I don't have the Midi chuck, but I bought a Nova Compac chuck for my Jet min
about 4 years ago. It uses two Tommy bars.........a bit of a pain, but not
too bad. It does takes a bit of innovation to hold your work and operate
the Tommy bars, especially if your lathe doesn't have a spindle lock. I
have been know to wedge one Tommy bar against the toolrest or my
chin........that's a little weird! I outgrew the Compac chuck fairly
quickly and moved on to the SuperNova. I find it much easier to use and
more versatile. Oh, I've also moved up to a Stubby 750, too. I don't
believe the Midi is a bad chuck. Its probably better than the Compac. It
just has some limitations. Its your choice.

Barry


"John DeBoo" wrote in message
...
Went into my local Woodcraft today to buy a Nova Midi chuck for my Jet
Midi 1014 and the salesperson convinced(?) me this was not the one for
me by telling me how it would be a bad choice for me needs and that I
needed a 3rd hand to be able to mount stuff in it. I really needed the
Super Nova - which of course costs about what I paid or more for my
lathe new i year ago @ Woodcraft. I just can't rationalize doing that.

I'm a:
- Hobbiest, not a pro and doing this for fun off and on.
- Making small items, maybe a few goblets and simple bowls 10" dia max.
- No exotic woods or cuts, just general fun stuff.
- Might even make a set of chessmen one day, cedar, oak, pine, whatever.
- I have no add-ons for the lathe like *extra* faceplates etc, just what
it came with originally. Belay that, I do have an MT2 1/2" drill chuck.

Looking for a viable alternative to the Nova chuck and/or a SAFE and
proven means of doing that sort of work with something else that is cost
effective. Snagged 2 books from the library to day to assist. Turning
Wood by Raffan and Woodturning by Rowley. But I thought I'd ask the
experts here also and see what shakes out. Would appreciate, pointers,
tips, links and opinions.

Thanks,
John D.