Compression Chucks

[Jim VanBramer]

Just a quick question ... I'm going to make up a quick compression chuck for a project I'm doing, and I was wondering if you could use MDF instead of plywood. All the examples I saw were plywood, but I don't know if that's a requirement, or people were just using what they had around the shop (which for me right now is MDF). Thanks for the help.

Jim V

[Jim Dunn]

Just an opinion, as I haven't made a chuck as yet, but I'd be a little concerned about the strength of MDF. Just my .02

[Pete Jordan]

Jim,

I don't know how to do it but take a look at this http://www.turningwood.com/mdfchucks.htm

[Stephen Hibbs]

my turning mentor/neighbor uses mdf exclusively since it doesn't change with the weather. He has had no issue with strength, but he uses the high quality stuff.

[Mike Ramsey]

Jim, I think MDF would work fine IMO, I don't think there's a lot
of pressure especially if you use 4 bolts.

[Brad Hart]

I use mdf for a lot of things but I had problems it for compression chucks. The solid back of my big compression chuck is still made out of mdf but after I the ring cracked while in use I went to a double layer of 3/8" ply for the ring.

[Curtis O. Seebeck]

My compression chuck is 3/4 mdf and works just fine.