Shopsmith Forums

The 3-jaw chucks typically are metal lathe type chucks and will only hold round/cylindrical pieces. If you want a woodworking chuck, you're better off with a chuck similar to the Nova style 4-jaw chucks and getting the appropriate adapter that fits the 5/8" Shopsmith spindle.

Here is one sold by Woodcraft -- http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/200576 ... nsert.aspx --

and here is the Shopsmith adapter that you'll need to fit it to the Shopsmith -- http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/200519 ... nsert.aspx

There are a number of other chucks available like the Talon, Stronghold and Barracuda, and Shopsmith sells them as well.

This is what I asked Santa for Christmas

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC3000C.html
And the SS adapter
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/L5818.html

Another problem with 3 jaw chucks is that many are not self centering. Look for a scroll chuck.

terrydowning wrote:This is what I asked Santa for Christmas

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC3000C.html
And the SS adapter
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/L5818.html

Another problem with 3 jaw chucks is that many are not self centering. Look for a scroll chuck.

Actually not a 'problem'. Different function for different uses.

Think flat blade screwdriver vs Phillips screwdriver.

Make sure you 'select' the one built for your intended use.(self centering is probably 'the one' you need).

Perhaps
Area you need to pay attention to rather than problem.

If you desire eccentric turning, you can do it with a 3 or 4 jaw non centering chuck.

For any beginner, I would recommend a scroll type 4 jaw chuck for wood lathe operations.

horologist wrote:You might try ebay and see if you can get an old set of Shopsmith turning tools. The older tools are good steel but with the Shopsmith brand are not so desirable to people more interested in snob appeal. Anything you buy at HF is going to be low grade Chinese junk. ...

Troy

I can agree & disagree. I purchase a set of 8 of their lathe tools, and surprisingly, they do hold a good sharp edge when done properly (I've had mentors help me learn that art). But obviously, a good Woodcraft or Sorby will cut it to smithereens. My Sorby bowl gouge it indispensable, but cost more than double the set of 8 HF's. The best tool is one you WILL use and learn from. I did 14 magic wands from scrap HD dunnage for my daughter's Harry Potter Birthday Party with the HF skew. It took me 2.5 hours, and I did get over my fear of that tool by using it. It's all about putting chips on the floor in the end. But be safe. Dull tools - like knives - can hurt you.

More about wood turning chucks -- typically what you want for turning wood is a four-jaw chuck like the Nova chuck. It is a scroll chuck, meaning that the four jaws move in and out together.

If you want to turn off-center work, a four jaw "independent" chuck is what you want. Each of the four jaws on an independent chuck moves separately.

A three jaw chuck is typically for metal turning of round stock; the jaws are designed to hold metal. This too is a scroll chuck. You can turn wood using one of these three jaw chucks, but the stock needs to be round in order to center it and hold it in the chuck.

Nova type chucks will hold round or square stock. For turning bowls, you can use a Nova chuck and cutting a recess or spigot on the bowl blank so that it can be held in the chuck.