Lathe Chuck advise needed by a newbie

[TopCat 32]

Hi, been hovering in the background for a few months now, I am new to the woodturning scene but after doing a course with Tom Pockly got completely bitten by the bug, I have now just bought my 1st lathe a axminster 900.
my next purchase is a chuck, I was wondering what members would recommend advantages/ disadvantages with the many that are on sale, I been looking at axminster and nova chucks, also the ones on eBay from RDG in the little case, you seem to get a lot of jaw sets with them for about the same money you pay for a axminster or nova with 1 set.
Any help would be greatly received or any recommendations you have on any other types of chucks good ones, or ones to avoid

many thanks
Tim

 

[Doofusme]

Tim

I can thoroughly recommend any of the Axminster, Nova or Record Power chucks, they are all of a good quality and come with a variety of options to cater for all your needs now and in the future.
If you go for the insert type of Nova and Record chuck you also future proof yourself for when/if you change lathes.
There is always good second hand chucks on ebay worth a punt and a good saving over buying new.
Another factor is spares, I have broken a scroll in my axminster before (my fault not the chuck) and Axminster delivered a replacement next day.

Cant really say about the RDG ones as never owned one.

All teh best

Phil

 

[LancsRick]

Axminster fan here - you can always change the backplate to fit any lathe and there's a myriad of jaw options available.

 

[TopCat 32]

thanks Phil/Rick, I was right to ask, forgot about getting 1 with a insert , I was looking at ones with 1inch 8tpi,to fit my lathe but will think again now, good shout lads, may well of saved me a few quid in the long run

thanks again
tim

 

[CHJ]

Another important aspect if you are drawn towards Budget Buys is the compatibility of the accessory jaw fitting.
Two or three standard accessory jaw sets supplied with a chuck body may seem like a bargain until the day twelve months down the line when you want to expand your holding methods and can't locate those specialist jaw configurations to fit your chuck.

Several members have ascertained which of the independent makes have compatible fittings, results should be available through forum searches.

One chuck that meets all the criteria for spindle compatibility (it takes a separate ISO back plate that's easy to change) and has a series of jaw carries available to match its scroll to various other makes of accessory jaws is the Versa Chuck from The Toolpost.

I for instance standardised on Axminster Chucks early on for the range of acc. jaws available but also have a Versa Chuck with suitable carriers that takes all the Axminster accessories.

 

[TopCat 32]

thanks Chas, another bit of useful info, i have a feeling i may well be on here a lot as i get more into my turning, off now to have a look at the toolopost website

Thanks again