Chuck Help

[Michael Faurot]

I recently acquired a used lathe, stand, set of tools, face plate and pen mandrel for a very good price. The lathe itself is a Cummins MCS-1000 (No. 3253) which appears to be made in China. I bought this to figure out if I'm interested in turning and to make things like tool handles. So far, it's worked just fine for making tool handles.

I'm now interested in getting a chuck for it. From what I gather, I have the same lathe as the one described in this thread (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=75829&highlight=cummins). Some of the replies in that thread suggested that the spindle for this lathe has 3/4-10 threads and it can be modified by way of a spindle adapter (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LA341018.html) from Penn State Industries. From my own experiments, I have found the threads on my spindle are metric M18-2.5. I was able to do this by way of purchasing a M18-2.5 bolt at the hardware store to match the threads on the headstock drive center. Given the difference in size of 18mm vs 3/4" (approximately 19mm) I can't imagine something threaded at 3/4-10 would fit well.

Looking at some of the chuck options out there, it looks to me like the Nova G3 (http://www.teknatool.com/products/Chucks/G3/Nova_G3_Chuck.htm) with the IKNS insert (http://www.thewoodworks.com.au/product/products/ACCESSORY/CHUCK+INSERT+NUTS/A0428.html) would be a good choice. From the description (http://www.teknatool.com/products/Lathe_Accessories/adaptor_page.htm) of this insert at Nova's web site it says it's "M18x2.5 RH (Metric)".

So, does it sound like the Nova G3 will work for me? I couldn't tell, by reading the various things on Teknatool's web site, is this a self-centering chuck? Assuming this will work for me, would anyone care to suggest a reputable on-line retailer to purchase both the G3 chuck and IKNS insert at the same time?

Thanks.

[Neal Addy]

Amazon was running that chuck for $109 recently. It's currently listed at $135 and being sold by "Woodworker Specialties". You might call them and ask whether they have an adapter that would fit. Their phone number is listed under their Amazon reseller page. Buying through Amazon would guarantee your purchase.

[Bill Bolen]

I second what Neal said. He has a store on eBay also. Bob is fantastic to work with and his goods and usually his prices are spot on. I have bought a dozen items from him and always happy...Bill..

[Michael Faurot]

I'll send Bob Gadd an email and see if he can sell both the Nova G3 chuck and IKNS adapter together. I'll follow-up here depending on what I discover.

Thanks.

[Michael Faurot]

Here's my follow-up on getting an inexpensive Cummins MCS-1000 lathe to work with the Teknatool Nova G3 chuck:


Bob Gadd at Woodworker Specialites responded to my email and did have the G3 and IKNS adapter. However, it took him a couple of days to reply, by which point I had all ready put in an order else where.
As Bob was good enough to reply and had some useful information, I'll be ordering some other accessories for the G3 chuck from him. In particular I'll probably be looking to get the Chuck Spur Centre (Stock Code: NCSC), if he carries it.
I wound up getting the G3 chuck from Woodcraft, as I had a coupon that saved me $15.
To get the M18-2.5 threaded insert, I had to order that directly from Teknatool.
The IKNS insert/adapter arrived today and it fits perfectly on my lathe's spindle.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Michael,

Glad to hear you got your problem resolved! I have a SN2 chuck made by Technatool. It's been a great chuck.

[Gordon Seto]

In particular I'll probably be looking to get the Chuck Spur Centre (Stock Code: NCSC), if he carries it.



This is a more useful product:

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=packard&Product_Code=118742&Category_Code=lathes-acc-cent-steb
The point is spring loaded.

[Michael Faurot]

This is a more useful product:

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=packard&Product_Code=118742&Category_Code=lathes-acc-cent-steb
The point is spring loaded.

I've seen that Stebcenter while doing some looking around and I've been intrigued by it. Have you used this product? And have you used it with a Nova chuck?