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Chuck evaluation
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:27 am
by fiatben
OK, I know it's somewhere in the archives. I can't imagine any question that hasn't been asked, and answered, before. But since I've spent time in search mode without really feeling more educated at the end of the experience, I'm gonna just through this out to the group.
Comparison of benefits, uses, disadvantages, etc. for a 3-jaw chuck versus a 4-jaw chuck?
Independent jaws versus synchronized jaws versus self-centering?
What features do you find most useful in a chuck?
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:44 am
by JPG
fiatben wrote:OK, I know it's somewhere in the archives. I can't imagine any question that hasn't been asked, and answered, before. But since I've spent time in search mode without really feeling more educated at the end of the experience, I'm gonna just through this out to the group.
Comparison of benefits, uses, disadvantages, etc. for a 3-jaw chuck versus a 4-jaw chuck?
Independent jaws versus synchronized jaws versus self-centering?
What features do you find most useful in a chuck?
Most 3 jaw chucks are 'synchronized'.
4 jaw chucks were created to allow intentional 'off centering' possible with 4 independant jaws'. Yes they also can be 'non-independant'.
It is the intended use that defines which is 'more applicable'.
A 4 jaw will hold items more securely due to the increased 'holding surface area'.
A 4 jaw will do anything a 3 jaw will(but centering can be a booger at times if independant jaws).
i.e. Know your intentions and make your own judgment accordingly.
(after further recommendations I am sure will follow!)
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 12:13 pm
by beeg
Are you talking about a lathe chuck? If so, I'd stay away from ones with tommy bars. Get one that ya can change jaws on, if the need ever arises. Stick with quality name brand ones, just make sure ya can get the 5/8's plain adapter for it.
lathe chucks
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 1:59 pm
by RobertTaylor
for woodworking you really want a 4-jaw scroll chuck, not an independent 4-jaw chuck. a chuck with tommy bars versus a chuck key is just as easy to operate. three jaw chucks are not suitable for woodworking.
Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 3:57 pm
by pennview
A couple of other points:
A three-jaw scroll chuck isn't all that beneficial for woodworking because it won't hold turning squares, but if you have round material to turn it will work fine. A four jaw is better suited.
The four-jaw scroll chucks, like the Nova and Oneway, will hold turning squares just fine and will also hold round stock. In addition, you can turn a dovetail recess for holding your work or you can also turn a spigot on the end of you work to hold it in the chuck. Most come equipped with a screw center and you can buy accessory jaws for different holding requirements. These really are the most versatile for woodworking.
A four-jaw independent chuck can be cumbersome to set up, but it will allow you to turn off center work. So if you wanted to turn something like a wooden crankshaft, this is what you'd want.