Lathe chuck?

[Todd Burch]

I'm thinking that this would be a chuck for drill bits when used on a lathe. I'm guessing it is an early model of a keyless chuck, perhaps to hold auger bits? (Correct?) Would this mount inboard or outboard... I guess probably inboard at the tailstock... I've obviously not a seasoned turner. Please help with any use/application-type of info. Thanks, Todd.

[Mark Hulette]

Todd- I'm not "seasoned" by any means but looks like a #1 Morse taper; can't tell the size of the opening but doesn't look like it will accomodate a very large bit (ie forstner) shank. After looking at the pics again, it might be big enough.

Could be used in the tailstock to drill out boxes, etc. As you know, the only catch is that the headstock/tailstock match the taper on the chuck.

HTH!

[Todd Burch]

I'm pretty sure it's #2 Morse taper. It's pretty heavy duty.