Hi all,

 

I'm looking for a 4 jaw chuck so that I can start turning bowls and not be limited so much on size other than the swing of the lathe.

I am looking for one similar to this http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC2000C.html but not one like this http://www.pennstateind.com/store/XCSC3000C.html

The first one tends to hold turnings better in my opinion due to better contact with the wood surface.

 

Most places want over $200 for a good 4 jaw chuck and I'm just not that rich, my price range would be more like $50 to $75 tops

 

Thanks for reading

 

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Charles

Charles, I have this one from Woodcraft and like it. It has a T-handle wrench to use to tighten and loosen the jaws. It is much easier than pulling on the two handles.

 

I also have this one I picked up at Woodcraft and it is like the one at PSI only cheaper.

 

Hope this helps out.

 

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

I recommend the Technatool Nova G3.  I have had one for a decade and have its "updated" version, too, the SuperNova2.  It's out of your price range at about $120, but if you're willing to save up for a bit, it's a great chuck.  Wood Magazine just did a review of 4-jaw chucks and listed it as the best value.  I agree.

 

(edit)

 

Are you looking for the two-bar set up or the worm screw set up?

 

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Semper fi
www.swearingen-turnings.com

I see chucks on EBAY and Craigslist from time to time. Keep an eye out and you'll find one fairly cheep.

Hey Charles,

If you watch Woodcraft's website, they will put their Nova mindi 4 jaw chucks on sale evry once in a whilw. I bought one from them last year for 69.99 and I got 2 sets of jaws with it. I bought the Nova because all jaws for nova chucks are interchangeable.

Charles, don't let the lack of a chuck stop you from turning bowls, plates, etc... you can turn those items without a chuck by using a piece of scrap wood, glue and a face plate which should have come with your lathe. While having a chuck can make it easier it isn't imperative to have one.

You don't need a glue gun. You use glue and a piece of brown paper bag that's glued between the waste block and the piece you wish to turn and use your lathe as the clamp if you don't have clamps. There are hundreds of how to videos and articles on the net.