I am purchasing a JET lathe and need to ask the you that know what chuck should I include in the order?

I would get a 4 jaw chuck (make sure that it comes with jaws that will close to your smallest mandrel siz and open large enough to hold the largest stock that you will start with) It will probably require 2 different jaw sets. Also, a MT stationary drill chuck to put in the tail stock for drilling your stock (it can also be used in the headstock to hold mandrels, eliminating the need for switching jaws in you chuck. I would definately get the bed extension.

Don't hesitate to post any questions. Lot's of skilled turners here (I'm not one but if I can ever help, feel free to holler!!)

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 09/16/2008 05:19PM by Mike Barkley.

Scott,
I use a Vicmarc vm100 on my headstock and a rotating tailstock chuck on my Jet with bed extension. Very happy with this setup so far.

Mike

Mike's Custom Fly Rods

I was contemplating getting the Nova III but what insert should I get?

I use a OneWay Talon. J.P. Timberlake recently showed me the Penn State Barracuda chuck kit he got - nice chuck with extra jaw sets and complete with case. One heck of a good value I'd say.

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What ever chuck you get make sure you get a set of pin jaws. They will close the smallest.

I assume the lathe comes with a live center for the tailstock. Now spend the extra thirty bucks or so and get a Jacobs Chuck for the tailstock. Morse Taper #2 I think. This will come in handy for holding drill bits if you want to bore caps, arbors, seat inserts and that type of stuff.

Sorry double post.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2008 06:17PM by mark blabaum.

Scott, I have a Nova Midi chuck that works fine, but if I were to do it all over again I would buy the Barracuda from Penn State Industries [www.pennstateind.com] it's almost the same price as the Nova, but comes with the extra jaws. The pin jaws would be worth the price by itself. Mark

Thanks everyone for the replies. Sorry it took so long but I had to go watch my sons first 7th grade football game. I will go with Marks and Toms opinion and order the Baracuda from Penn State. Thanks guys!

I have a standard 3 jaw self centering chuck, a mini 3 jaw self centering chuck, and I recently added a Nova 4 jaw self centering. Let me cast a dissenting opinion on the Nova. I don't like it much at all. I get the most use out of the standard 6" 3 jaw, but you do have to watch your fingers. but it works well for turning inserts and drilling inserts, I drillo cork rings with it, and I hold a mandrel or sometimes the end of a blank in it for turning. cost wise, a 3 jaw will run about 80 to 100, the mini which works very well for light stuff is about 60, and the Nova is 200 plus you still have to buy the pin jaws (and my Nova wobbles). I use it for turning bowls with the recess, but I have had bowls come out. I was actually considering a Nova lathe until I got that chuck, but now I will look for a company that makes round things round..
and of course you need a drill chuck and arbor for the tailstock.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2008 10:28PM by Bill Moschler.

Thanks Bill for the reply.

Tom, did you say that there would be someone at the ICRBE next February that deals in lathes and turning accessories?

Yes, Klingspor's WoodWorking Shop.

WoodCraft may also be there again. They are currently undergoing a change in ownership.

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