Well, I don't know either, but thought I'd ask.......

[Odie]

......for comments on the new quick change Easywood chuck........

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/20...-easy-chuck-1-x-8-tpi.aspx#ProdInformationTab

There are a couple of videos to see on this chuck......

ooc

 

[ihmserv]

I looked at this chuck, read the writeups, even showed it to the wife.

she asked if I wanted one.

my answer:

NO... to expensive, for the cost of that chuck I could buy two or three chucks with different jaw sets so no need to change jaws. and for the cost of the other jaw sets I could probably get a fourth chuck.

Now that being said if she wants to spend that much money I will take a new mini lathe or 4 more chucks, I already own 4 but who's counting.

just my opinion

IAN

 

[Odie]

I looked at this chuck, read the writeups, even showed it to the wife.

she asked if I wanted one.

my answer:

NO... to expensive, for the cost of that chuck I could buy two or three chucks with different jaw sets so no need to change jaws. and for the cost of the other jaw sets I could probably get a fourth chuck.

Now that being said if she wants to spend that much money I will take a new mini lathe or 4 more chucks, I already own 4 but who's counting.

just my opinion

IAN

Definitely expensive. You could almost buy two Strongholds for that price.

I have three Strongholds. One permanently has No2 jaws. One permanently has either Jumbo, or Mega Jumbo jaws. The third Stronghold usually has No3 jaws, but this is the one I use to switch out to other spare jaws.

I wouldn't be interested in purchasing the Easywood chuck, but if I were just starting out, it would look pretty appealing. The quick adjustment ring, and the quick change jaws are a definite plus in it's favor.

I'm wondering how well the quick change jaws hold their accuracy......over a traditional jaw configuration......?

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

They state easy change jaws as one of their exclusive features, but you can have easy change jaws with just about any chuck for much less money than the Easy Chuck. Bill Rubenstein, the USA Stubby Lathe distributor, showed me a neat trick at SWAT earlier this year where he buys a set of base jaws for each set of top jaws. Of course, it is necessary to remove the roll pin in order to completely unscrew the base jaws, but I suppose that the hole could be tapped for an interference-fit with a screw that could provide the safety stop function.

The above description is based on the Oneway Talon and Stronghold chuck design, but I presume that the Vicmarc chuck design would be similar.

 

[Odie]

They state easy change jaws as one of their exclusive features, but you can have easy change jaws with just about any chuck for much less money than the Easy Chuck. Bill Rubenstein, the USA Stubby Lathe distributor, showed me a neat trick at SWAT earlier this year where he buys a set of base jaws for each set of top jaws. Of course, it is necessary to remove the roll pin in order to completely unscrew the base jaws, but I suppose that the hole could be tapped for an interference-fit with a screw that could provide the safety stop function.

The above description is based on the Oneway Talon and Stronghold chuck design, but I presume that the Vicmarc chuck design would be similar.

Good idea, Bill......

Since I have three Stronghold chucks, I don't have to change out jaws nearly as much as someone with a single chuck.......but, it's something I do from time to time. I do it the old fashioned way!

One thing to remember is the mounting screws for the jaws don't have to be cranked down for assembly. Most of us tend to overtighten them......because it just feels safer. The screws need to be snug, for sure, but removal and installation is much easier when it's not that hard to break them loose. I have modified a special T-handle allen wrench to do this. I've installed some soft rubber hose on the shank of the allen wrench, and I can spin the screws out of the threaded holes really quick and easy by holding the wrench between the palms of my hands......same principle applies for installing the screws after the jaw switch. My usual method is to break loose all eight screws, then spin off all eight screws......reverse procedure for installation.

For me, jaw changes are an occasional "necessary evil", but I can do it in a matter of only a few minutes time..... I haven't timed myself, but it's only a matter of 3-5 minutes, I'd say.

ooc