Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 16

Thread: SuperNova II Ball Ended Key Problems?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Prosper, Texas
    Posts
    1,474

    SuperNova II Ball Ended Key Problems?

    I recently heard that Teknatool's ball ended key for the SuperNova chuck can (over time) strip out the female chuck receptacle. The recommendation was to cut off the ball end. This is the first time I have heard of this.

    Anyone experience this problem? I'm willing to perform surgery on my key if need be, but don't want to make the mistake of correcting a problem that doesn't really exist.
    Last edited by Glen Blanchard; 10-20-2017 at 9:36 AM.
    Regards,

    Glen

    Woodworking: It's a joinery.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Valdosta, Georgia
    Posts
    105
    I quit using the key that came with the chuck after the plastic handle broke and started using a hex key which has a much stouter hand and works perfect

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lewiston, Idaho
    Posts
    28,504
    I have a SN2 and the original key works just fine. Of course, I have only had it for 9 years or so.
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    E TN, near Knoxville
    Posts
    12,298
    Quote Originally Posted by Glen Blanchard View Post
    I recently heard that Teknatool's ball ended key for the SuperNova chuck can (over time) strip out the female chuck receptacle. The recommendation was to cut off the ball end. This is the first time I have heard of this.

    Anyone experience this problem? I'm willing to perform surgery on my key if need be, but don't want to make the mistake of correcting a problem that doesn't really exist.
    Glen,

    Yikes, I have not yet heard of this happening. Did you hear it on a forum, from Teknatool, from a SN2 user??

    I didn't like the ball end keys so I've been using some without the ball. (Seems like some of my chucks came with a straight end because I have several of those.) In general I like ball end hex keys for one special purpose - when access is restricted the ball can let the key (more or less) work at a slight angle. Is it possible Teknatool supplies it because certain turnings or blanks mounted in the chuck might prevent using a straight key properly?

    If I remember correctly the ball end key normally will easily seat fully in the chuck. I wonder if the people who have had trouble are not inserting the key completely. Or maybe they are cousins to the incredible Hulk. Maybe 10 years ago I bought two used SuperNova chucks (with the geared keys) from a Hulk cousin - the guy used so much force on the chucks that the chuck body was deformed and the slides would barely move! It was a tedious job to fix them.

    Also, if you want to use a straight key without cutting yours you can get a non-Teknatool t-handle hex key that fits. I picked up one a few years ago but I can't remember where I got it.

    JKJ

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    McMinnville, Tennessee
    Posts
    1,040
    I read or saw this a few days ago also but have never had any trouble with any of my SN2 chucks or keys.
    Sid Matheny
    McMinnville, TN

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Prosper, Texas
    Posts
    1,474
    John - I heard it in a 'Rick Turns' You Tube video. The video in particular is titled, "Should You buy a Record SC4 Chuck?". It's at the 1:45 mark in that video. Rick states that **he** heard it in one of Mike Peace's videos.
    Last edited by Glen Blanchard; 10-19-2017 at 10:56 PM.
    Regards,

    Glen

    Woodworking: It's a joinery.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Erie, PA
    Posts
    564
    I wrote about cutting off the ball end as it did damage to the chuck I actually used it on in the past. I wrote this again in the review of the Nova Titan III in this months More Woodturning Magazine. Nova did supply me with the pinions to repair that chuck. I have cut off all ball ends since that first one was damaged (that was my first Super Nova II) and have not had a problem since. I believe it happened because of the different angles that the ball can be inserted and not straight in like a regular ended Allen wrench that fills the walls of the pinions.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Pueblo West, CO
    Posts
    495
    I cut the ball end off mine many years ago. I think I was told to do it by a fellow turner.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Hampton Roads, Virginia
    Posts
    894
    I have not had a problem but I'm not in love with the ball end either. I have two SN II chucks so I left one with the ball and cut the other off.

    I have to wonder if some people are over tightening their chucks. Just as I had to learn with router collets, tight enough is all you need.
    RD

  10. #10
    I hope no one is using the key for a tommy bar... (I also have had no problems with the ball end key and SN2.)

    Ely

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Kapolei Hawaii
    Posts
    3,236
    I cut the ball end off my key and I do use the key as a Tommy bar to loosen and tighten the chuck on the spindle. Do not like the ball feature. If you don't put it in straight, it grinds away as it rotates and moves in the hex. I would think. Much like a CV joint. Wear. Just my $0.02.

  12. I replaced mine after the handle split with an allen wrench. Better quality and i can use the short arm for more leverage when tightening.

  13. #13
    What size is the hex key? I am not at home now to view it.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Colorado Springs, Co.
    Posts
    98
    Mine stripped out the pinons that adjust the jaws. Nova replaced the pinons. Now I use a 3/8' hex key. I also have a metric hex key that fits but I don't know the size. If you use it long enough it will happen ... besides, the hex key gives a more secure connection anyway.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Rosetta, South Africa
    Posts
    59
    Quote Originally Posted by john zulu View Post
    What size is the hex key? I am not at home now to view it.
    8 mm

    Too short so blah blah

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •