5/8 Keyless Chuck

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 5:17 pm

Got a email special on this new chuck. I noticed though that the price is the same as the price in the holiday catalog: $130.21. I was hoping to see a sale price, but perhaps this is an introductory price. Thoughts?

So I Googled 5/8" keyless chucks. Found one on Ebay , new for $29.50 <lol> Found another for $319.59. Quite a difference & it appears like a quality product.

I don't think any of us in Shopsmith Forum land have tried one as it is not available until Jan 30th. I'm no longer buying anything until the item has been used by others and have written reviews.

Here is the Shopsmith write up:
Shopsmith 5/8" Keyless Drill Chuck
If you've always wanted a drill chuck that could hold larger bits and let you switch from size-to-size quickly without fiddling with a chuck key, this mammoth, three-and-a-half-pound beast is your answer !

Manufactured especially to Shopsmith's stringent specifications, this rugged, smooth-acting chuck cuts bit-changing times significantly -- feels like quality in your hand -- and delivers the kinds of performance you would expect from any Shopsmith product. It's a real “beauty”.

Measuring 6" from end-to-end, it's over 2-5/16" in diameter with a 1-1/4" wide, deeply knurled band that gives you an easy, slip-free grip. Its three precision-ground jaws open and close with amazing smoothness to grasp bits from just 1/32" to 5/8" in diameter.

It also works well for turning dowels up to 5/8" in diameter... and for smoothing or cleaning steel or aluminum rods, tubing and similar items. You will NOT be disappointed !

Important Note:
These new chucks were being manufactured especially for us as our recent catalog was being printed. Although you may place your order now, they will not be available for delivery until January of 2013.

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 6:26 pm

I just can't see paying $130.21

for a chuck. It don't take that long to change a bit.

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:35 pm

Just realized the new chuck goes down only .03125 whereas the old one goes to .020 to .500 for only $40.49. I've never used a drill bit with a larger than 1/2" shank.

Maybe I'm missing something obvious. Somebody, somebody, anybody?

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:42 pm

Don't see the sense in it for the price. My key chuck works just fine.

BPR

eagleta2 · Post by **eagleta2** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 12:29 am

My hands like the chuck key. As old fashioned as it seems I feel a whole lot better turning a chuck key in 2 holes...especially when I am getting ready to use a 1 1/4" forstner bit.
I'd rather not have it let go...

Geo

hdoilcan · Post by **hdoilcan** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 4:05 am

To much money for me. Happy with what I have.

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:48 am

I can not understand whatever motivated Shopsmith to have this chuck manufactured when there was nothing wrong with the old chuck. The price is reflective of their costs and profit- but holy cow. I have never had a problem with my old chuck and see little reason for the new.

Is there perhaps a new chuck in the woodworking world that is making Shopsmith users in need of a chuck replacement? The old chuck meets all of my needs and honestly, I don't see a need to replace it like I did with the old Mark V motor. A person who upgrades to a PowerPro can sell their old parts and get a few bucks. But who is going to pay $10-15 for a used Shopsmith key chuck?

There has to be a good reason. I typically purchase the new items Shopsmith comes out with. But this one appears to be dead on arrival- unless there is something obvious that I'm missing. I have no need for a keyless or keyed 5/8" chuck. Do any of you?

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:16 am

i just wrote to Shopsmith customer service & inquired as to what motivated Shopsmith to market a $130.21 keyless chuck when there was nothing wrong with the $40.49 keyed chuck other than it's size & use of a key.

Shopsmith advertises up to 35% off on their email specials. But I'm afraid even if they did that, I'd still see no need for an $85 keyless chuck. I can't imagine the company going to the expense without first determining if their customers would purchase a 3 1/2 boat anchor that has a capacity for 5/8" bits that I don't believe I've ever even seen before.

So in the interest of being fair, I'll let 'you' know what Shopsmith writes back. There has to be a good reason to market an expensive item that I don't believe there is even a need for.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:25 am

I can see the appeal for keyless chucks on cordless drills - I'm often swapping between drill bits and driving bits while on a ladder etc. and they are much quicker and more convenient, but for a drill press? I fail to see the need, especially for the price. I guess I'm glad that they are trying to be innovative and develop new SS products, but this one has to end up being a dud.

fredsheldon · Post by **fredsheldon** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:48 am

How about those days you misplace your key or if you are like me forget where you put it down last

My only concern is slipping of the drill bit in the chuck. I have issues all the time with my keyless drill where the drill bit slips and I can't seem to be able to tighten it enough.