I really like the new Record Power (brand) Mini SC1 & SC2 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks. I have and really like both chucks.
If you are only going to get one then I recommend the SC2 chuck. The jaws open further. Thus
it has bigger internal and external grip range. See chart below for SC1 & SC2 grip ranges.
On 3/10/2023 the SC1 & SC2 chucks are a great deal at $100 each. I think this may be just a low introductory price. I decided to get in on the ground floor of a good thing.
Click here for a PRINTABLE version of the above blueprint.
Over the years I have made and used a lot of different jam chucks. This blog entry documents
the ones I like best. They are made out of good quality 3/4" plywood and PVC pipe couplings. They work good, are stable and vacuum tight. Continue reading Carl’s Jam Chucks
I find collet chucks convenient for holding small work. For bottle stoppers, bird calls, etc.
The screw on Apprentice and Beall Collet Chucks are getting pretty pricey. I recently found a cheaper alternative in the metal working world. You can purchase a “Straight Shank ER32 Collet Holder” for around $25 on Amazon. If you already have a set of ER32 collets. Then you are ready to go. Otherwise you also need to purchase a basic set of ER32 collets for around $30 on Amazon. All prices on 5/6/2020.
Continue reading Collet Chuck Revisited
I now recommend the “Oneway Big Bite Spur” center for driving big things. Big blanks for bowls or logs for hollow forms. It only costs around $20 on 5/5/2020.
I still have and like my “Stubby Lathe USA Convertible Screw-on Drive Center”. But, you can’t purchase this center any more. Thus, I decided a couple of months ago that I should use what I recommend to my students. Well, you can purchase a very similar “Nova Jumbo Spur Center”. However, I now like the “Oneway Big Bite” better.
Continue reading Oneway Big Bite Spur Center
I have found that using a 2-1/2″ diameter hole that is 1/4″ deep is a good way to mount blanks for plates and shallow bowls on the lathe. It is easy and very secure.
Continue reading Mounting Plates and Shallow Bowls
Here is my “Craft Foam Projects Bowl Rim” tip that appeared in the “Tips” section on page 15 of the AAW February 2019 “American Woodturner” Journal.
Continue reading Foam Cole Jaws