General Category > General Discussion
Chuck choice
Twisted Trees:
--- Quote from: Mark Hancock on November 23, 2020, 11:18:09 AM ---Whilst I agree with the recommendations for Axminster chucks (my personal favorite) it may not be the best option if there is the possibility of upgrading the lathe at a future date.
All new Axminster chucks are direct threaded so there is no facility to change their thread and so any lathe upgrade would more than likely incur the additional cost of a new chuck body. In these circumstances I generally recommend a Versa chuck or a Record SC4; Patriot and Nova chucks have fewer insert options - notably M33 is not available.
Mark
--- End quote ---
The Patriot wouldn't have an M33 adaptor, because the Patriot chuck direct thread is an M33 anyway.
However I would advise that anyone buys an M33 chuck as that does look to be the emerging spindle standard, then uses an insert or exert to size to the currently owned lathe, no guarantee that M35 won't be the standard from x years time, but you have to take a chance somewhere!
Personally I liked the Patriot chuck I had for many years, backed up with a supernova which apart from the Nova having the chuck key the wrong way round was also a good chuck, and I do like that they and the record power chuck range have inter-changeable multi vendor jaws.
I would say unless you are very sure stick to known brands, I saw a cheep 4" chuck which appeared to be a nova knock off (same appearance but I didn't actually test fit it with screws and jaws so can't be certain) bought from China, which had stamped on the back max 500rpm which would appear to indicate that it was not a safe option.
Mark Hancock:
--- Quote from: Derek on November 23, 2020, 12:25:19 PM ---
That is the reason I went down the Versa chuck route. I know many will say now that supply is a problem since the Toolpost stopped trading that is one reason I brought the 33mm adapter to at least allow me to use it when I upgrade from my present lathe. Luckily another supplier has stepped up and taken it on
--- End quote ---
There is a new supplier for the Versa chuck but can't remember who. ::)
David Buskell:
Mark,
I think it is Beaufort Inks.
Derek:
--- Quote from: Mark Hancock on November 23, 2020, 12:56:36 PM ---
--- Quote from: Derek on November 23, 2020, 12:25:19 PM ---
That is the reason I went down the Versa chuck route. I know many will say now that supply is a problem since the Toolpost stopped trading that is one reason I brought the 33mm adapter to at least allow me to use it when I upgrade from my present lathe. Luckily another supplier has stepped up and taken it on
--- End quote ---
There is a new supplier for the Versa chuck but can't remember who. ::)
--- End quote ---
beaufortink.co.uk He is still waiting for stock to arrive from the manufacturer
Bill21:
The problem with interchangeable thread inserts is that there is a very real risk of the chuck not running perfectly concentrically. I think this was part of the problem with the SC4 that I bought and then sold on. Axminster and any other direct thread chucks should be a lot more accurate. As I have a dial gauge I should have compared the SC4 with the Axminster before I sold it. :-\ Axminster also try to make their chucks as compact (thin) as they can without compromising the design. If you look at some chucks they are somewhat larger. Keeping things as close to the headstock bearings helps to reduce unwanted vibrations at higher speeds. M33 x 3.5 is now somewhat of a standard* so if you buy a chuck to fit a modern lathe then it’s highly likely to fit a new machine if you upgrade.
* I’m not sure but I think they use a different registration size down under?
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