<p>If you make a lot of Carbon Fiber grips, you know that you spend most of your time turning mandrels rather than rod blanks. &nbsp;The short length and relatively heavy weight of a mandrel presents unique challenges and many chucks simply don't hold them well. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Roger Wilson solved this problem for me in my power lathe by building me a power unit that can fit any common commercial rod lathe&nbsp;wtih a 1/2" keyless Jacobs Chuck. &nbsp;The unit is also variable speed from 0 - 200 RPM and reversible at the flip of a switch. &nbsp;Talk about a game changer! &nbsp;THe unit has totally spoiled me. &nbsp;I no longer deal with large, 3-jawed machine chucks that move a lot of air (and dust) and skin your knuckles. &nbsp;And no more wobbly run out from a cheapie chuck. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Roger's solution inspired me - if that type of chuck was so good on a power lathe why not on my drying motors? &nbsp;The attached is a chuck I am now building that couples a 3/8" keyless Jacobs chuck to Flex Coat finishing motor (or any motor with a 1/4" shaft). &nbsp;One hand operation, you NEVER lose&nbsp;a mandrel while turning overnight, and zero perceptible run out. &nbsp;Not useful for turning an entire rod or larger diameter rod blank but perfect for making CF grips on mandrels. &nbsp;</p>