lath chuck

[Roy R]

I am new to woodworking ,I have a shopsmith (saw, drillpress, lath) I want to get a chuck for the lathe I know there are some good ones and bad ones so I need your help. thanks Roy.

[Harry in Sutton]

Hi Roy,
look at the link below. You'll find a variety of lathe chucks. The ones with a single key are easier to use. Just make sure to get one to fit your machine, the threads are different.

Greetings, Harry


http://www.busybeetools.com/

[Jamie in Brantford]

All In One Tools is a Shopsmith dealer. They're probably your best bet as I imagine the threads on the Shopsmith are unique.

http://www.allinonewood.com/

[Bob Hamilton in Forest, O]

Hi:
Most lathe chucks have a common body and use inserts to fit the threads on different lathes. As long as the manufacturer of the chuck you choose has an adaptor to fit the Shopsmith spindle you will be all set.

I have two OneWay scroll chucks (the original and the Talon) and a SuperNova II. The SupeNova was included as a bonus with my new lathe. I am not too impressed with the SuperNova so far in comparison with the OneWays. The opening/closing action seems much smoother on the OneWay chucks. To be fair, I only have the jaw set that came with the Supernova and it is not a size I use very much, so I have only tried it a couple of times.

As far as the OneWay chucks, I turned for many years with just the original OneWay, that uses two tommy bars to open/close, and never had any problem operating it that way. The hole spacing for the tommy bars is such that you can always find two that are spaced the right distance to allow you to squeeze the bars together with one hand. The Talon is key operated, but I don't find that to be a huge advantage. It works fine, but I don't seem to get the same feel for how much pressure I am applying to the workpiece with a key.

I have no experience with any of the cheap chucks that have come on to the market in the last couple of years. I tried following Harry's link but after clicking on "Wood Lathes" and "Chucks" I was directed to "See chucks"??? I never did find them.

Oneway has a list on their website of the adaptors they provide or sell for their chucks, which shows the range of different spindle threads there are.

See: http://www.oneway.on.ca/chucks/adaptors.htm

Take care
Bob

[Fred in Windsor]

Bob. In the Busy Bee site, above the search list, there is a Search Box. Just type "Chucks" and you'll get a listing.

[Garrett in Victoria]

Hi Bob

Just so you know, OneWay copied the original Nova exactly - it's a long story, and since then they've been pretty much in lock-step. I've had the original Nova, a Super Nova and am currently using a Super Nova 2 which I have to say is a really terrific chuck with great reviews. If yours isn't working properly return it for an exchange. You'll be glad you did.

Cheers, Garrett

[Roy Roberts in Nanaimo]

Thanks for the help I have been looking at the One Way Talon and the Super Nova, now I will have to see where the best price is. they do have adaptor for my Shopsmith. Thank again. Roy

[Randy in Langley]

Roy,

I recommend the Oneway Talon. I've been looking for a good chuck for quite a while. I turned between centers for some time, then splurged and bought a 6" faceplate, then made myself a 3" faceplate, made an adapter sothat I could use a metal lateh chuck on my wood lathe, then I finally decided after considerable research that I wanted a Oneway Talon. Bought it from Island Woodcraft at the recent woodshow. Bought it from Doug Black, he gave me a better deal than Lee Valley. (Lee Valley has it listed for $255, Island has it listed for $275)

Check them out.

Island Woodcraft Supply
286 Anderton Rd
Comox, BC
Canada
V9M 1Y2



Island Woodcraft Link (http://www.islandwoodcraft.ca/cart/index.php)

[Bill Howatt]

I have bought from them via phone from Ontario and they are great people to deal with. I certainly recommend trying them.

Bill