Design as well as materials come into consideration for chucks. I started out with a SuperNova, the original one. Then purchased 4 SuperNova2's...the interchangable jaws that JKJ mentions is the biggest reason why I stuck with the Nova lineup.
That being said, now that I have used some other brands, I find I like some features better than the Nova chucks. I have purchased 4 Hurricane chucks, because they are very well made, and for sure the insert design is far superior to the Nova inserts in my opinion. They have an insert like what is on the Oneway's which utilize a taper on the inside and 3 screws to hold in place. The inserts on the SuperNova2's that I have must have the little red leather washer to allow the set screw to hold in place, and they do come lose for sure, and need to be checked from time to time. I have had more wobble out of SuperNova2 design because of the insert not seating properly, and then having to go back and redo the whole thing to get it running true again.
I have never seen a better quality chuck than the Vicmarcs, but I don't own any of those. I have used a couple, and some Oneway Stronghold chucks, but for my own shop, chose the Hurricanes, because they are clones of the Vicmarcs, and have the insert design of the Oneway Strongholds.
The quality and function is there for sure with the Hurricane's and the value is there as well. I have had one of my HTC-100"s apart, and carefully inspected the inside, just to see how it was made. I find they are more stable in the slides than the Nova's I own, and have less play in the whole scroll mechanism. I have never had Hurricane jaws loosen on the hold,, but have many time had that happen with the Nova's. I always re-tighten the Novas after turning for a bit, but never have had to re-tighten the Hurricanes, although I did check to see if they were tight a number of times, just to be safe. I was pleasantly surprised by the consistent pressure of the jaws on the wood tenon.
I also prefer the key design on the Hurricanes and Nova's to the Oneway chucks. The simple square end key on the Hurricane's are so easy, and the ball ended allen wrench design of the Nova's are easier to use than my original SuperNova that uses a keyed wrench like the Oneway's... These I know are my own personal preferences, and the value I have for the quality in the Hurricane lineup is what makes me glad to recommend them. My last Hurricane HTC-100 4" chuck came with the set screw in the insert to lock it down, and Steve Fulgoni changed that factor on the inserts going forward. The set screw is also larger than the ones on the SuperNova2's.
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Originally Posted by John Spitters
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) I have found them to be adequate for whatever I turn, given the flexibility of various jaw sizes and configurations. That includes the 24" offset platters I turn on occasion. They are what I started out with, and while I have used VicMarc and OneWay chucks in teaching and demos, I haven't seen any reason to spend the extra money to get either. Perhaps it is only because they are what I am used to, or perhaps the others were poorly maintained, but I find my SN2 chucks to operate somewhat smoother than the other brands I have used.
