There have several posts this past week about bowl turning. Therefore, this week’s “Wisdom†is mostly about how you can make your own chucks for turning on the lathe. Although the design of most of these chucks is for bowl turning, they are not exclusive to that use. While purchased chucks are available to do the same job, these are by far less expensive, and you can tailor them to your needs.

This first link is for the Woodworkers Institute in the U.K. and describes the construction of several types of chucks. Please look at the link to the Longworth chuck. It is down on the right side of the web page. Construction of this type of chuck is from readily available shop materials and hardware.  It is ideal for reverse chucking bowls of a wide range of diameters, or symmetrical objects.

The second link is for the Cumberland Woodturners. This link will download a PDF file containing a wide variety of Reverse Chucks and tips on their use. The “Homemade Adjustable Chuck†is particularly useful for holding object that are not symmetrically round. 

One thing almost all of these chucks have in common is that they mount to the lathe’s faceplate and then you thread the faceplate onto the headstock. That is OK, but when moving the faceplate from one jig to another, it rarely mounts in exactly the same location. This variation can cause the jig to spin slightly “out of round.†In my opinion, a better method is to create your own mounting block, permanently attached to each jig.

The first thing you will need is a tap that matches the thread/diameter of the threads on your headstock. It does not have to be a “new/sharp†tap. You will be cutting threads into a wooden piece which is undoubtedly softer than metal. I managed to get my used tap really cheap, from a machine shop. Of course, you will also need a drill bit, the correct size for the tap you are using. For my lathe, the threads are 1†diameter and 8tpi. (Delta Lathe). To get the greatest thread percentage of “grab,†for tapping this hole, the recommended drill size is 7/8â€.

Start with a piece of hardwood that is thicker than the length of the threads on the headstock. Pictured are Red Oak but any hardwood should work. Drill and tap the hole to a depth that will allow the mounting plate to thread completely onto the headstock threads. Drilled and tap this hole is into the side grain. Tapping into the side grain creates cleaner threads. In addition, when gluing this mounting block is to your jig, the long grain glue joints are stronger than end grain glue joints. Finally, center the mounting block to the jig, then glue it in place. Use screw through your jigs to make an even more secure joint between the jig and mounting plate.

 

One last thing, always use a spindle washer when mounting any face plate or jig. You will thank me later!

Hope these sources/pictures give you some ideas. How about showing us your jigs for mounting work on the lathe. They don't have to be for bowls, either!

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

I think I may have found a new project. Thanks for the tutorial.

Thanks Lew, that is great advice. I had never really thought about the threads being better in the side grain. Makes perfect sense when you think about it.

Great projects there.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Well Lew, I didn't get these finished to have up for the Wednesday Turnings, but I got them last night and so will post today.

I have been getting ready for this seasons craft shows and got a few new pens turned.

Brazilian Cherry on a Slimline Kit.

Brazilian Cherry

Zebrawood cut on an angle, slimline kit

Zebrawood

Mahogany on a slimline kit.

Mahogany

Ebony on a slimline kit.

Ebony on slimline

My son-n-law Adam Schlagenhauf is a new turner and he was helping me out and turned these pens.

Walnut on a slimline Kit

Butternut on a Slimline Kit

Butternut on a slimline

Spalted Maple on a slimline kit.

Spalted Maple on a slimline kit.

Those are a few that we got turned for the craft show that begins tonight, weather permitting.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Wow, John, these are gorgeous! I think those accent rings really add to the character! That Spalted Maple one is absolutely magnificent!

John Moody said:

Well Lew, I didn't get these finished to have up for the Wednesday Turnings, but I got them last night and so will post today.

I have been getting ready for this seasons craft shows and got a few new pens turned.

Brazilian Cherry on a Slimline Kit.

Brazilian Cherry

Zebrawood cut on an angle, slimline kit

Zebrawood

Mahogany on a slimline kit.

Mahogany

Ebony on a slimline kit.

Ebony on slimline

My son-n-law Adam Schlagenhauf is a new turner and he was helping me out and turned these pens.

Walnut on a slimline Kit

Butternut on a Slimline Kit

Butternut on a slimline

Spalted Maple on a slimline kit.

Spalted Maple on a slimline kit.

Those are a few that we got turned for the craft show that begins tonight, weather permitting.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Thanks Lew. When he first brought the spalted maple for me to look at I thought it was antler. Adam is doing an excellent job turning since he just started.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com