Chuck!!!Where are you?

First I have to say that I have no knowledge about chucks costing less than $150 so I really can’t help you in selecting a chuck. However, I have a thought to share.

I find that I am using face plates and waste blocks more and more for the precise reason that you want to use a chuck. I find it much easier to center a piece and get it in balance with a face plate.

A suggestion – - Before mounting a bowl blank, set up your lathe with a drive spindle and tail stock. Mount the bowl blank between the 2 spindles and tighten gently. The blank should turn freely on the spindles. Turn the blank 180 degrees and release. The first time it will probably spin back to its original position. Move the blank around between the spindles until you can turn the blank 180 degrees and it stays put. Now your blank is in almost perfect balance. Of course, try to keep your blank perpendicular while doing this.

Note, if you are using a waste block, glue it on before doing this.

Mark the final holes for the 2 spindle and attach your face plate.

This is a technique that does not work with chucks.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

Hi Zeke. I think you would be better of buying a new one. You will use the heck out of it once you have it. Gluing to waste blocks and separating them takes a lot of time- especially if you ever have to remount it. Take a look at Grizzly. I bought my 3 3/4” chuck from them a few years ago for $74- they are now $100 but it works so nice and has multiple hex drive places around it so you can chuck something up pretty quickly. I’m looking at the catalog right now and it is model 6265 with a 1”-8 thread for $99.99. The nice thing about these is that if you want to use it on another lathe with a different spindle thread, you can call their Customer Service and get a bushing with the other thread for $15. I have 3 different bushings for mine. I can use it on the Craftsman 12” lathe, the HF mini lathe and the Southbend metal lathe.
Their phone number is 1-800 523 4777

I do find cases where I have to use waste blocks like when I mount segments to it to make rings for parts of projects, but the chuck is the most widely used holding device once you have turned the blank between centers to get it round and close to shape.
You’ll never regret that purchase.
Man this is sounding like a commercial but it is a tool I really use a lot!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!!

Woodcraft has a Nova 4 jaw chuck for about $75.00 that is a decent chuck. It is 1” & 8 TPI. It is designed for the smaller midi-lathe’s like the one that I have. I also have this chuck and have found it adequate for my needs so far.

-- Hey, woodworking ain't brain surgery. Just do something and keep trying till you get it. Doc

I use a NOVA adjustable bought off ebay for 70 bucks for my low end jet 1236. works fantastic.

-- Kyle Edwards, http://www.sawmillnc.com, Iron Station , NC (near Charlotte)

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/economy-4-jaw-chucks.html

-- Never board, always knotty, lots of growth rings

I have no chucks to sell, Raftermonkey.

Those look pretty good, Kindlingmaker, but I’m with Rich on this one. I bought cold-rolled steel discs from the local metal supply and made three face plates weekend before last- 3”, 4” and 6”. I have a Record lathe, the thread is 3/4”-16 TPI, and I didn’t want to spend the money to buy from overseas. But then, I have access to a metal lathe and milling machine, which a lot of people don’t.