All Replies on Barracuda chuck

I almost went this route earlier this month, but decided to stick with the Delta 46-461 chuck that goes with the 46-460 lathe I just purchased. As far as I can tell PSI makes some good chucks, but I do admit that I am a rookie at this. I did buy all my turning tools and drill chuck fro PSI, though…

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

Which HF lathe did you get?
The 10” x 18” 5 speed or the smaller one?
My lathe is the 10” x 18” and it has a 1” x 8 TPI thread.
The HF sales literature said 3/4×16, but it’s wrong.
I got the Woodcraft equivalent to the PSI chuck and it fit just fine.

-- Michael :-{| Diapers and politicians both need to be changed often; and for the same reason.

It’s the smaller, variable speed lathe, and it does have a 3/4-16tpi thread.

-- David - Tucson, AZ

I recently got the Barracuda 2, the 2000C. I’m really happy with it so far. I have the same Delta 46-460 as HM and have used this chuck both in forward and reverse with no problems, even though it doesn’t have a set screw for reverse. It holds wood nicely. The t handle key is much easier than tommy bars. The plastic case it comes with is handy. It comes threaded for 1” 8TPI, but has a 3/4” 16TPI adapter. I highly recommend getting the #2 dovetail jaws if you do get it. The included #2 jaws tend to mar the wood.

-- Rich;) -"Dada make a big mess?" "Yes Dada made a big mess."

Thanks for the feedback Kreegan. Good to know that it works well.

-- David - Tucson, AZ

If this is your lathe, save your money and learn to use your faceplate. If really, have to have a chuck think skinny and lighter. Why lack of horsepower and distance between centers.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-x-12-inch-bench-top-wood-lathe-95607.html

These chucks might make more sense:

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC2000C.html
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC500K.html

http://www.grizzly.com/products/4-Jaw-Chuck-For-Round-Pieces-3-4-x-16-TPI/G8783
http://www.grizzly.com/products/4-Jaw-Wood-Chuck-3-4-x-16-TPI/H6264

Actually tommy bar chucks make more sense on all mini lathes because they are lighter and compact do not decrease distance between centers as much as single key chucks. Single key chuck bodies little bigger and heavier. Some of those chucks recommended do not come with big jaw assortment not to worry. Do not need many for a lathe with only 8” swing.

-- Bill

Thanks Wildwood. The first chuck you link to is the one I was mentioning up there as a first choice.

-- David - Tucson, AZ

I have a PSI for my Delta. I paid 90$ for it and I’ll probably never really understand why anyone would pay more for a midi lathe chuck because I’ll never need a bigger one for this lathe. You cant spin anything more than 11 inches around on a midi lathe so why spend a bunch of money on a huge chuck.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

I have a difficulty understanding some of the responses. Isn’t the PSI chuck what I’ve been talking about from the start? It allows to grip things up to about 4 inches.

-- David - Tucson, AZ

I was agreeing with you, but the comment took on a life of it’s own. Not enough coffee yet.
I remember when I was trying to decide on a chuck and everyone was telling me I had to spend 200$ or more on some huge chuck.
The place to spend the money is on a decent sorby chisel set with those removable ends. I have some on the way and a great piece of flaming box eldar waiting.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Thanks, it’s a bit early in the morning :)

I don’t need to spend anymore than that, and my goal is not to turn bowls but to easily grip some smaller things that will be less than the capacity of the lathe in width and length. I think the PSI CSC2000C linked to above is what I need but wanted to confirm. The 500C is cheaper but the 2000C has a bit more capacity and would probably go to a bigger lathe if I do switch some day, so I don’t think the savings are justified in this case.

-- David - Tucson, AZ

The 2000c is plenty for any midi lathe. You can do large bowls with it too.

-- Failure does not stop me, it makes me try harder..... because I'm crazy.

Well, it’s done, ordered the 2000C from PSI as well as a drill chuck for the tail stock, which was on sale too (there’s also a $10 off coupon that can be found online). Now I need to build a stand for the lathe.

-- David - Tucson, AZ

Just bought a 3000C for my small lathe (King KWL-1016: 10” swing, 16” between centers, 1/2hp).

I haven’t picked it up yet (just called to reserve) and I’m having second thoughts. Am-I going to be limited by the size of small bowls I want to turn because the chuck itself is going to be too heavy?

-- http://picasaweb.google.ca/dpoisson

I have the 3000C on my Rockler Excalibur 1/2 HP mini lathe. It’s a fantastic chuck and I have no issues with its size and weight whatsoever.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

On mini lathes want to buy a chuck weighing 5 LBS or less. Not to worry too many scroll chucks out there fit the bill weight wise. If not mistaken Barracuda C series chucks weigh 3.5 lbs.

On a super mini Lathe like LeChuck’s size and weight does matter. Look at the headstock, spindle size, and motor, and distance between centers.

There are a couple of heavy duty chucks weighing 8 to 10 LBS out there made by Axminster, Nova, Oneway, and Vicmarc, that might give you and your lathe fits.

-- Bill

whew, thanks for the reassuring words Charlie

-- http://picasaweb.google.ca/dpoisson