4 jaw chucks

H

henrya

Guest
My new (to me lathe) is here and its time to buy a 4 jaw independent chuck. I have an L00 spindle nose, 1.375 i.d., and have a few choices of spotted in 6" size. Starting with a Chinese version for around $150.00, then a Polish Bison at $450.00 and finally American Bucks for way too much money. I'm also seeing used American chucks at some pretty high prices for well used equipment.

My question then is - are the Bison or Buck lots better than a Chinese tool in a way that will make a difference to someone who might use the machine for a few hours a week? How good does a 4 jaw independent chuck have to be?

I'm not looking to spend a bundle on this but I don't want to short change myself by buying junk.

Thanks,
Henry
 
Henry,

I can't speak to their 4 jaws, but I have a Bison 6 jaw set thru that I have been extremely happy with. With a dowel pin indicated in and then removed, it will repeat in the .0001 to .0005 range, usually around .0003. So I think Bison makes a good chuck, and imagine the quality carries over to their 4 jaws. However, I don't use a 4 jaw much, and I've never played with the high end Bucks, BTC's, etc., so maybe I don't know what a real good chuck is capable of. Hopefully, one of our machine tool veteranos will weigh in.

Justin
 
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Most likely, the lathe has a chuck on it already. Use it for a while and do what you can. It's seldom you really need a 4 jaw. Keep an eye out on Ebay and similar places for a good deal on a used one. If you can't find one and absolutely have to have a 4 jaw, then go get a new. This also will give you time to shop around for pricing.

Any one of us would prefer a made in the USA version. Weather or not that is a realistic option depends upon the amount of shoping you do. For all but production work, any chuck will most likely do fine. Above all, fit the budget to the amount of work you intend to do.
 
Yep, I waited quite a while to get this lathe so hanging out looking for a chuck shouldn't be that big a deal. Its got a 3 jaw 6" marked Kalamazoo on it so its not like I can't use it.

I am also inclined to buy a new Bison given the remarks so far. Maybe even over a used American chuck. And I guess there are sales on new chucks from time to time.

I have to wonder if a 40 year old U.S. made chuck thats been used hard or abused will be up to specs and accurate. Most I see for sale look pretty whipped. But then my lathe was made in 1980 and seems very lightly used. Like maybe it mostly sat in someone's shop for 28 years and used once a week or two. I got it because I learned a little something about lathes while looking so knew when to buy.

Now I'm trying to learn more about chucks so if anyone has anything else to say I'm listening.
 
Henry,

Looks like you and I are in the same situation. I am going to need a 4-jaw for my South Bend Heavy10. The lathe gets here this week if there are no unusual delays.

I assumed that it was a 2 1/4"-8 spindle nose, but some were L as well, so I am stuck in limbo until it arrives. I have been wondering if anyone makes an adapter to go from a 2 1/4"-8 spindle nose to D1-4 camlock. I know it will increase overhang a bit, and might produce more chatter because of this, but I think it would be worth taking a chance to be able to use commonly available D1-4 chucks and tooling. If I don't find what I want, I may have to try making a spyder for the nose end of the spindle as has been discussed on the board recently.

Good luck,
Jim
 
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