Chuck advice

[CosmicNacho]

Hi, im relatively new to turning. My boss bought a record dml24x for me to learn how to make creance sticks for his falconry business. These are turned between centers.

We also have a face plate that came with the lathe which ive been experimenting with turning apples from various logs. However, as im getting more confident i want to be able to turn the piece around once its cut free and be able to clean the other end up as i find i can never achieve a good finish just doing it by hand.

So i looked at the record g3 chuck package on the record website at £119.99

I saw a video of someone making an apple where he drilled the apple for its stalk prior to taking it off and then mounting it on a screw chuck in order to clean the other end up.

I wasnt sure wether to just try that for now or go ahead and buy a chuck, i think i will need one eventually because i want to learn to turn more advance projects and this package comes with a screw chuck attachment.

Can anyone advise me on this chuck package, i picked this one because it says its small designed for smaller lathes, we were hoping to upgrade to a larger on one day but hopefully it will still fit.

Also, can anyone suggest any ways for me to clean my apples up nicely in the mean time, ive got one ready to come off on a nice piece of yew and i just want to get it off there.

Many thanks.

 

[nev]

The Record chuck will be more than adequate for your lathe and expand your holding capabilities, but will possibly not be so much help with the apples. I have only ever turned them between centres or as you mention, on the screw chuck. another possibility is a home made donut chuck (have a quick google) if you are inclined to have a go.

 

[CHJ]

The screw chuck adaptor supplied with that chuck is fine for holding larger items but is too coarse (big diameter) for turning fruit, you will need to make your own version using a standard woodscrew.

I would advise that you think carefully about the mounting thread aspects of any chuck you purchase, in the event that the lathe is changed there is a good chance that the thread will be different (usually bigger diameter)

Some chucks have thread inserts that can be changed out but not all will go as large as 33mm which is a common EU standard these days, requiring purchasing a new dedicated chuck.

One Chuck that can be configured to any spindle thread is the Versa Chuck, it has a separate ISO standard backplate that can be changed out to fit any lathe.

Also consider the variety of accessory jaws that are available, accessory jaws are not always interchangeable across different brands so you need to select a chuck and jaw brand with some future proof potential.

Again the Versa chuck can accommodate most things because it has accessory jaw carriers to match most major chuck brand accessories, I for instance use one matched to all my Axminster accessories.


Buying cheapest option is not always economical in the long run.

 

[Ghengis]

I have a versa chuck model T, came with my lathe, does everthing I need
http://www.toolpost.co.uk/pages/Chucks_ ... del_t.html

 

[CosmicNacho]

Ah, the donut chuck looks interesting. Might have to give that a go. I did think about making my own screw chuck so I could use a smaller diameter screw as you mentioned.

Maybe I'll research further before proceeding to buy a chuck and in the mean time I'll have a go at making my own chuck, either a screw or donut.

Thanks very much for your replies.