Chuck key

[eeng21]

I am working with a men’s shed group called Repair Shed in Hemel Hempstead and we have been given an original super nova chuck with shark jaws to use on our donated lathe, a graduate.
Unfortunately the chuck key is missing and I cannot buy a replacement as they are obsolete.
I have contacted Teknatool in New Zealand but they cannot help and do not even have a drawing.
The key is a t shaped one with a joint at the bottom to allow it to be used slightly off centre.
My question is - does anyone have a key that they could part with please.
ATB Bruce

[burywoodturners]

First, congratultions on starting a 'Men in Sheds' group.

I think to nova chuck has a square key and a 1/4" drive socket bar ighat fit or possible file something down to fit.
Hopefull some will have one
Ron

[Bryan Milham]

Can you describe the portion of the chuck that the key fits into. Is it a shape (square or hex is normal) or is there a toothed cob visible inside.
A photo might help if you can get a shot that shows things clearly enough.

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

I remember reading something a short while ago about someone who is going to make some, might be worth exploring the internet a little bit more. If they are the same as mine there will be a hole about 18-20mm diameter in the outside casing and a blind 6-8mm hole in the inside casing with a toothed drive in between. Have a word with an engineer, should be able to make one.

[eeng21]

BHT - you describe it very well. It has a unique shape to the geared section, just hoping that someone might have a redundant one

[eeng21]

Cannot get photo for a day or two, but will post as soon as I can - thanks

[Derwent Woodturning club]

Hi Bruce,

I have one of the Supernova chucks you describe, along with its key. I can't let you have it permanently but if you wanted to borrow it so you could approach an engineering company to make a copy, I would be happy to loan it to you. Let me know if you want to do that, and send me your address.

[APH]

The Toolpost seem to be looking into making a batch https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-toolpost/your-woodturning-store-needs-you/1521371174578106/

Not an immediate answer I'm afraid, but hope for some spares sometime.

[eeng21]

Thanks chaps, just spoke to toolpost who now have a sample chuck and key and their design dept are working on making substitute keys, might be a few weeks though