From PSI - has anyone used one? 4 jaw self centering.... It's a bit less expensive than the Nova, I'm a hobbyist on a budget - any thoughts?

I am looking at the PSI catalog and I don't see a Pinnacele chuck. I see several Barracudas and a 4 jaw mini chuck. Can you clarify?

Look in Woodcraft web site 85.00.

The WoodCraft flyer I received today didn't give any data on the smallest closing diameter with the jaws off. It looks a lot like the Nova Midi Precision chuck which will handle a 1/4th inch mandrel.

Probably worth a visit or call to WoodCraft to get an idea of it's usefulness for mandrels used. I suspect it's a new chuck and doubt that many rodbuilders have experience with it yet.

You'll need to check it out to see if it suits your needs. Let us know what you discover..

Stan

I had not noticed it before the other day - I think it may be new? I may have to give them a call. Ok, here's another question: I want to buy a lathe like right now, and add the 4 jaw chuck later, as budget allows. I should have bought the Nova when it was on sale last month - GRRR. Anyways, this way, I can at least turn cork on the lathe without having the 4 jaw chuck. The Jet lathe is on sale with free shipping right now on Amazon - I think it's like $235-250 or so? It says it comes with a live center - if I bought that lathe and a #2MT drill chuck to place in the headstock - I'm assuming I could use that setup to turn cork on mandrels. I also read a post in the archives that an experienced wood turner states a 3 jaw chuck is preferred for mandrel work - would this be better than the drill chuck? I thought the drill chuck would be the better option because I'll need one when I start working with wood anyways...

As you can see, I'm VERY inexperienced with lathes and the various tools/setups/accessories.

I'm also working on figuring out lathe tools and sharpening. Sheesh!!

Is there a flaw in my lathe-impaired thinking??

Thanks again for the help!!!

Order Andy Dear's DVD on using the lathe for rodbuilding.
I understand it's the FIRST thing to buy if one wants to
begin handle work with a lathe.

Hey Dave I'm still waiting??? LOL! LOL!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I know Ray - it's on my List :-)

I got bought the Jet when it was on sale at Amazon too. Then I got a 3 jaw scroll chuck and a Jacob's chuck from Penn State Industries. I added a mandrel from Andy Dear and was all set to turn cork and EVA. Like you, I started on a small budget and will be adding things as I go. Next will be a couple of good wood turning tools. Andy suggested I only need a 1/8" Parting Tool and a 3/8" Fingernail Gouge. I'll add a 1725 rpm grinder and the Wolverine Jig to get consistent sharp edges. The Vari-Grind attachment is perfect for keeping the Fingernail edge sharp and at the same angle at all times.

Andy's DVD demystifies the lathe and covers the process of turning grips and reel seat inserts very well. I plan to get more mandrels as well.

When I can I plan to get a OneWay Talon chuck. That and the Supernova2 seem to be the best in class with solid one hand locking. A Filtrete Furnace Filter.. (medium).. rigged to the back of a Box Fan will capture the small dust particles and a Dust Hood feeding into a Shop Vac will provide good dust collection. My power tool area is the eat-in part of my kitchen so dust control is critical.

Don't forget to use a full mask. I got mine from Amazon for about $19.00 and it works fine.

Wishing you lots of safe turning.

Dave