Colejaws or Longworth?

[Dino]

Newbie question, probably a repeat somewhat but I figured I'd ask anyhow.

I'm not sure on which would suit me best. Right now I am only turning small items; bowls, boxes, goblets etc and have found that either a set of colejaws or a longworth would make it a lot easier when shaping, the bowls in particular. I've had a few mishaps with the underside of some boxes which is leading me to ask this.

Does anyone know where I could...buy these? I've not actually found any longworth chucks on any of the usual sites I check (axminster, rutlands) is longworth the American name or something?

As for the colejaws...I am not sure which, if any, would fit the chuck I have (Precision Chuck from Rutlands.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Rhossydd]

I built a Longworth chuck myself earlier in the year without too much difficulty or cost (see my thread at button-jaws-is-diy-possible-t77617.html ). Since then I've also made several large Cole style wooden jaw sets for my Versachuck too and find I use those more frequently. It's easier to get a good grip with the Cole(button) jaws.

I'm sure someone who knows more about the Rutlands kit will be able to advise where to get either ready made Cole jaws from or plates to allow you to DIY your own from wood.

 

[Dino]

I've watched a few DIY videos on making my own Longworth chuck but I simply don't have enough of the tools to do it easily, so depending on the cost it might be a better idea to just buy one. I'm not against the idea of trying it though because...well, that's what hobbies are for.

Thanks for the help!

Edit...just saw your link. For £140 I am pretty sure I'll be making my own.

 

[CHJ]

If you wish to grip reversed bowls and turnings with maximum security then it has to be Cole Jaws.
A Longworth chuck will give you centralised alignment but very difficult to get secure grip capable of holding an item without tailstock safety support.

If you can't get Cole Jaws to fit can you get wood attachment jaws, they will allow you to make more or less the equivalent for many jobs.

 

[Rhossydd]

I simply don't have enough of the tools to do it easily,

The only thing you really need is a router and suitable cutter.

so depending on the cost it might be a better idea to just buy one.

I don't think there are many available in the UK.

 

[Dino]

Ah, thanks Rhossydd.

I'll check out wood attachment jaws as well CHJ. It is mainly that I don't know what will fit the chuck.

 

[paulm]

Have a look here for some more information and alternative ideas ae-these-jaws-a-good-idea-t81040.html

Cheers, Paul

 

[gregmcateer]

Also consider a vacuum chuck - not as complex as you might think.
Both WoodMonkey and I have recently made them and although I am saving up for a proper vac pump, the chop vac does an OK job of holding pieces when taking light finishing cuts and sanding on the foot. (I have found it's worth using the tailstock for as long as poss for larger / heavier items).

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/topic79704.html

Also see this;

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/topic83022.html

HTH

Greg

 

[CHJ]

One other point with Cole Jaws, or Wood Jaw attached plywood or MDF discs is that you are not restricted to just the small rubber location studs.

Obviously you need to temper attachments and what you hold with the knowledge that the Cole Jaws are not intended to hold heavy loads or stand high energy cuts, but longer bolts and wooden blocks can easily be mounted and shaped as desired to hold that awkward piece.

For instance I made up a set of large studs to hold this type of work, used mainly in straight boring mode the actual loads on the Studs and Jaw Plates is low.

 

[paulm]

That's a good idea Chas, might borrow that

Cheers, Paul

 

[Dino]

Thanks for the fantastic advice guys. I'll get started on deciding which route I'll go down.

 

[HappyPixie]

Very interesting tactic, Chas. I was wanting to lengthen the grip and I'm in the middle of re-purposing a batch of laser-printer feed rollers. These are plastic tubes with a grippy rubber sleeve on the outside. I'm currently trying to make a sleeve to pack the inner cavity so it takes the M6 bolt snuggly. Should give me 45mm of grip height.

Cheers

Steve

 

[CHJ]

Gripping force may not be high with long 'prongs/studs' but they do stop components tipping sideways out of the shallow grip of standard buttons.

These look like a worthwhile addition to the accessories.

Might add them to the shopping list or make myself a few if I need a change of time filling tasks.