Recommended lathe chuck for Mk VII ?

Mike vonBuelow · Post by **Mike vonBuelow** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:28 pm

So if I'm spending upwards of $30 on the name-brand lathe faceplate, would that money be better spent towards an adjustable chuck/jaw combo? Especially with the added benefit of not having to use screws to attach every time?

Anyone have a recommendation on what's worked best for you?

kenbu · Post by **kenbu** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 9:11 pm

Mike,

I've been very happy with the Nova G3 chuck on my Mark V since I bought it a year ago. It's amazing how much easier and more versatile it is than faceplates and homemade jigs. Shopsmith runs a special periodically on this chuck with a couple of jaw sets and a Shopsmith arbor adapter. I recommend it, if it's in your budget.

Ken

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 11:44 pm

For me I think you need a faceplate (shopsmith has 2 sizes) and I would not be without them. Certain things just work better that way.

I also have the Nova G3 and several sets of jaws. Depending on what you want to turn will determine what jaws you need. Nova jaws fit other Nova chucks so if you someday want a larger model they will still work. I see that as a plus even if I personally have not gone that route (yet).

There are several high quality brands and I would stick with one of them and stay away from the lower price ones. Quality comes at a price.

Ed

donalexander · Post by **donalexander** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 8:49 am

If you're going to get serious about lathe work, you will out of necessity have to get creative about how you attach wood to your spindle to spin it. Faceplates (note the plural), a chuck and various jaws (note the plural), screw chucks, jam chucks, and vacuum chucks (not possible on the Shopsmith) are all things you'll come to want along with various mandrels and collets (not sure if these are possible on the Shopsmith either). It all depends on what you're looking to do.

I used the SS lathe for years before I got serious about turning wood (and bought a lathe) and the single best purchase in my mind was Nova live center kit. The live center SS sells is light duty for what you're paying. Nova sells a kit based on the MT2 fitting that will address 95% or more of what you're likely to need on that end to center, and firmly hold a piece of stock whether its solid or hollow.

The Nova G3 is a nice chuck and sized about right for the SS.

Mike vonBuelow · Post by **Mike vonBuelow** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 10:01 am

I do have the live center - that seemed like a must have...

Thx for the info on Nova... think I'll be headed in that direction

I plan on making shallow bowls, no more than 4" deep, and no more than 10" wide. I'd really like to make the once with a flat top, so I can stick it in my laser and make some cool engravings on that flat part.

donalexander · Post by **donalexander** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 8:17 am

Mike, Before you buy a chuck, you might want to compare the the Nova G3 and the the SuperNova 2. The latter chuck should work on the SS with the right adaptor. The G3 is probably all you need with the SS but if you ever want to turn a larger bowl on a better lathe, the SuperNova 2 can move up with you (just change the adaptor). The price difference (at least in my mind) made the Super Nova 2 the better deal. There are some other differences but the only one I can think of that might matter is there's a modification for the chuck that makes changing jaws a breeze. I know its available on the SN2 but not sure about the G3.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 9:04 am

Mike
I have and use the Oneway Talon and I am very pleased with it. Reible made a good point in that the Nova system permits their jaws to be used across the product line. I got my chuck from Shopsmith years ago when I was at an owners meeting in Dayton. About two years ago Wood Magazine did a comparison between several chucks, the Oneway and the Talon and they reported that there were only minimal differences. A virtual tie.
I would go for the Nova at this time just for the interchangeability of the jaws. Nova and Teknatool is in Tampa Fl.
Bill V

donalexander · Post by **donalexander** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:45 pm

Actually the Teknatool (they sell the Nova brand) distributer is in Florida. Teknatool is in New Zealand. I've dealt with the distributer on some issues with my Nova SL DVR lathe (some technology that the SS Power Pro uses - digital variable reluctance). I'd rate them as very average in customer service. Expect to get what you pay for but don't look for them to go the extra mile. I don't know about the folks in New Zealand...ymmv.

fredsheldon · Post by **fredsheldon** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 7:46 pm

After having turned 90 bowls in 2013 I would have to recommend you get both a face plate and the Nova chuck. Use the face plate to turn the wood stock round, securing it with short wood screws and to turn a tenon. Then switch the turning around and secure the tenon in the Nova chuck to turn the interior and finish the exterior with sanding and polishing.
Fred

Mike vonBuelow · Post by **Mike vonBuelow** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 9:19 pm

It just happens I purchased my 2nd Mk VII setup yesterday and it came with 2 plates... lg and sm

Not sure who makes them though - looks like they'll fit.