Rutlands XT650 Chuck

[xraymtb]

Has anyone experience or opinions of this chuck: http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+woodwo...huck-compact-scroll-chuck-kit-dakota+xt650kit

Recently my Sorby Patriot has been getting in the way - I turn on an Axi AWSL and given the restrictions in the size of what I can turn, the chuck seems to take up a lot of room!!. It also seems to loads the bearings quite a bit as I get a bit of vibration when using the chuck but none without?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

The XT700 which is the equivalent of the Supanova 2 gets favourable reviews here regularly. Recently someone also did the same for the smaller one ie the 650 and it went down well. It is equivalent to the G3. Basically it seems to be pretty good and with the 10% and free delivery promotion on now is the time to strike.

I have an SN2 and an xt700 and I wouldn't mind getting a smaller chuck also so there is less bulk and less bearing load so I think its a good choice.

One thing I will say, my xt700 is not as well machined as the SN2, just generally the quality is not quite the same but it wouldn't stop me recommending it and I simply put that down to the differences in cost because the Rutlands chucks are pretty much the best value you can get for a new chuck

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I wouldn't hesitate to go for it - if the quality is similar to my XT700 then it's probably the best chuck deal available at this time.

Regards Mick

 

[xraymtb]

I've got one in front of me now, will report back. It does seem very small compared to my Patriot - does size really matter?

My AWSL maxes out at 10" bowls anyway - presumably a small chuck is more than capable of this size?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

The chucks will have a small set of printed material in the box which almost always documents the recommended min and max diameter bowl blanks. I cant remember off the top of my head what my XT700 (the larger one) had as its range but I would make an educated guess that 10" is OK for the 650 but probably close to the top of its range which may well be 12" or so. The thickness of the blank is also a factor due to the mass it exerts on the spindle and the holding capacity of the jaws. Obviously a 10" round 6" thick bowl blank is a fair old chunk of log whereas a platter is much lighter.

Bottom line either find the instructions and check or google it to be certain.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

The capacity of a chuck is mainly governed by the type of jaws fitted and in the manner they are used - a set of 100mm jaws in your chuck will have approximately the same holding effect as in any other chuck designed to fit your lathe, (obviously more in compression than expansion).
At 10" max over bed you will not exceed the capabilities of the chuck unless the blank is grossly out of balance, (in which case you should support the work with the tailstock until it is in balance).
The pin jaws should not be used for anything other than spindles and small bowls/ boxes.

Regards Mick