on Amazon, and will probably get a RTA # from Grizzly to send it back. What thinks the crowd?

[daryl moses]

Not sure what you mean by "sloppy" but all of my chucks feel loose until tightened.
My Nova Titan, and my PSI chucks were stiff opening and closing but got better over time. I think it's the nature of the beast. Never bothered me and figured as long as they do the job they are supposed to do all was good.

[Mark Greenbaum]

Not sure what you mean by "sloppy" but all of my chucks feel loose until tightened.
My Nova Titan, and my PSI chucks were stiff opening and closing but got better over time. I think it's the nature of the beast. Never bothered me and figured as long as they do the job they are supposed to do all was good.

Maybe I will wait for a week or 2 and see how it performs on the new G0766. Dang, that thingis heavy!! I was use to the Teknatool Nova G3; I can't hold that monster in one hand.

[David C. Roseman]

I think you'll be quite pleased with the Hurricane HTC125.

I suggest talking with Grizzly tech support about that Grizzly chuck. I've never examined one, myself. Maybe light lubrication will solve the problem, maybe not. Also, when you use the wrench to adjust jaw width, are you tightening sequentially from each wrench point? There will always be a small amount of gear lash in even the best self-centering woodworking chucks, which is why it's good practice to tighten sequentially. And some roughness can resolve with break-in. But it can also mean poor machining, and that's sure not something I would want to put up with, considering how reasonably priced the Hurricanes are.

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

I'll put in a good word for the Bulldog BD550 (5.5") chuck: http://www.chucksplus.com/bulldog_scroll_chucks.php

I've got one and it seems to hold everything that I've thrown at it. All Vicmarc 120/150 jaws are compatible with this chuck.

[Mark Greenbaum]

I think it's too loose of machining. If you shake it it rattles a bit.


I think you'll be quite pleased with the Hurricane HTC125.

I suggest talking with Grizzly tech support about that Grizzly chuck. I've never examined one, myself. Maybe light lubrication will solve the problem, maybe not. Also, when you use the wrench to adjust jaw width, are you tightening sequentially from each wrench point? There will always be a small amount of gear lash in even the best self-centering woodworking chucks, which is why it's good practice to tighten sequentially. And some roughness can resolve with break-in. But it can also mean poor machining, and that's sure not something I would want to put up with, considering how reasonably priced the Hurricanes are.

[Matt Schrum]

Have you chucked up a scrap piece of wood or anything? I have zero complaints about my HTC 125 and it performs great, but when it's loose and not holding anything, there is a slight amount of play and wiggle to the jaws. Chuck up a piece of wood though and it's rock solid.

[Don Bunce]

I don't have any experience with the Grizzly chucks, but I have a Hurricane HTC125. Excellent quality, highly recommended.


If you haven't seen them, watch the utube videos on the Hurricane chucks.

[Bill White]

I have the Gizz VicMark clone on my Grizz lathe. It has worked very well, and I'd buy it again. The dove tail jaws hold well for both tenon and mortice grips.
Bill

[David C. Roseman]

I think it's too loose of machining. If you shake it it rattles a bit.

I don't think that tells you anything about how the chuck will perform on the lathe. When the jaws aren't gripping anything, all of my Oneways and Hurricanes rattle when you shake them in hand. I'd wait until you can mount and test drive it.

[Mark Greenbaum]

Thanks for the advise. I'll hold judgement until I fire up the new lathe. I hope it'll work fine. So many jaws to choose from, and Cole Jaws.


I don't think that tells you anything about how the chuck will perform on the lathe. When the jaws aren't gripping anything, all of my Oneways and Hurricanes rattle when you shake them in hand. I'd wait until you can mount and test drive it.

[Thom Sturgill]

A while back I read a review where the reviewer compared the Grizzly to a Vicmarc and a Bulldog Chuck from Chucks Plus. Grizzly and bulldog are both clones of the Vic and can share jaws. He rated the bulldog as better than the Vic and the Grizzly as way worse, and his chief complaint was poor tolerances on the Grizzly. The 5 1/2" Bulldog is about $265 and is on my radar as is the Hurricane 125. Our club was gifted with a Hurricane 125 by a member after we bought the Grizzly 0766 lathe for demos, so I will get the chance to turn with one soon.

As far as I have seen, the Hurricane chucks are not jaw compatible with any other chuck, so while they have a good selection, that is a limit.

[Mark Greenbaum]

My lathe will be shipping supposedly Aug 13th, so in a week or so I may have the test run. If this kit is poorly made, I may not be able to tell, as I have little experience with other large chucks. Only 1 week at JC Campbell Folk School on PM 3520's with 5" Vicmarcs. They really hold well and are made very precisely. The Grizzly does not have that same type of feel; but testing will tell. Proof is in the pudding.

[Mark Greenbaum]

UPDATE: My lathe was delivered on August 18th, and I now have it wired up and running. I still have not turned any wood, but the lathe is quiet and steady. The Chuck came a few weeks earlier, and it weighs a ton. The adapter also came, and I tried to fit it onto the spindle and fits beautifully up over the shoulder and flushes out nicely. I still have not tried the chuck, but I will this weekend. The mobile base is all designed sitting on a laptop hard drive (which the Mobo needs to be replaced due to crashing during a BIOS flash - got to love Mr. Dell). Progress is being made, though - in small baby steps.

[Mark Greenbaum]

UPDATE: Today I finally got a chance to try out the monster Grizzly 5.5" diameter chuck, and it works really well. I chucked up an irregular piece of holly limb to try to make Christmas ornaments, and it held on well enough to get the orbs cut (all without even cutting a proper tenon). When I did get a proper tenon, it was too small for the jumbo chuck, so I went back to the Nova G3. The lathe functions really well, and I will enjoy it even more when the new Banjo gets here and it installed. This is my first Christmas ornament, so when it's done and I post pics, please be gentle. I am just practicing to I can get familiar with all the new tools. Thanks.

[Brice Rogers]

I think it's too loose of machining. If you shake it it rattles a bit.

I have a smaller Grizzly chuck and when empty it too will rattle. But when you put in a piece of wood and tighten it, it does not rattle. All of that scroll thread play is taken up.

BTW, I have a G0766 and bought the 1-1/4 to 1" adapter. Today I am getting a delivery of the 5-1/2 inch Grizzly chuck. If I'm disappointed when I run it, I'll repost here.

[Mark Greenbaum]

I use 2 different sets of jaws on it, and the larger dovetails held especially well on a non-tenoned limb of that holly branch. The adapter does put the whole chuck extended a bit out there (sure would have been nicer if they offered direct threads.) But for that price and my tight budget, it offers a whole lot of inconvenient flexibility. When I strike it rich, I'll have a different chuck for each jawset (never going to happen, but I can dream). Now I need to get to making more sawdust.


I have a smaller Grizzly chuck and when empty it too will rattle. But when you put in a piece of wood and tighten it, it does not rattle. All of that scroll thread play is taken up.

BTW, I have a G0766 and bought the 1-1/4 to 1" adapter. Today I am getting a delivery of the 5-1/2 inch Grizzly chuck. If I'm disappointed when I run it, I'll repost here.

[Brice Rogers]

I received my Grizzly 5-1/2 inch chuck (T10811).
1. The chuck seems fine. No looseness after I tighten down on the wood. Even with the spindle adapter its runout is tolerable.
2. It came with an aluminum "briefcase" for storing everything. Unfortunately, the top of the briefcase was broken. No damage to the external cardboard boxes, just the lid. Bummer. Called and its on backorder. Another bummer

3. I've started turning with my new Grizzley G0766.

First impression: The height of the tool rest is way too high. The lowest position is only 1/4 inch below center. When I was putting a female tenon on the bottom of a bowl, I had to use a 3/8 spindle gouge (spalted wood that wanted to tear out) in order to remove the "nib" in the center. My old workhorse 3/4 inch gouge leaves a nib. On my old Sears lathe this wasn't an issue. I suspect that the manufacturer of this lathe never had any somewhat experienced wood turners try it out before they finalized the design. I'll be happier when I receive the new re-designed banjo. I spoke to Tech Support. They say it is supposed to ship this month but no one knows when.

Second impression: be careful when you ramp down the motor. The chuck is heavy and seems to want to unscrew if you hit the stop button. 322831