New chuck advice wanted please

[Froggy]

Hi I'm new to turning and recently discovered I need a new chuck as the one that came with the lathe can only clamp pieces between about 50-90mm and I would like a chuck that can grip smaller objects. Rather than choose one randomly and waste my money I thought you guys could point me in the right direction. I measured the threaded bit on my headstock (Poolewood 28-40) and it was 6 tpi and about 38mm (probably 1 1/2") - (perhaps Charlie can confirm this measurement?). I noticed that a lot of chucks that I look at don't specify the thread size - is this because there is some sort of standard default size?

Any advice gratefully accepted, Froggy.

 

[henton49er]

You don't necessarily need a new chuck, just a set of smaller jaws to mount onto the chuck you already have. Can you identify the chuck that you have? If there are no markings at all, post a picture of it and I expect someone with a lot more experience than me will be able to tell you what it is. A set of jaws is likely to cost you between £25 and £45, whereas a new chuck will be £100 to £200, so it is worth investigating.

1.1/2" x 6 tpi is indeed a standard spindle thread (its the same as mine). I have Supernova and Sorby Patriot chucks.

 

[CHJ]

Poolwood 28-40 have two differing threads.
Older mechanical drive seem to have 1-1/2" 6tpi which I believe to be Whitworth 55deg form.
Later super lathes have a 1-1/2" 6tpi UNC 60deg form as far as I can tell.

Although not strictly cosher I think you will find the standard 1-1/2" 6tpi R/L fitting as supplied by Axminster will fit on either due to the 60deg thread having a deeper root.


I have had older 28-40 fittings that would not go on newer 28-40 but later fittings worked in the opposite direction.
The configuration of the location collar is different between the two standards but I think you will get away with the T02R/L.
I have fitted a current 125mm Axminster with a T02R/L to both spindles with no problems.

This is a copy of an older Axminster Chart that shows the differing standards (no longer shown on latest charts)

 

[nev]

to save me writing it again, have a look here fox-fx3500-chuck-t67032.html

 

[woodturnerEric]

fox doesn`t do a thread big enough for the poolewood lathe though nev

 

[Froggy]

Hi Guys,

Sorry I've been so long in replying, but I've had a busy few days. Charlie once again thank you fo the info, a great help once again amd thank you Nev and Eric. Mike this is the chuck that I'm using at the moment:

Hope that helps, Froggy

 

[CHJ]

I have used one of those, main problem I had was in making sure I had enough gripping pressure using the two pri-bars.
Make sure you use the little locking screws on the periphery to stop it slackening in use if holding something heavy and a bit unbalanced.

Seen here with a some Axminster jaws fitted with the aid of adaptors (location tangs are not compatible) OK for this expansion mode use but I would not recommend in compression mode.