Shopsmith vs Jacobs MC8K26 Chuck

[JPG]

I agree with everything John stated above. I do have a preference for the 3326 version, I have not used the SS version much due to my preference.

My Goldie came with the multi-chuck. I consider it close to the 3326. The 3326 that I have show negligible signs of wear.

So IMHO let the SS version go.

FWIW I also have a Jacobs 6B which also requires a mandrel(1/2" thread) but it is much larger and beefier than any of those above. If it did not require the adapter it would be my first choice.

For smaller drill bits I use a Jacobs "0" with a 1/4" straight shaft in the larger chucks. I do think the larger clamping area of the segments on the chucks not capable of going all the way to zero are preferable when used with larger bits.

P.S. My Mark VII has a multi-chuck.

[reible]

I have three chucks that I keep out for use. One I keep with my shopsmith set up as a drill press and the other two are on a storage rack. It is not uncommon to use two of them on projects where it is faster to change out chucks then to change out bits. Sometimes I even manage to get three involved.

I can't see ever having less then two but it all depends on what projects you do and how involved you get in woodworking. I can also see why it would be nice to include a chuck with a sale.... they are not cheap to buy new.

Ed

[stephen_a._draper]

What is the difference between the 3326 and the MC8K26? My MC8K26 needs rebuilt and I cannot find any parts.

[chapmanruss]

The Jacobs MC8K26 Chuck is also known as the Multi-Craft Chuck. If you refer back to my Drill Chucks 101 the 3326 Jacobs Chuck is a redesign of the 33B Chuck to mount directly onto the Shopsmith 5/8" Spindle without an adapter. The Jacobs Multi Craft Chuck is smaller in overall size but still has the Jacobs quality.

The last time I checked Jacobs still made a 33B Chuck (33BA) and I believe the 3326 used the same rebuild kit. I don't know if they still have a Multi-Craft rebuild kit. I have found at least three versions of the Jacobs Multi-Craft Chuck. Most of the differences are the way it is labeled on the Chuck.

[stephen_a._draper]

I have found a source for 12 NEW IN THE BOX Jacobs Chuck MC8K26. I have ordered one of them.

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[jsburger]

Hmm.. $100???

You can buy a Jacobs 3326 on eBay for $30 or $40. That is the original SS chuck. OK the 33B was the original. I have a 33B and 3 or 4 3326's that are all 50 or 60 years old and work just fine. Repair kits are still available if you need one.

I am not sure why I would pay $100 for a MC8K26 (even new) when they are on eBay for under $25. I don't think Jacobs even supports them now.

[stephen_a._draper]

You will not find a single NEW one. They are all 30 to 40 yrs old with heavy use and out of spec. New Jacobs Chucks today are all made in China and all cost over $100.

[JPG]

"Out of jacobs original specs" - Still better than recent production from other sources.

I doubt "all" of them out there have experienced heavy use.

[stephen_a._draper]

There are many people out there like me who want to buy a brand-new item that they know will be useable with no flaws. I realize that this particular forum has less than most; however, there is more to life than always looking for the lowest price to save a few dollars. A good Jacobs chuck is a lifetime investment. You can no longer buy an American made Jacobs chuck because their only factory now is in China. These 12 were made in Connecticut.

[BuckeyeDennis]

I looked at the price of a new Jacobs chuck, and if I were in the market, I’d think that $100 is a good deal. But both my 10E and 10ER came with Jacobs 3326 chucks with no detectable wear. After a little cleanup, they both work brilliantly, and look good as well. I only use my newer SS chuck now when I need to chuck up a teensy tiny drill bit.

I gather that the MC8K26 chucks have a 5/8” capacity, as opposed to the 1/2” capacity of the 3326? If I could figure out why I need the extra capacity, I’d sign up for one of your NOS chucks.