It’s been a busy week in the workshop. Finished up the podium/lectern on the same day the Easy Wood Tools loaner package arrived. I can tell you it has been non-stop fun on the lathe! Over the next couple of Wednesdays, I will share with you my impressions and experiences with these amazing tools.

 

The very first thing I noticed was the weight of the case in which the tools were shipped. Even before opening, it was apparent these were no lightweights!

 

I’ll concentrate on the Easy Chuck this week. This is my first experience with a quick release jaw chuck. I must admit, I thought that quick release jaws would be something of a luxury and not really necessary. I changed my mind in a hurry!

 

The overall fit and finish of the chuck is impressive. This monster weighed in just north of 4.5 pounds and that’s without jaws! The quality is evident from the get-go.

I really like the “zoom†ring and its ability to quickly reposition the jaws without the needing to use the chuck key. The ring turns smoothly with practically no effort. Jaw changes are made via a spring loaded quick release mechanism. Simply inserting the release tool into the chuck release port allows the jaws to be detached. Replacing the jaws requires no tools, they simply snap into place. I found the jaws locked securely with no slippage. Once a work piece is positioned and the jaws snugged down with the zoom ring, a hex key tool is used to securely tighten the jaws. There are two hex key tightening locations 180 degrees apart to create balanced pressure. A really nice touch is that all of the adjustment directions are engraved into the chuck. Easy Wood Tools has a wide variety of chuck jaws available and included most of them in the loaner package.

 

If I could make any design changes, they would be engraving a reference mark on the chuck body and engraving numbers on each chuck jaw. This would ensure reassembly in exactly the same orientation. But, hey, a good old Magic Marker can do the same thing- if these were mine.

 

To help get a better idea of the chuck/jaw system, I videoed the operation which I hope helps enhance the previous explanation.

 

 

 

EDIT: YouTube flagged the original sound on the video so I reposted it with the sound removed.

 

Next time I’ll show you how I am using the different jaws and tools to create a project.

 

 

For those wishing to see a professionally dove video, Tim Yoder has part 1 of turning a very large platter. It can be seen here-

 

 

 

Until then- Safe Turning and a BIG Thank You to Easy Wood Tools!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome Lew. I am glad you are giving these the once over. I know we will get a fantastic review.

 

Have fun with them and let us know what you think.

Lew, thank you for taking this task on, I hope you enjoy the tools as presented to us by Easy Wood Tools, this is a great opportunity for anyone of our Patriot Woodworker's to give these fantastic tools a try. 

If anyone is interested in trying these tools out please go to this discussion at leave your name in a reply, and we'll put you on the list to have these tools shipped out to you, at absolutely no charge. All we ask is you give us a review of your experience here in our forum.

Have fun Lew!

Great job on the video Lew! So what is your first project with the EWT's?

By the way, the fit and finish is insane on those tools is it not? The chuck is akin to a great gunsmith!

Great job on the video Lew! So what is your first project with the EWT's?

It's not finished yet. Lots of sanding. Mimi said, "it looks like an urn." Not what I was going for but she is correct.

It's not finished yet. Lots of sanding. Mimi said, "it looks like an urn." Not what I was going for but she is correct.

That's funny, well hey, someday your gonna need an urn right! So go with it!