Have been using the C3J-4 from Penn State, am happy with it.
But have a need now for another of the same 3-jaw self-center chuck type, but able to handle material around 2-21/4" diameter.
Penn State may have it, but if they do, guess I just missed seeing it.
Would appreciate any leads on what would be a good one for my Jet.

Just on a side note, anyone interested in a lathe purchase out there, I am totally content with my Jet (the 14 mini), happy as can be with it.

Gary Bechtel
North Channel Tackle Service

My apologies. Of course, thanks in advance for any answers

Gary

Gary Bechtel
North Channel Tackle Service

I don't know if there is a 3 jaw available that will handle that big. Try the 4 jaw self centering Utility chuck from Penn State. An extremely versatile chuck that will also allow you to hold square stock for boring. I also have the C3J but since I got the 4 jaw, it's only used to hold mandrels

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/18/2007 08:53PM by Mike Barkley.

Gary,

I have the Penn State mini-grip 3 system. It's a four grip chuck system that will handle square material up to 21/4 inches. I've used it for a lot of applications and don't see the need for any other chuck system. Check it out.

Regards ,Dave

Gary,
It isn't obvious on their web site.
It is listed under mini chucks.
I believe that this is the one that you want.
I have a couple of them and they work well.
They are three jaw, and self center:

[www.pennstateind.com]

Take care
Roger

Thanks, guys, for the ideas. Guess I should have mentioned this is for round material, so really need a 3-jaw. don't I? Also need to be 1x8

Gary Bechtel
North Channel Tackle Service

A 4 jaw works fine for round material (even better that a 3) and is more versatile in that they come with a couple different type jaws and more are available. The Penn State ones are pretty decent/affordable Here are the specs on them [www.pennstateind.com]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

That little cj 3jaw chuck from penn state is a great, inexpensive, versitile little chuck! Those are used in production machine shops for special fixturing and dedicated tools for special part runs because the aluminum jaws are easily macinable, and adaptable to hold different different shapes, reverse tapers, steps, etc. The jaws are reversable, use the pionted ends for small stuff and the radiused ends for bigger diameters. The limitting factor of these chucks right out of the box is the largest diameter they will hold...usually fine for use as a rod lathe chuck, but some larger butt caps wont fit in it. This is somewhat easily fixed though. The chucks are designed so that the jaws can be bored out to larger diamiters and holding capacity....similar to what machinists routinely do with collets. Anyone handy with a small metal cutting lathe can do this esilly. The center threads on the chuck are 3/4-16 (also available in 3/4-18 i think). The 3/4-16 is a standard waterpipe thread. Simply chuck a short piece of 3/4" threaded water pipe in the lathe, spin the cj 3-jaw onto the pipe until it squares up against the chuck on the engine lathe, open the jaws all the way, and use a boring bar to machine the jaws to the diameter you need. If you dont have access to a metal cutting lathe, A six-pack of beer and a kind word may get it dome for you at a local machine shop...lol! I also have a few of these chucks, brand new in the box, that i can machine out....just order me a replacement....shoot me an e-mail if you need one.