Anybody have any info on this PSI Chuck [www.pennstateind.com] ? The site doesn't give any specs on the chuck except that it is a 1 inch x 8 tpi. Will the chuck close completely and what is the max diamater? I ordered a Delta Midi Lathe and will be needing a chuck for turning on mandrels.

Thanks,
Steve

I have that chuck and it's a pretty decent chuck. My only complaint is that it has a maximum capacity of 1 1/8", which can be pain. I recently got this chuck [www.pennstateind.com] and it is MUCH more versatile. It has 2 sets of jaws. The problem with this one is, it won't close enough to use mandrels. I have both and it works out great. If you only can get one, I would go with the 3 jaw and turn the wood down enough to fit it.

Mike

So, is the first chuck mentioned a #2 morse taper, or what? Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Steve,

You may check out the Nova Midi Chuck. It's more expensive, but is a 4 jaw with many different jaw combinations available. This is what I have and like it. I haven't purchased all the different jaws for it, but it comes with the 50 MM size and I purchased the 35 mm spiggot jaws, and the serve my purpose.

Bill in WV

Ralph both chucks scre on to the head stock - no taper

Mike

The Nova Midi Chuck is currently on sale for $99.99 at woodcraft.com. The extra few bucks for the Nova Midi Chcuck might be money well spent in the quality and versatility of the Nova chuck. Just a thought...

Jim Smith

I think sometimes I'm losing what little mind I have left. LOL. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Is it very hard to center pieces on an independent three or four jaw chuck? I bet I'd never get it centered. LOL

I wouldn' want to do it! Both chucks that I mentioned (3 & 4 jaw) are self centering

Mike

I got one PKM-ELC. #1 MT I think it is great. I got one off of @#$%& but I have found several vendors for this item at the same or lower price. I have ordered one of Andy Dears's new design which I understand is similar to the PSi. I think Andy's may be superior to anything PSI my offer for rod buildiers. Just note Mike Barkley's recent comment about Andy's design. I can't wait to get mine.

Ed Smith

I didn't know Andy had chucks. I looked on his website but there was nothing about chucks on it.

Steve

Ed,

I'm ta;lking about Andy's newer type mandrels. He doesn't have chucks as far as I know

Mike

I have the chuck you mentioned in your question. It is what is known as a scroll chuck. You turn a disc on the chuck to tighten it rather than turn a gear with a chuck key. The chuck works fine for fishing rods. I have a large, standard 3 jaw chuck also. I got the little one so that I could chuck directly on blanks without crushing them (so far). I put rubber loops on the little chuck and tighten it gently on the rod blank.
Overall I think it is a fine little chuck for the money. The chuck is self centering. I do not remember if the chuck you mentioned will close completely. I think so. Maybe not enough to use it as a drill chuck for small drill bits. Heck, most portable drill chucks won't hole a little bit either.

Do not buy a independent jaw chuck unless you know that you really need one. Self centering is the way to go for general use.