NOVA chucks on a SS

[wearymicrobe]

Does anybody have any experience with the NOVA chucks, I have one of the non self centering ones that SS turned out a long time ago and with some of the larger pieces its really hard to leave enough material for the tendon to grip well, and the holders tend to not hold true over longer sessions.

I am turning bowls up to about 12 inches, and idea on what size to buy. I am comfortable buying smaller holders to fit the chuck but don;t want to over or under buy. I do want self centering though its pretty much a must must have.

[ryanbp01]

Hey there Weary Microbe-

I have a Nova G3 midi chuck. I have not yet purchased any other jaws for it, however I can get them through Woodcraft. I have found that bowls do move a little bit (get out of round). From what I've gathered that appears to be common. While it is easier to turn green wood,

If you do plan on turning large pieces, you probably ought to invest in a speed reducer. I have found that it gives greater control when turning and removing material at a slower speed. You don't have the chatter and it is far easier to control the chisel.

Hope this helps,
BPR

[wearymicrobe]

My biggest pieces are about 12 inches, I could do a 14 or so if it was pre trimmed but that's pushing it. As for the chatter I made some longer handles for my gouges and I use a welding glove on my left hand with some padding to hold down so I don't get to much on the larger pieces. The bigger the piece the worse it is do to the rotational speed change though.

I am really worried about the grip strength and the centering on the chucks, it just seems to not work very well with the non self centers.

Now I have a bunch of chucks for metal work that self center and it would not be to hard to machine something up to get them to fit the SS but I would have a tendon in the 1 inch range on a really big bowl, is that even safe?

[paulmcohen]

I upgraded my Shopsmith Nova chuck to a Supernova2, it accepts all the same jaws as your current chuck and uses your existing lathe adapter saving cost. It is available without jaws or adapter from several internet suppliers. It is an excellent chuck and has no problems holding anything that the Shopsmith can handle its weight also goes a long way to minimize vibration.

[sandyj]

I bought my shopsmith in 2000, second hand thinking it was just a lathe until I relised what I had.
My first chuck was a machinists 3 jaw self-centering chuck & that was dangerous.
I smashed my watch face on the jaws as I was turning close to the chuck. ->could have been my wrist!
I bought a standard Nova 4 jaw scroll chuck and got the 5/8th adaptor and have not looked back.
I usually turn spindles and square bowls and a have a lot of fun with it. My biggest piece was near on 11" diameter that I used the tail-stock as support until most of the wood ws removed at the slowest speed then I could bring it up to "H"-"K".

:mad: "and I use a welding glove on my left hand with some padding to hold down"
:) I would be very aware about turning with any form of glove on. If you get a 'catch' you could do serious damage to your hand.

Sharp Tools
Smooth, Light Cuts
= Good Results
+ Practice
= Great Results


Please Be Safe

Kind Regards
Sandy in NZ

[wearymicrobe]

:mad: "and I use a welding glove on my left hand with some padding to hold down"
:) I would be very aware about turning with any form of glove on. If you get a 'catch' you could do serious damage to your hand.

Please Be Safe

Kind Regards
Sandy in NZ

I only use it roughing and only on really large slow pieces, it made of smooth leather and its got inside seams so its been effectivy for my. When I get near the spindle it comes off.

I ordered the chuck I am sick of using the old style. I need it to be one handed.