Looking for a three jaw chuck & possibly an adaptor

Ritchie · 6 Apr 2014

Thanks for allowing this old greenhorn on your forum

I am trying to get a three jaw chuck for my NWL37-4 woodturning lathe I have been looking on machine mart but no matter how much detail I give I can't seem to find a chuck with the thread size 3/4x16tpi is this because I need an adaptor?to reduce

Spindle · 6 Apr 2014

Hi

Why would you be looking for a three jaw chuck? Woodturning chucks tend to be of the four jaw self centering type, easier to mount square section material. If this works for you then there are plenty of 3/4" x 16 direct threaded chucks available as there are plenty of adaptors to convert other body threads to 3/4" x 16.

Regards Mick

CHJ · 6 Apr 2014

As said, 3 jaw chucks are not normal fair for wood lathes, 4 jaw self centring being the norm with inside/outside jaws available for some brands if they are a must.

One way if you are adamant that 3 jaws are what is needed is to get any suitable (100mm?) three jaw chuck that uses as standard ISO back plate and get a suitable threaded ISO backplate from The Toolpost as supplied for the VersaChuck.

Versachuck backplate, threaded 3/4 inch x 16 tpi; To suit many popular lathes such as Record etc.; No locking screw £15.74

Ritchie · 6 Apr 2014

Thanks guys! the reasonI was plumping for a three jaw chuck is woodturning ignorance, I'm originally a metal turner & we use three jaw chucks most of the time but thinking about it four jaw chucks for wood turning has got to be preferred as wood is often not round lol!In metal turning four jaw chucks aren't self centering you have to set each jaw individually

CHJ · 6 Apr 2014

4 Jaw wood turning chucks are rarely used with 'standard' metal in/out style jaws, they never grip the compressible wood adequately.

There are a multiplicity of dovetail and ridged gripper jaws in the form of accessories that bolt to the jaw carriers.

Be aware that differing brands are often not compatible as far as accepting accessory jaws as the scroll dimensions vary.

Suggest if you are not familiar with wood turning chucks that you have a browse of the Axminster site or similar for a heads up.