9x20 jet lathe chuck

[casca92]

greetings,
I have a piece that needs a bigger and better chuck than I have currently. backing plate size is 1 1/2 8 tpi
I have a 4" 3 jaw self center chuck
7" 4 jaw independent chuck ( will work on here if I have to )
Some times my needs and wants get confused with what is affordable until I get off medical and return to work.
not real crazy with the independent tightening chuck.

I think I need a 6 or 8 inch 4 jaw self centering chuck ? So guide me in the right direction.
would - no have to stay around $ 175 for this purchase. would like it complete with back plate.

lastly where is a good place to start ? plenty of independent adjusters on EBAY.

thanx in advance
casca92

 

[mikey]

My vote would be a used 5" 3-jaw chuck. Many of them for Atlas lathes on ebay for $100.00 or less. A 4-jaw scroll chuck is harder to find. I think a 6" might be pushing the limit as to size; the jaws may hit the ways if you go too big and an 8" chuck is totally out of the question.

 

[Bill Gruby]

I respectfully disagree here. I use an 8" Cushman 4 jaw on my Jet 9X20 all the time. The lathe has no issues the extra weight and diameter. Had this set-up for about 15 years now.

"Billy G"

 

[mikey]

I respectfully disagree here. I use an 8" Cushman 4 jaw on my Jet 9X20 all the time. The lathe has no issues the extra weight and diameter. Had this set-up for about 15 years now.

"Billy G"

Good, Bill, glad you jumped in with the voice of experience. I have to ask, though. How large a work piece can you fit in the chuck before the protrusion of the jaws becomes an issue?

 

[Bill Gruby]

I have chucked up 6 1/2 inch dia. but it pushes the limit. As home hobby people go this is probably all you will ever open to. 8 inch in a 9 inch swing lathe is close. Use caution at all times.
I have a friend with a HF 9X20 and he has an 8"- 6 jaw in his.

"Billy G"

 

[mikey]

I have chucked up 6 1/2 inch dia. but it pushes the limit. As home hobby people go this is probably all you will ever open to. 8 inch in a 9 inch swing lathe is close. Use caution at all times.
I have a friend with a HF 9X20 and he has an 8"- 6 jaw in his.

"Billy G"

So, you can clamp a 6-1/2" work piece without the jaws hitting the ways? Impressive.

 

[Bill Gruby]

Only with the jaws in the ID three step side holding position. The jaws just make it to 1/8 inch past the OD of the body of the chuck. Anything larger is asking for trouble in my opinion.

I am having (tongue in cheek) a set of jaws modified for the chuck to hold a 7 inch diameter work piece. There will be .375 removed from the OD side of the jaws. They will never be used on that side of the jaws again.

"Billy G"

 

[Bob Korves]

Get some time on that 4 jaw chuck and get used to using it. The independent 4 jaw chuck is much more versatile than any scroll chuck, and will give more accuracy. I almost never use the three jaw scroll chuck on my lathe, not usually worth the time to change over to it, and less accurate. With a little practice and thought, centering a part on a 4 jaw independent chuck goes quickly. IMO, it is a required basic lathe skill. Save your money for real needs...

 

[casca92]

ok so broke down and used my 4 jaw independent chuck, a little more time was spent for a project that has taken to long to complete as it was. trying to make a threaded top for QCTP so I don't need wrench. just adding a threaded spacer with a handle. of course only scrap steel I could locate during my search ( destroy mission ) was a 3 inch diameter Hex in STAINLESS .

 

[WoodBee]

greetings,
I have a piece that needs a bigger and better chuck than I have currently. backing plate size is 1 1/2 8 tpi
I have a 4" 3 jaw self center chuck
7" 4 jaw independent chuck ( will work on here if I have to )
Some times my needs and wants get confused with what is affordable until I get off medical and return to work.
not real crazy with the independent tightening chuck.

I think I need a 6 or 8 inch 4 jaw self centering chuck ? So guide me in the right direction.
would - no have to stay around $ 175 for this purchase. would like it complete with back plate.

lastly where is a good place to start ? plenty of independent adjusters on EBAY.

thanx in advance
casca92

Any reason you are looking for a selfcentering 4 jaw? I have a self centering 3 jaw and 4 jaw, and a independent 4 jaw.( All came with my lathe)
I almost exclusively use the 3 jaw and independent 4 jaw....
Just trying to figure out if I am missing out on using the self centering 4 jaw.

Peter