Nova G3 Chuck pkg at 50% - how good is this?

[radhak]

I have been turning only spindles and pens till now. I do have the stock faceplate that comes with the Jet 1014, but I was pondering if I should get a chuck.

First of all - is a faceplate good enough? I guess not, as I'd have to use screws all the time, and cannot turn really small stuff like I want to (thinking ornaments or chess pieces), right?

So now I get this email about the Nova G3 Chuck Package of 4 jaws at 50% off at Woodcraft.. At $300, I'd not have looked at it, and even $150 is not pocket change, but it does say 50% off...

Question is, do I need it? Do I need all the 4 jaws or could I do with less? and is that the best I could do cost wise, or is there some other hidden gem that could be cheaper and still serve the purpose?

Of course, finally, will that chuck fit my 1014?

[dsinger]

I use the Nova G3 on my Jet 1014 and am very satisfied. I was happy when I bought it a few years back for 125 dollars and it came alone! The package pricing at 149 dollars is great considering all the accessories. You will find that these all will be useful and at 149 I doubt you will find that package of components with an inferior brand for a similar price.

[Rich P]

I bought the PSI Barracuda chuck set a few years ago and while it has been OK it's not nearly as nice as the G3 offering. You will still need to purchase the adapter for the G3 so you can attach it to your 1014 (probably the 1" version). If I could have a do-over, with free shipping it's a no brainer. Only down side is additional jaw sets are probably more expensive but IIRC those provided with the package are pretty adequate. If you've been only using a faceplate you'll be very happy with the chuck. Only down side is the time it takes to change out jaws.

[Whaler]

That is a great price on the G3 but in my opinion a full size chuck is to heavy for a mini lathe. I have the Nova midi, which is a nice chuck, and two Barracuda micros for my Jet 1220VS they are my favorites.
www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC500k.html

[radhak]

Thanks for that info, gentlemen! Very useful to see personal experiences.

And Dick, I did not realize these were differently sized! Now to weigh between a bird in the hand (current discount on G3) to one in the bush (wait for a good time to get the micro...

[Whaler]

Thanks for that info, gentlemen! Very useful to see personal experiences.

And Dick, I did not realize these were differently sized! Now to weigh between a bird in the hand (current discount on G3) to one in the bush (wait for a good time to get the micro...

The PSI Barracuda keyed micro chuck is available through Amazon for $114.46 and you can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime and get free shipping. That makes it a pretty good deal, it's a great chuck.

[woodturner]

I was pondering if I should get a chuck.

Do you need a commercial chuck? How concerned are you with accuracy?

Chucks like this trade accuracy for convenience - but they are accurate enough for many uses for many people.

Personally, I make and use jamb chucks and don't use commercial chucks. I do have precision chuck I use rarely, but mostly I just use jamb chucks. In fairness, I am very, very fussy when it comes to accuracy - so the 0.010 runout in most commercial chucks annoys me, and ends up being noticeable in some of the work I do.

[radhak]

Do you need a commercial chuck? How concerned are you with accuracy?

Chucks like this trade accuracy for convenience - but they are accurate enough for many uses for many people.

Personally, I make and use jamb chucks and don't use commercial chucks. I do have precision chuck I use rarely, but mostly I just use jamb chucks. In fairness, I am very, very fussy when it comes to accuracy - so the 0.010 runout in most commercial chucks annoys me, and ends up being noticeable in some of the work I do.

What is a jam chuck, and how does one make it? I assume you are indicating it is a shop-built chuck?

[woodturner]

What is a jam chuck, and how does one make it? I assume you are indicating it is a shop-built chuck?

Yes, it is a shop-built chuck. Basically, the waste part of the blank is turned to fit and hold the piece. For example, to reverse chuck a bowl to turn the bottom, a waste blank is turned to a "snug" fit for the inside of the bowl.

Here is a link that describes the process:
http://cumberlandwoodturners.com/Tip...ng%20Bowls.pdf

When turning a wood box, for example, I first turn the blank round between centers. I then turn the outsize shape and tenon part of the joint, and part the lid from the base. I use the inside waste of the base to make a jamb chuck for the inside of the lid. I then turn the base completely, then use the base as the jamb chuck to turn the outside of the lid.

[radhak]

Yes, it is a shop-built chuck. ....

Fascinating! I havta try some of that out, taking baby steps of course.

Thanks for the post - very educative.