Best new chuck?

JWD · 15 Sep 2018

Hey folks, I'm picking up a new chuck for the lathe - I'm thinking of getting a patriot with the 30x3.5 insert, anyone have (and like) this chuck? Are there any good alternatives?

thanks as always
Joe

Sideways · 15 Sep 2018

Also interested in the answer to this. I have a second hand vicmarc vm100 which came with one set of jaws. More than good enough for me but extra jaws are not super common if I find the need for more in future.

marcros · 15 Sep 2018

off topic, but I found that the vm100 jaws are worth importing from timberbits in Australia. I actually got my chuck from there too.

Trevanion · 15 Sep 2018

I've got a SuperNova chuck and it does the job, I've heard good things about the Versachuck, RS Patriot and Axminster chucks.

At the end of the day, they all hold wood. Whether each is better than the other is up for debate.

Out of curiosity, what is your machine?

CHJ · 15 Sep 2018

JWD":2xzw7vgr said:
Hey folks, I'm picking up a new chuck for the lathe - I'm thinking of getting a patriot with the 30x3.5 insert, anyone have (and like) this chuck? Are there any good alternatives?

thanks as always
Joe

One aspect to consider with chuck choice is the variety of accessory jaws available and if they are likely to give you the options you are likely to desire in the future.

The latter aspect is a bit of a chicken and egg situation for someone starting on the turning road as it's likely to be one or two years down the line that the desire to tackle the more obscure holding methods is considered.