VersaChuck Model 'T

[malc75]

What is the general opinion of the VersaChuck Model 'T, I am new to turning and have a cheap Clarke's lathe with no chuck, cash is limited at the moment so a Nova is a bit too much for me to find the cash for.

 

[CHJ]

Should be fine and matched mechanically for strength with your lathe, only reservation I have with such chucks is the twin tommy bar operation and the possible need for three hands to secure a work piece.

I used one for a short period earlier this year at a demonstration and had to switch it out for a borrowed key operated chuck because it was too inconvenient for the task I was doing, a lot depends upon what work you normally do and finding assisting work arounds to aid initial clamping if the two tommy bars happen to fall outside a single fist span.

 

[EnErY]

I own The versa chuck its a very good chuck which will take almost anything that you want to do with ease but be warned if you buy the versa chuck you also have to purchase the carriers for whatever jaws you own that is ok if you own a set of chuck jaws I got the K10 along with the nova 2 the nova chuck will take some sorby jaws its a case of what you already own that will marry up with the versa I like it I use it for various jobs but my chucks are dedicated to a specific task before you purchase weigh up the expense look on the site if you will you can call them toolpost is very helpful and will guide you in the right direction
Regards
Bill

Mod Edit:- The Versa Chuck T is an 80mm diameter model.

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I too have the model T. It is well made and just the right size for my lathe. My only reservation is the tommy bars supplied are a bit pants. Just a couple of bits of mild steel rod which bends very easily. I managed to snap one undoing the chuck.
I ended up buying a pair of unimat tommy bars and modifying them to fit the model T.