Calling all Teknatool chuck users

[algale]

Hello All,

I received my Teknatool G3 chuck today (shipped directly from Teknatool even though I ordered it on sale from Shopsmith). It came with the standard 50mm jaws, the pin jaws, the woodworm screw and the Shopsmith insert. It seems well machined but the directions are pretty vague in some spots. I have a couple of questions that I hope some of the experienced Shopsmith/Teknatool users can answer.

1. Should the bottom of the hexagonal part of the insert be flush/touching the body of the chuck when it is installed?

[INDENT]I've installed the insert and tightened it down as much as I think it can go; but there's a gap of about 1/8" between the bottom of the hexagonal part of the insert and the body of the chuck. The directions are at best vague about this (other than to say to make sure it is fully installed) and I didn't know if it is normal for the hexagonal part to be proud of the chuck body or whether I need to try to screw this insert down some more.[/INDENT]

2. Size of the Set Screw/Allen Wrench Not Standard Shopsmith Size?

[INDENT]The allen wrench/set screw that is used to secure the assembled chuck to the spindle clearly isn't the standard Shopsmith 5/32" size. I was a little surprised that this was the case given that this is supposed to be specific to the Shopsmith and was being sold through Shopsmith. Anybody else have this issue with the Tekantool insert for Shopsmith?[/INDENT]

3. Properly Installing The Woodworm Screw

[INDENT]There's a flat area on the base of the woodworm screw but no obvious place to align or index this flat against and the directions are vague. Anybody know how to install the woodworm screw properly?[/INDENT]

Thanks in advance,

Al

[pennview]

1. Yes, there is a slight gap of about 1/8" between the hexagon-shaped end of the insert and the body of the chuck. Tighten it with a wrench and then secure it with the allen screw.

2. The chuck is designed to fit many different lathes with the appropriate insert, all of which use the same size allen set screw. I never gave it a second thought until you mentioned it. I guess it could be re-drilled and tapped if it's a problem.

3. I have an older Nova and the screw is round -- no flats. The newer one looks to be a better design and safer. I looked at the manual on line and there were a couple of paragraphs on using the screw. Here's the relevant part or using the screw:

"To convert to this operation, place the boss section into the centre of the chuck making sure flat shanks are aligned to the jaw slides and close jaws around it. BEFORE FINAL TIGHTENING MAKE SURE THAT THE FRONT OF THE BOSS SECTION OF THE SCREW IS SEATED BEHIND AND AGAINST THE 50mm JAWS. This will prevent any tendency for the boss section to creep forward when the screw is being used."

[algale]

Thanks for the response! This forum is fantastic!

[bstadtler]

when did you order yours?

[algale]

when did you order yours?

The last day it was (recently) on sale, but I don't specifically recall.

[dusty]

when did you order yours?

Your question was not directed at me but I ordered on the 11th, received confirmation on the 13th and it has been shipped. No tracking number provided so I just wait.

Do you know that Order Status is available on line?

Go to the Owner's Site @ shopsmith.com and hover on Support. On the resulting drop down, click on Order Status.

You must know the order number and the telephone number that Shopsmith has on record with your account.

If you did not get email notification (order confirmation) from Shopsmith, you won't know the order number and none of this will help.

[jcraigie]

I ordered mine on 5/7 (saturday) at bout 11 pm I recieved it on 5/13 (friday) in the US mail (in a medium flat rate box) direct from Teknatool