On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 23:38:09 -0800, "Matt"
wrote:

PSI carries a new chuck
http://www.pennstateind.com/Merchant...Product_Code=C
UG3418&Category_Code=
and it weighs 5 pounds.

They also carry their PSI Mini-Grip
http://www.pennstateind.com/Merchant...Product_Code=C
MG3AW&Category_Code=
which weighs around 3 lbs.

I have a JET mini and want to get a chuck like this to turn bowls. I cannot
afford the chucks that are 150 and up.(Oneway etc..) That is just out of my
budget.

My question: is 5 pounds too heavy for my lathe? Can it become dangerous?

This chuck is sold out until April anyway - so I would have to wait, but I'm
wondering if it is a bad idea in the first place due to the weight.

Also, would the weight have any affect on the longevity of the lathe motor?


Thanks,
Matt


I have the Jet mini and also purchased a Penn State mini chuck similar
to the one you mention above. I too had a tight budget and wanted to
get a chuck with multiple jaws. I also got the jaws with the rubber
feet to finish turn some small bowls. I use the chuck to turn small
itmes like bottle stoppers and some vessels but not the bowls. for
that I use glue blocks.

The Penn State chucks is adequate and does a decent job. I find the
two rods that are used for tightening the chuck to be somewhat
difficult to use (i.e. always looking for that 3rd hand) and they tend
to bend som I dont get a real good grip. I would not want to rough a
bowl down using the spigot method with this chuck as it tends to fly
off and hit me!. All in all I wish I had saved up and gotten a better
chuck but I was able to get into one right away for the price. I was
in your position and find that the chuck will be a decent starter but
will likley upgrade sometime in the near future.

Allyn