Chuck/Collets can not find right size

[djcaseanova]

I have a RAND Mini Lathe, it works great for faceplate turning since that's what it came with. But, now I am looking for a chuck or collet that will allow me to turn more projects.

Here is the problem: It's 5/8" x 11 TPI on the RAND as it is. What do I need to do to change this out? Or does anyone know where I can find chucks to fit this? I can not seem to find ANY!!

I'd like something that is easier to find, so is changing this out possible or am I completely stuck with what I have?

BTW, I am still a newbie at turning and this lathe. I've had it several months now and have only tinkered with it a few times.

Thanks!

 

[Mark Mandell]

DJ,

You can get an adapter that will push your small spindle size up to a fairly standard 1"x8tpi. Problem is that I haven't seen an on-line seller who lists an adapter for that small a thread. You can call Best Wood Tools [(931) 788-0429] and get a price on his making you one (he doesn't stock that size in readi-mades). Other option is for you to go down to your local friendly machine shop and try to sweet-talk the nice man into making you, a poor but impoverished newbie woodturner, one for a price somewhat less that he would charge his regular customers for such "custom" work.

Good Luck

 

[Jonathon.C]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007D2BPW/ref=nosim/102-5973427-8790546?n=228013 Here is a website that has a chuck for a mini lathe... the problem is that I don't know the first thing about it. Not even on the grizzly site did they tell the specs on it (morse taper, jaw size or anything). I don't exactly know what your looking for, but maybe someone will check out the link and someone who has one can comment on it.

Jonathon

 

[djcaseanova]

yes, that's pretty much what I am looking for, but I am still new to the lathe, and am not sure if what I have is changable? I did however find a lathe JUST like mine on ebay, and the seller does not sell replacement parts for it either.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-RAND-Mini-Wood-Turning-Lathe-4-Speed-21-x10-1-4_W0QQitemZ6034097406

I don't know if that helps at all... (it's just a cheapy, i picked it up less than the ebay price)

 

[Mark Mandell]

Oh . .

At that price, the whole lathe costs ($31) about half of what a spindle adapter will run you. You may want to rethink making such an "investment" and plan on moving to your next lathe a little earlier using the saved money. 🙂

 

[djcaseanova]

haha the lathe usually ends up around $175 I was referring to completed auction prices, not current bid price. 🙂

 

[Ken Grunke]

The easiest and cheapest solution is to get a chuck with a 1" x 8 tpi hole and have a machinist make a threaded bushing. Starting with a 1" bolt, accurately centered in a metal lathe, and bored out/threaded internal for your spindle. Just the end of the bolt is used, cut off to however long your lathe spindle nose is (after boring/threading).
I'm a reasonably profficient amateur machinist and could do it in about an hour's time. Having a 5/8-11 threading tap would make it easier, I know I have 5/8-18 but not sure about 11 tpi.