Why a spider on the outboard?

[mikerolly]

Greeting Gents,

This is my first post, I am here to learn.

Quick question, does anyone use a 4 J chuck on the outboard side of the headstock instead of the traditional spiders or cats claws?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Wayne Shaw]

If you could find a way to mount it, it would do the same thing as a spider. But the strength of a 4 jaw isn't needed on the outboard side, all it's doing is holding the barrel in the position you set it. Plus a spider will likely not take up as much barrel length as a chuck.

 

[Bob Kingsbury]

Because the cat head won't normally induce stress in a barrel as the longer jaw surfaces can, the cat head is actually better

 

[mike in co]

the only load on the bbl is its own weight....you just need to center it and not prevent the dialing in of the other end.

mike in co

 

[mikerolly]

Thanks Fellers,

Well, I am going to start on a spider this weekend.

Appreciate the input.

Mike

 

[frwillia]

Thanks Fellers,

Well, I am going to start on a spider this weekend.

Appreciate the input.

Mike

Or, you could just make a fixture to mark the locations, cross drill and tap your spindle, and be able to handle shorter barrels.

Like this:

Fitch