Screw chucks

[lurker]

I think I could use a screw chuck.

Have looked at whats available to buy and they seem a bit pricey for what they are.

Anyone got any tips about what I should be looking for?

 

[jonbikebod]

Hi Lurker,
I went for the larger Axminster and have been amazed how securely it holds things (screws on mandrel nose). Rutlands do a cheaper one but that seems to be a normal woodscrew. I can’t believe it would be as secure.
Jon.

 

[jpt]

HI

I use the Sorby 3"/5" combination screw chuck and face plate HERE 2nd from the bottom.

They are expensive but well worth the expense as I use it on most projects.

If you are after a cheaper version you can make one yourself it is very easy if you have a chuck. Mount a piece of wood in the chuck and turn the front face flat then bore a hole in the centre of it to take a coach screw. Remove from the lathe and cut out a hole to take the bolt head in the rear of the wood. Insert the coach bolt and glue the head in with epoxy. When dry you have an effective screw chuck virtually for free.

john

 

[lurker]

JPT,

That's what I was thinking of doing. :lol:

I thought I was missing something if people buy these things rather than making one.

So..........why are "they worth the expense" ????????????

 

[Scrums]

I've got an axminster chuck on each of the 2 lathes, one has the "A" spigot jaws, the other "C" jaws - and I have the "A" screw chuck thingy - fortunately this fits both.

I find it absolutely indispensable in conjunction with spigot jaws - just drill an 8mm hole almost to the final depth of the bowl, mount the blank and get the underside done including footring, finish, remove from screw thingy and reverse into spigot chuck, nice and quick.

I've tried making them too, but found that almost inevitably you apply too much pressure to the blank when fitting and start the screw turning. Though I saw on a US site someone using a carriage screw through a spindle for the chuck and tightening it right up with a spanner before mounting it in the chuck - that would be the best way for a home made one.

Chris.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi Lurker,

What do you plan to use it for?

The reason I ask is because I use a home made for fruit and other small stuff but for bowls I stick with a faceplate ring. I find them much easier to put on and remove. A screw chuck in a half turned bowl can be a real ba***rd to get off :evil: . Also, unless you have a good flat area to screw the bowl tight upto then you get vibration when turning .

Nice to see more Leicester folk on the forum!!

Cheers,

Richard

 

[CHJ]

I have had no trouble at all using a screw chuck since day one of turning, the first I had was the one supplied with the nova chuck, I currently use two I made to suit the axminster chuck(much the same as the axminster own version).

The only thing I do vary is the size of the pilot hole dependant on wood density, (8 -8.5-9mm) for shallower bowls or platters I slip a spacing washer of MDF over the screw thread to reduce the penetration.