The new (ish) Axy Evolution Chuck - any opinions from owners

[Random Orbital Bob]

I'm toying with getting one but they're expensive and heavy. They look and sound like they should be superb. Wondered what the general consensus out there in turning land is?

 

[AJB Temple]

Recently bought one. It is well engineered, smooth action and accessory jaws etc fit well. Perfectly good chuck but it is just a chuck.

 

[SVB]

Not got an evo chuck but do have a couple of the preceding super precision versions.

I am a firm believer in that something used as often as this, the 'quality remains long after the price is forgotten' mantra (or similar) applies.

As for weight, the difference over other similar offerings is minimal and I don't think is a major factor (for me anyway).

My 2c anyway.

Simon

 

[Markvk]

I have one, its well made and worth the money. Comes in a very nice black box....

 

[Grahamshed]

I have three of them Bob, brought with longish intervals between each. That, to me, says it all.

 

[woodfarmer]

I have one, bought to go with my axi 1628. Sadly the bores are a very loose fit over the bosses and the chuck is loose on the spindle until the pressure on the threads holds it against the shoulder on the spindle. Their cheap faceplates fit much better and locate true on the spindle bosses. The chuck spins true(ish) simply because the threads cam it central and clamp it onto the shoulder.

Watch out also for screws coming out the back stopping the chuck lying square onto the shoulder of the spindle.

 

[graduate_owner]

I bought an evolution chuck over a year ago and I really like it. It looks and feels very well made. I haven't used any other chucks to compare with though. I don't think there is an excessve overhang, in fact I seem to remember Axminster advertising it as being designed to have minimal overhang. I boughf a set of O'Donnell jaws at the same time, total cost £235 - ouch!! More than I paid for my graduate bowl lathe. They are even more expensive now.

K

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Oddly enough its the O Donnell jaws I've got my eye on. I had a large spindle blank that I was hollowing fly off and miss my face by about 2 inches recently whose spigot was clamped only in the C type jaws of my Teknatool.

So I want more clamping of heavier work basically...shark jaws or O Donnell etc. I figure its time to upgrade to a heavier weight chuck too so I'm thnking of the patriot, Vicmarc, Evo etc and the reason I keep coming back to the Axy is pure convenience ie I can drive to one of their stores (2 in fact) and the range they have of jaws is good. All the other leading brands are essentially invisible except for specialist dealers or online. I also have Axy vouchers which helps.

So if the Evo is as good as it says it is then I think that gets the vote and you all seem to like it.

Thanks for the input, I think that's tipped me over the egde

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

But thinking about it, I'll wait until Yandles at least in case there's something there worth looking at.

 

[Markvk]

Just had an email from axi 20% off chucks

Edit... thats 20% off selected jaws.

 

[SVB]

Have a look carefully at the o'don jaws. They have their uses but do have some limitations:

+ points
Allow work to stand-off face of chuck so give all round access (when did you last NEED this - honest now.....?!)
Range of sizes to suit to different projects

- points
Slimmer dovetail than traditional dovetail jaws so less firm grip (you can put a slim DT in normal jaws, not visa-versa)
Multi-Jaws do save money but are a real compromise, especially at the smallest size and a bit of a PITA with set screws swapping between inserts
Quite expensive if buying the set with dedicated carriers

My 2c anyway, others may have differing views!

Simon

 

[Rhossydd]

So I want more clamping of heavier work basically...shark jaws or O Donnell etc.

I don't think the O'Donnell jaws are the best to choice if holding bit lumps is a primary requirement.
The main O'D jaws are smaller and shallower than the C type jaws, so you'd have to rely on making long, relatively thin, spigots to fit down the centre bore. I'd suggest looking at the big 'gripper' jaws which are designed for heavier holding tasks.

The O'Donnell set is brilliant though for smaller work. The accessory jaws are fast and easy to add and give a huge range of possible sizes for smaller work. Contrary to SVB's experience I find the extra jaws VERY easy to fit and change, just a single bolt each and no need to realign on the carriers.
Plus you get really good access to the work close to the chuck.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Righto, good input there thanks folks. I should say I know very little about work holding larger pieces, especially heavy spindle blanks which is what I had the near miss with day before yesterday.

Your comments about the different holding capacities/strategies are useful because I guess I'm not entirely sure which jaws to buy to increase my personal safety. My thoughts about the spindle blanks are simply this, I'm assuming that the longer heavier pieces require longer and fatter spigots to counter the leverage of a lot of material in front of the chuck? I think I was thinking that the O Donnel jaws provided that. But it sounds like they need a much smaller diameter spigot so less effective on bigger pieces. My understanding of the OD jaws primary purpose is to get access to the spindle end of the work which is why they're tapered. Is that right? I'm wondering if I'm confusing their holding power with shark jaws?

 

[Grahamshed]

I have the three different sizes of O'donnell jaws mounted on my three chucks and they are perfect for perhaps 90% of what I do but the holding points are smaller and more 'delicate' than normal C jaws, They are not suited to big heavy lumps. For these you need a wider and deeper tenon or mortise and I find a set of the 'A' jaws ( they used to be called Glen Lucas Jaws and his name still appears on them ) work really well. They fit on a deep 80mm spigot or into a 100mm mortise and I feel confident to use them for anything. I also have several sizes of gripper jaws but don't use them anymore. A properly shaped dovetail HAS to be a better grip.

 

[Mark Hancock]

Only had chance to glance at the above comments about the O'Donnell jaws so my apologies if I have misread them. I use the 50mm ones 95% of the time and they are perfectly capable of holding large chunks of wood if you use the central part of the jaws clamping onto a parallel spigot. Never had a problem with this method of holding and I very rarely use the dovetail options on the jaws - too much messing around for me

 

[graduate_owner]

Graham's shed - you have THREE evolution chucks??? That is luxury indeed. I was a bit reluctant to spend out over £200 on just one ( chuck £160. Jaws £85), especially since I only paid £150 for my graduate bowl lathe ( tight wad). I am glad I did though, very nicely made.


K

 

[Grahamshed]

Graham's shed - you have THREE evolution chucks???
K

Yep, I am a multi billionaire.


And an outrageous liar.


( about being a billionaire, not about having three chucks. Once you have one it seems to make sense to go with what you know and like. )