Screw chucks are definitely underrated. It's the fastest way to get started on face work with the least amount of troubles. Thanks for showing your collection of chucks, it's kinda interesting to see that you don't have any gimmicks. Just pure function with no nonsense.
Thanks Richard. Useful information. I'm a hobby turner with 4 chucks and more jaw sets than that. Most of which I don't use. So I fell into the "completeist" trap. Got to have every variation. And I've found out the hard way that I really don't need all that. Too bad I didn't know that sooner.
Really appreciate hearing your perspective and seeing the tools you find most useful. It's great to see what someone with a great deal of experience uses.
Richard when I started lessons with you, you advised me to get as many chucks as I could afford. Over a period of time I got six, and various jaws I needed. It was such good advice and I thank you for that Richard. Good advice for anyone, especially someone starting out.
For more years than I can remember, I have used a coach bolt, 7 or 8mm, held in a regular dovetail chuck, with varying backing plates as an easy screw chuck option.
As Mother Goose once said, "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck If a woodchuck could chuck wood? As much wood as a woodchuck could chuck, If a woodchuck could chuck wood." Your practical advice is always helpful.
Since seriously watching your videos, Ive made two changes to my chucks. I now have a Vicmarc 3 in 1 screw chuck and I have multiple scrolling chucks. Im not a production turner but it is irritating to constantly change jaws on one chuck. I will probably get one more chuck as well. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!!!
After hearing your glowing reviews of Vicmarc chuck and jaws, I ordered a VM120 w/ Shark-Jaw jaws today. I anticipate adding a VM100 in the near future. Thanks for the great videos and advice.
Talking about over tightening chucks - I always used to wince watching Stuart Mortimer tightening axmister chucks with the aid of a 18” long oneway tool handle put over the end of the chuck key for extra leverage!
Been following your advices from day one and even if I could use sometimes a smaller sharkjaw, I am pretty happy with the one I had from Vicmarc. So, thank you for this video and all the ones before! Respect!
Hi Richard. I've always been impressed with your simple dust extraction system. Have you done a video on it. Layout, extractor size, pipe size etc. Many thanks Phil
Nice overview - thank you! I have two Axminster chucks, one with some sharp gripper jaws similar to yours. The other either has a set of button jaws or standard jaws holding a screw insert. I think my next move will be to get a dedicated screw chuck as I use it constantly!
Going through my late grandfather's lathe tools, I found a "Raffan Multi Collet Chuck" - basically a collet chuck with step jaws. I so badly wanted to use it, but the threads didn't match my lathe. Still really cool to see though.
All of my chucks are with jaws of varying sizes. They all have a screw that can be held in the jaws. But after seeing this video I am reminded how easy it is to use a dedicated screw chuck. I must add one to my collection.🙂🙂
Thank you for all your videos. I ony have 3 chucks but I don't mind changing jaws. My favourite is a VM 100 which came with a woodscrew attachment. I just fit this into the inner part of my 3" jaws with a wooden disc to adjust the length.
You'll greatly improve the holding ability of the screw in standard jaws by adding a collar to increase the backing face. th-cam.com/video/3-P6qGkob34/w-d-xo.html
I need more chucks, lol. I have 2 Vicmarc VM120's, 1 with the standard 48mm dovetail jaws (also have the larger jaws), the other has the Vicmarc Cole Jaws, but I'm finding I'm using those less and less, especially with using a foot as per your methods, which means not having to remount a bowl to finish the bottom. The other chuck I have is a smaller Nova II (I think it is), with smaller dovetail jaws, but I did have to have a boss made to fit the spindle on my Laguna 24/36, I didn't want to use an adapter as I've seen people have alignment issues with those, so had a local engineering firm make me a replacement boss which usually comes with the chucks. I think I need to invest in some shark jaws.
My first (and currently only) chuck is the Barracuda CSC3000C set from Amazon, which I luckily happened to pick up on sale for 50% off (chucks in general are expensive, and high-end ones much more so) - while the idea of having multiple sets of jaws you can swap out is nice, in practice I'd much rather have a dedicated chuck body for each set of jaws, because changing jaws over is such a pain that I actively avoid doing it until I've got several pieces lined up that will use them. And the kicker is, the folks who make the Barracuda don't sell that same chuck body on it's own :(
I currently have only Three chucks Richard. They are only Oneway chucks. I do intend to get at least one more because I find it tedious always having to replace jaws.
You mentioned not liking the slots in the shark jaws. Have you seen the vic mark long nose jaws? Would that solve the issue? And whats the benefits of shark jaws over long nose jaws?
I've used all Vicmarc chucks in production but needed to sell most of them when downsizing. I kept the VM100 chucks most suited to my VL150 lathe. I sold my VL300 lathes. The slots in chuck jaws can occasionally mark the wood unless softened. th-cam.com/video/DV2T6oJgCi4/w-d-xo.html. The Shark and Pin jaws have more applications in expansion mode than the Long Nose jaws whicvh have the buttress strengthening the jaws. The pin jaws can do everything and more than the Long Nose jaws.
Another great video, do you have any remarks on VM90 chucks (the lever ones)? I've seen your FineWoodWorking video article on chucks dating back 10 years now, do you have any extra remarks/revelations on these chucks for cost/time efficiency? Thanks in advance.
You need a spindle lock on your lathe to to operate a VM90 effeciently so when VM100s came on the market I transfered to VM100's and sold all my VM90s. I've written several articles on chucks over decades, but can't recall that one, let alone in detail. I've used a very wide range of chucks from many manufacturers and never found one to match the Vicmarcs for overall performance. Few enable me to grip on small details as in this video: th-cam.com/video/DV2T6oJgCi4/w-d-xo.html
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning My reply seems to have been deleted for whatever reason - it may have been due to my sending a link. The article that I attempted to link is the "Guide to Chucks and Jaws" at the bottom of your "Books & DVDs" page. As for the chuck, the trick to lock the spindle by jamming a wrench into the lathe bed such as you've done on this channel before to remove a chuck/blank off of a screw chuck, would that be suitable as a replacement for a spindle lock for these chucks? Even if that is a suitable thing to do, would there be any use in purchasing one of these chucks for the sake of speed/efficiency for production turning?
@@j10t522 Jamming the wrench against the bed is fine for getting the chuck off, but it helps to be able to lock the spindle when pushing the collar lever to the rear, rather than jamming the wrench on the far side of the bed. Only very occasionally would I like a lever operated chuck - I find the VM100 much more convenient and effecient.
I very rarely run my VL150 faster than 2000rpm. I hope I mention lathe speed in most videos. It's prudent to start slow and increase the speed gradually until the lathe vibrates, then drop back until the rattling stops. This is easy with variable speed control, but a shade tedious when adjusting belts on pulleys. The messiest injuries occur when a large diameter blank is switched on at too high a speed, typically following some small diameter project turned at high speed.
Occasionally I regret selling some of the 10 or so Vicmarc VM120 chucks I had before downsizing. What a set of chuck jaws enable me to do is far more important than the ability to change the jaws quickly.
Any day you post a video is a good day Richard. :- ) Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us.
Need to do a chuck upgrade and this was perfect - thank you
Screw chucks are definitely underrated. It's the fastest way to get started on face work with the least amount of troubles. Thanks for showing your collection of chucks, it's kinda interesting to see that you don't have any gimmicks. Just pure function with no nonsense.
Thanks Richard. Useful information. I'm a hobby turner with 4 chucks and more jaw sets than that. Most of which I don't use. So I fell into the "completeist" trap. Got to have every variation. And I've found out the hard way that I really don't need all that. Too bad I didn't know that sooner.
Really appreciate hearing your perspective and seeing the tools you find most useful. It's great to see what someone with a great deal of experience uses.
Richard, thanks for the books you did many years ago. They got me started! (Doc Green NC/USA)
Richard when I started lessons with you, you advised me to get as many chucks as I could afford. Over a period of time I got six, and various jaws I needed. It was such good advice and I thank you for that Richard. Good advice for anyone, especially someone starting out.
For more years than I can remember, I have used a coach bolt, 7 or 8mm, held in a regular dovetail chuck, with varying backing plates as an easy screw chuck option.
As Mother Goose once said,
"How much wood could a woodchuck chuck
If a woodchuck could chuck wood?
As much wood as a woodchuck could chuck,
If a woodchuck could chuck wood."
Your practical advice is always helpful.
Since seriously watching your videos, Ive made two changes to my chucks. I now have a Vicmarc 3 in 1 screw chuck and I have multiple scrolling chucks. Im not a production turner but it is irritating to constantly change jaws on one chuck. I will probably get one more chuck as well.
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!!!
Thanks for explaining all the different types of Chuck's 😊
"...whether they want it or not." - Classic Raffan gold.
Very useful info and another well done! Thanks, RR!
After hearing your glowing reviews of Vicmarc chuck and jaws, I ordered a VM120 w/ Shark-Jaw jaws today. I anticipate adding a VM100 in the near future. Thanks for the great videos and advice.
Talking about over tightening chucks - I always used to wince watching Stuart Mortimer tightening axmister chucks with the aid of a 18” long oneway tool handle put over the end of the chuck key for extra leverage!
Been following your advices from day one and even if I could use sometimes a smaller sharkjaw, I am pretty happy with the one I had from Vicmarc. So, thank you for this video and all the ones before! Respect!
Thank you for sharing and also explaining your chucks.
Great video again. Thnx Richard! 😎
Hi Richard. I've always been impressed with your simple dust extraction system. Have you done a video on it. Layout, extractor size, pipe size etc. Many thanks Phil
th-cam.com/video/twuFE1-6qB0/w-d-xo.html is on the lathe and dust system. It's 100mm hose and ducting.
Nice overview - thank you! I have two Axminster chucks, one with some sharp gripper jaws similar to yours. The other either has a set of button jaws or standard jaws holding a screw insert. I think my next move will be to get a dedicated screw chuck as I use it constantly!
Going through my late grandfather's lathe tools, I found a "Raffan Multi Collet Chuck" - basically a collet chuck with step jaws. I so badly wanted to use it, but the threads didn't match my lathe. Still really cool to see though.
All of my chucks are with jaws of varying sizes. They all have a screw that can be held in the jaws. But after seeing this video I am reminded how easy it is to use a dedicated screw chuck. I must add one to my collection.🙂🙂
Thank you for all your videos. I ony have 3 chucks but I don't mind changing jaws. My favourite is a VM 100 which came with a woodscrew attachment. I just fit this into the inner part of my 3" jaws with a wooden disc to adjust the length.
You'll greatly improve the holding ability of the screw in standard jaws by adding a collar to increase the backing face. th-cam.com/video/3-P6qGkob34/w-d-xo.html
So informative.
I need more chucks, lol. I have 2 Vicmarc VM120's, 1 with the standard 48mm dovetail jaws (also have the larger jaws), the other has the Vicmarc Cole Jaws, but I'm finding I'm using those less and less, especially with using a foot as per your methods, which means not having to remount a bowl to finish the bottom. The other chuck I have is a smaller Nova II (I think it is), with smaller dovetail jaws, but I did have to have a boss made to fit the spindle on my Laguna 24/36, I didn't want to use an adapter as I've seen people have alignment issues with those, so had a local engineering firm make me a replacement boss which usually comes with the chucks. I think I need to invest in some shark jaws.
My first (and currently only) chuck is the Barracuda CSC3000C set from Amazon, which I luckily happened to pick up on sale for 50% off (chucks in general are expensive, and high-end ones much more so) - while the idea of having multiple sets of jaws you can swap out is nice, in practice I'd much rather have a dedicated chuck body for each set of jaws, because changing jaws over is such a pain that I actively avoid doing it until I've got several pieces lined up that will use them. And the kicker is, the folks who make the Barracuda don't sell that same chuck body on it's own :(
I currently have only Three chucks Richard. They are only Oneway chucks. I do intend to get at least one more because I find it tedious always having to replace jaws.
Thanks
How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
You mentioned not liking the slots in the shark jaws. Have you seen the vic mark long nose jaws? Would that solve the issue? And whats the benefits of shark jaws over long nose jaws?
I've used all Vicmarc chucks in production but needed to sell most of them when downsizing. I kept the VM100 chucks most suited to my VL150 lathe. I sold my VL300 lathes. The slots in chuck jaws can occasionally mark the wood unless softened. th-cam.com/video/DV2T6oJgCi4/w-d-xo.html. The Shark and Pin jaws have more applications in expansion mode than the Long Nose jaws whicvh have the buttress strengthening the jaws. The pin jaws can do everything and more than the Long Nose jaws.
Another great video, do you have any remarks on VM90 chucks (the lever ones)? I've seen your FineWoodWorking video article on chucks dating back 10 years now, do you have any extra remarks/revelations on these chucks for cost/time efficiency? Thanks in advance.
You need a spindle lock on your lathe to to operate a VM90 effeciently so when VM100s came on the market I transfered to VM100's and sold all my VM90s. I've written several articles on chucks over decades, but can't recall that one, let alone in detail. I've used a very wide range of chucks from many manufacturers and never found one to match the Vicmarcs for overall performance. Few enable me to grip on small details as in this video: th-cam.com/video/DV2T6oJgCi4/w-d-xo.html
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning My reply seems to have been deleted for whatever reason - it may have been due to my sending a link. The article that I attempted to link is the "Guide to Chucks and Jaws" at the bottom of your "Books & DVDs" page. As for the chuck, the trick to lock the spindle by jamming a wrench into the lathe bed such as you've done on this channel before to remove a chuck/blank off of a screw chuck, would that be suitable as a replacement for a spindle lock for these chucks? Even if that is a suitable thing to do, would there be any use in purchasing one of these chucks for the sake of speed/efficiency for production turning?
@@j10t522 Jamming the wrench against the bed is fine for getting the chuck off, but it helps to be able to lock the spindle when pushing the collar lever to the rear, rather than jamming the wrench on the far side of the bed. Only very occasionally would I like a lever operated chuck - I find the VM100 much more convenient and effecient.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning Thanks again.
Many Thanks! - thoughts on woodturning lathe speeds?
And thanks to you for the contribution.
I very rarely run my VL150 faster than 2000rpm. I hope I mention lathe speed in most videos. It's prudent to start slow and increase the speed gradually until the lathe vibrates, then drop back until the rattling stops. This is easy with variable speed control, but a shade tedious when adjusting belts on pulleys. The messiest injuries occur when a large diameter blank is switched on at too high a speed, typically following some small diameter project turned at high speed.
Do screw chucks work well in wet and dry wood?
Yep! Good for both wet and dry.
I can see you don’t need another chuck, but if you could only have one chuck, the Easy Wood chuck is the one to have. 15 seconds to change jaws!
Occasionally I regret selling some of the 10 or so Vicmarc VM120 chucks I had before downsizing. What a set of chuck jaws enable me to do is far more important than the ability to change the jaws quickly.