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.

"John DeBoo" wrote: (clip) telling me (clip)that I needed a 3rd hand to be
able to mount stuff in it. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have never used that particular chuck--is it the one that uses one Tommy
bar and a curved hook lever? That has always looked clumsy to me. I do use
a One-way that uses a pair of Tommy bars, and never have a problem. The two
rings (with holes) are drilled so that it is generally possible to position
the Tommy bars so that a squeeze with one hand tightens them.

Evening John:

I use the Talon chuck with my mini lathe. It only requires 1 hand to
operate and holds very well.

The Other Bruce
================================================== ====================
John DeBoo wrote:
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.

wrote:

John DeBoo wrote:
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.




See if you can find a copy of Fred Holder's book "A Guide to Work-Holding
on the Lathe". More ways than you can shake a scraper at. You can get it
at Amazon and, IIRC, Fred's web site.

Woodturners turned everything we do today hundreds of years ago
without the uses of scroll chuck. A chuck is only the fastest and
easiest way but never the only way. A face plate and a waste blocks
and some glue will do the same thing. A poor chuck will only lead to
failure and frustration. Because we all turn for fun save your money
and get a good chuck. Face the fact you have been bitten by the
turning bug. This bug will suck all your time and money. Stop trying
to fight it with logic it will never win. Feed it your money and stop
torturing yourself.


On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:06:32 -0600, John DeBoo
wrote:

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.

I faced the same delima. Didn't want to spend that much money. Bought a
chuck that uses the two tommy bars and it works just fine. After all,
that was the only alternative for years until just recently and
everybody used them. I say buy what you planned to buy. It's more than
adequate for your needs.

I agree that as a hobbyist with a limited budget, we do have to watch
our pocketbooks. Unfortunately, we don't all have unlimited funds! LOL

Earl

John DeBoo wrote:
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 managed with a chuck like this for the first 4 or 5 years of my
turning career. I developed work arounds for all of its problems. I
would never want to go back to using one now, but for your requirements
I think it will be suffice.

Go back and ask to see one on a lathe and get a feel for how it operates.

--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
http://chipshop.blogspot.com - a blog for my customers
http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com/TheToolrest/ - a blog for woodturners

"John DeBoo" wrote in message
...


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.


You can't find an alternative _to_ a chuck. It's simply the easiest way of
doing something which takes nearly forever with other methods. Tommy bars
and your tailstock will do just fine as holds. I have the pin spanner and
bars with my old Novas, and they work one-hand perfectly. Get a chuck. It
will give you the most pleasure you can get for the time you have to devote
to the hobby.

A chuck is also safer, in my opinion, because people spend so much time
getting things mounted in other ways that they are loath to re-mount in
reverse as a matter of course. This puts them behind the headstock with
weird tool angles and a crick in their back, or in the throw zone where a
piece might smack 'em in the chops. If they used an easy-to-mount system,
they'd be able to work from outside the throw zone, tail to head, reverse,
and _still_ work tail to head. Which is why I say the Nova is the chuck of
choice. It can take pin jaws for roughing, then reverse to 1" dovetail or
the large jaws if you want. It'll make the time you have to spend at the
lathe more productive.

http://personalpages.tds.net/~upgeor...ugh%20Page.htm

"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.


You go and buy the Nova with tommybars.

I used the Oneway with tommybars for a while (had it on loan)
and after a while you get used to placing the bars in the right holes
almost automatically so you can operat both bars with a onehanded
squeeze for the final fastening, and you have the other hand free,
and you work almost as fast as with a one-key chuck.

As a hobbyist, you will never know the difference, at least if you
make a place to put both bars away when you are not using them;
a place where they can be retrieved quickly and efficiently.
Otherwise you will be doing a lot of searching for tommybars
on the floor.

A point in favor of the tommybars is that it takes less
work to tighten it. The squeezing hand is more forceful
than the twisting wrist.

And - it is my bet that most of the accessories for the other Nova chucks
also fit this one.

Bjarte

For what it's worth, all of the chucks (3 so far) I've had in 14 years of
turning wood have been the original Novas, and would buy them again even
with the additional choices now available. In limited production runs (up
to about 300 items at once... chessmen, Christmas tree ornaments, etc),
bowls (up to 15" in diameter), vessels, etc., etc., etc, I have seldom
needed anything but a Nova (and the Glaser screw chuck for roughing wet
bowls) and have never needed "3 hands" to tighten a chuck.

I truly don't understand the problems that others profess to have with the
Nova. One hand on the work, the other on tommy bar until the jaws grip the
wood, then both hands on tommy bars to tighten. Takes longer to say or to
type than to do it. Simple, fast and strong. What else do you need?

I think a lot of people who say that it's a bad choice have never tried it.
And the opinion of a salesman pushing you to a much more expensive chuck
needs to be taken with a whole sack of salt.

Only you can decide for yourself. Go back to Woodcraft and ask if you can
mount a piece of work on one of their demo lathes with the original Nova and
with the SuperNova. Unless you've used one, you'll have to rely on the
opinions of others. You are spending the money, and it's not a trivial
amount of money. Wouldn't you test drive a car before buying it?

Michael Latcha - at home in Redford, MI


"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.

Another thing which I don't think has come up in this thread...

If your lathe has an effective spindle lock, then you can start the
tightening process with one tommy bar, not two.

Someone mentioned using the tailstock to hold the work against the chuck
while you tighten the jaws. That is a good practice even with the more
expensive chucks -- it helps to assure that the shoulder of the tenon is
pressing against the face of the jaws -- critical for proper use of any
chuck.

That said, I had an original Nova chuck. I've sold it and now use a
Stronghold and a Talon. I wouldn't go back. I believe, though, that
Raffin uses tommy bar chucks and makes a convincing argument as to why
he doesn't like the key operated ones. He cranks out a lot of work and
thinks the tommy bar is faster.

Bill



Michael Latcha wrote:
For what it's worth, all of the chucks (3 so far) I've had in 14 years of
turning wood have been the original Novas, and would buy them again even
with the additional choices now available. In limited production runs (up
to about 300 items at once... chessmen, Christmas tree ornaments, etc),
bowls (up to 15" in diameter), vessels, etc., etc., etc, I have seldom
needed anything but a Nova (and the Glaser screw chuck for roughing wet
bowls) and have never needed "3 hands" to tighten a chuck.

I truly don't understand the problems that others profess to have with the
Nova. One hand on the work, the other on tommy bar until the jaws grip the
wood, then both hands on tommy bars to tighten. Takes longer to say or to
type than to do it. Simple, fast and strong. What else do you need?

I think a lot of people who say that it's a bad choice have never tried it.
And the opinion of a salesman pushing you to a much more expensive chuck
needs to be taken with a whole sack of salt.

Only you can decide for yourself. Go back to Woodcraft and ask if you can
mount a piece of work on one of their demo lathes with the original Nova and
with the SuperNova. Unless you've used one, you'll have to rely on the
opinions of others. You are spending the money, and it's not a trivial
amount of money. Wouldn't you test drive a car before buying it?

Michael Latcha - at home in Redford, MI


"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.

Hello John,

Most of the turners on the newsgroup are also hobbists, there are very few
professional woodturners. As someone mentioned my book, "A Guide to Work-Holding
on the Lathe", covers just about every way to mount wood on the lathe. They all
work, but the four jaw scroll chuck is still the handiest and easiest method to
use for mounting wood. That said, there are always times when one of the old
time medhods of mounting works best, that is where my book becomes a nice to
have item in your library. The book was written, by the way, before the
SuperNova2, the Novi Midi, and the Nova Titon chucks came on the market. All
three of these are a great improvement.

The Nova Midi chuck that you were planning to purchase is an excellent little
chuck. I purchased one for my Nova Mercury when they first came on the market
and find it to be a very good little chuck. It will do what you want to do with
no problems. The two Tommy bars as apposed to a single tool like the SuperNova2
uses are a little cumbersome at first, but you will quickly learn how to use
them and the chuck will perform well for you.

I own four of the Original Nova chucks that use tommy bars, several SuperNova
chucks, two SuperNova2 chucks, the Nova Midi, and two of the Large Nova chucks.
My wife and I use all of these or a regular basis. We have a large number of jaw
sizes and they are each mounted on a chuck. For your Jet Midi lathe, the Nova
Midi chuck will perform very well for you.

Fred Holder
http://www.fholder.com/

In article , John DeBoo says...

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.

Leo Lichtman wrote:
"John DeBoo" wrote: (clip) telling me (clip)that I needed a 3rd hand to be
able to mount stuff in it. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have never used that particular chuck--is it the one that uses one Tommy
bar and a curved hook lever? That has always looked clumsy to me. I do use
a One-way that uses a pair of Tommy bars, and never have a problem. The two
rings (with holes) are drilled so that it is generally possible to position
the Tommy bars so that a squeeze with one hand tightens them.

Yes, it has 2 bars for tightening. The guy was saying you couldn't hold
the item and tighten both w/o a 3rd hand but it seems one could hold the
item easily enough by using the tail stock temporarily, tighten, then
you're ready to make shavings.
John D.

I'd love one of them but they cost more than I paid for the Jet Midi a
year ago brand new from Woodcraft! I just can't seem to rationalize
that in my mind.
John D.

wrote:

Evening John:

I use the Talon chuck with my mini lathe. It only requires 1 hand to
operate and holds very well.

The Other Bruce
================================================== ====================
John DeBoo wrote:

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.

On 29 Oct 2005 17:54:26 -0700, wrote:

Evening John:

I use the Talon chuck with my mini lathe. It only requires 1 hand to
operate and holds very well.

The Other Bruce

yeah, what Bruce said!
I got the Talon for the Shopsmith, paid $20 for the 1-8 adapter when I got the
Jet MINI (OP has a 1014 which is not a midi) and use it now on the jet 1442...
I just ordered a 2nd Talon, using the rationalization that one of our kids is
moving back in for a few months.. *g*
At $200, it's not cheap, but it's a good chuck that should last forever.. YMMV
(No opinion on either Nova, never used one)
================================================= =====================
John DeBoo wrote:
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.



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 01:04:07 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

See if you can find a copy of Fred Holder's book "A Guide to Work-Holding
on the Lathe". More ways than you can shake a scraper at. You can get it
at Amazon and, IIRC, Fred's web site.

Highland hardware has it for $19.00
http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:06:32 -0600, John DeBoo wrote:

He might have had your needs in mind, or just wanted to sell you a more
expensive chuck...
If that's the chuck that you want, buy it online... YMMV

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.



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

John DeBoo said:

I'd love one of them but they cost more than I paid for the Jet Midi a
year ago brand new from Woodcraft! I just can't seem to rationalize
that in my mind.
John D.

Ahhh... But you can swap it to the Oneway lathe when you have another
2 grand burning a hole in your pocket. I use a SuperNova2 on a Jet
midi. It seemed ridiculous to spend almost as much on the chuck as
the lathe itself, but it's a nice chuck, and comes with a woodworm
screw that chucks into the jaws. I like it... And since I don't have
a headstock lock, one handled tightening is nice.

With that said, however, any decent chuck that holds securely should
do the job with some personal adjustment to the technique needed to
tighten it.

FWIW,


Greg G.

John DeBoo said:

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.

Incidentally, did he happen to mention that the SuperNova2 chuck is on
sale for $160 beginning October 31 through Nov 30. I have one, it
nice, and you can swap it to the $2000 lathe later on.

FWIW,

Greg G.

Greg G. wrote:
John DeBoo said:


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.


Incidentally, did he happen to mention that the SuperNova2 chuck is on
sale for $160 beginning October 31 through Nov 30. I have one, it
nice, and you can swap it to the $2000 lathe later on.

No, but I have the flyer showing it at $170. Oddly he didn't have the
midi in stock (1" x 8tpi), only the 3/4x16. Figures...
John D.

Just wanted to thank everyone for the excellent advice on the chucks
etc. Its nice to know I can ask a Q and get civil responses. We've a
Woodworkers supply in town so maybe I'll run by there to see if they
have one and to get an opinion from them too, then make a decision -
being that WWS doesn't have a 1x8 in stocksigh. Fred's book sounds
mighty interesting too so I'm going to track one down as it should be a
good read whether I buy a Nova or not. Its hard to have too much info
in this great hobby.
Thanks again everyone,
John D.


John DeBoo wrote:

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.

Exactly what I find with my chucks...you can always position the two
bars in a convenient position for one hand tightening. Also, two bars
are far quicker than an "Allen" style T bar for quickly making a large
adjustment.
Regards,
Alan
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 00:53:09 GMT, "Leo Lichtman"
wrote:


"John DeBoo" wrote: (clip) telling me (clip)that I needed a 3rd hand to be
able to mount stuff in it. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have never used that particular chuck--is it the one that uses one Tommy
bar and a curved hook lever? That has always looked clumsy to me. I do use
a One-way that uses a pair of Tommy bars, and never have a problem. The two
rings (with holes) are drilled so that it is generally possible to position
the Tommy bars so that a squeeze with one hand tightens them.

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.

mac davis wrote:
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:06:32 -0600, John DeBoo wrote:

He might have had your needs in mind, or just wanted to sell you a more
expensive chuck...
If that's the chuck that you want, buy it online... YMMV


I agree. I've noticed that Woodcraft is very "proud" of the products
they sell. You can find stuff online at a better price. I always check
Amazon for tools as there are a lot of vendors that sell thru them. Even
big names like Grizzly and Jet sell thru Amazon.

I had a posting last month about buying the supernova2 online for under
$200. That included an extra set of jaws and the adapter for my Jet mini
- which both cost extra at Woodcraft.

Here is my earlier posting...
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.c...e60e8fb?hl=en&


--

Brad Curfman
http://www.curfman.net

I have a One Way with the two bars for adjustment. No third hand is
necessary for adjustment. In fact, for one of my production products, a
Christmas ornament, I need to adjust from holding a 7/8" tenon to a 3/8"
tenon. It is quicker with the Tommy bars than it would be with a wrench.

--
God bless and safe turning
Darrell Feltmate
Truro, NS Canada
www.aroundthewoods.com

Have a look at
this:http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=h6265

In article ,
John DeBoo wrote:

Yes, it has 2 bars for tightening. The guy was saying you couldn't hold
the item and tighten both w/o a 3rd hand but it seems one could hold the
item easily enough by using the tail stock temporarily, tighten, then
you're ready to make shavings.

You could also approach it a different way and let gravity be your
friend:

Instead of mounting the chuck to the lathe and then gripping the
turning, you could place the chuck on top of the turning's tenon while
off the lathe, let gravity hold the chuck down and use both hands to
tighten the bars. Once all is secure, screw the chuck and wood to the
spindle.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Pour your end-grain sealer into a clean, wide-mouth
clothes detergent bottle. The lid makes a handy dipping container for
your brush and the leftovers will drain back into the bottle when you
recap the jug.

Darrell Feltmate wrote:
I have a One Way with the two bars for adjustment. No third hand is
necessary for adjustment. In fact, for one of my production products, a
Christmas ornament, I need to adjust from holding a 7/8" tenon to a 3/8"
tenon. It is quicker with the Tommy bars than it would be with a wrench.

Hi Darrell,

2 quick questions - do you lock the headstock to do this? Does the
Oneway have multiple locations for the bars?

I ask these questions since I think these factors are highly relevant to
someone looking to buy a lathe. My first lathe had no headstock lock,
and the chuck was adjusted with two C-spanners which only had two
positions to locate them. My experience was that it took some figuring
as to which way to fit the C-spanners. Even then it was often impossible
to arrange them so they could be squeezed together in one hand.
Altogether an unsatifactoy arrangement with some features that others
may want to avoid.


--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
http://chipshop.blogspot.com - a blog for my customers
http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com/TheToolrest/ - a blog for woodturners

In article ,
Greg wrote:

John DeBoo said:

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.

Incidentally, did he happen to mention that the SuperNova2 chuck is on
sale for $160 beginning October 31 through Nov 30. I have one, it
nice, and you can swap it to the $2000 lathe later on.


There is a guy on eBay selling the SN2, with a bunch-o-jaws for $400
(US), when I total up the jaws it's a real bargin. I bought my midi from
him. If I had the funds to by another chuck.....

--
--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv

In article ,
Owen Lowe wrote:

In article ,
John DeBoo wrote:

Yes, it has 2 bars for tightening. The guy was saying you couldn't hold
the item and tighten both w/o a 3rd hand but it seems one could hold the
item easily enough by using the tail stock temporarily, tighten, then
you're ready to make shavings.

You could also approach it a different way and let gravity be your
friend:

Instead of mounting the chuck to the lathe and then gripping the
turning, you could place the chuck on top of the turning's tenon while
off the lathe, let gravity hold the chuck down and use both hands to
tighten the bars. Once all is secure, screw the chuck and wood to the
spindle.

That's how I do it, find an easy way to do it, rather then fight

--
--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv

Hi Derek
( I have to get down to the shop one of these days. Sorry)
I do not lock the headstock to adjust the chuck. In fact, if I have a lot of
movement to perform, I hold one ring with my hand or a Tommy bar and spin
the other, inclucing the spindle of course, with the other hand until it is
approximately the right opening. There are four holes in the inner ring of
the chuck and four in the outer. These are sufficiently offset so that there
are always two in the right spot to do a one handed tightening or loosening
of the jaws. One handed loosening is important too if you have a piece that
will hit the floor if both hands are occupied with the chuck.

--
God bless and safe turning
Darrell Feltmate
Truro, NS Canada
www.aroundthewoods.com

On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 10:02:49 -0700, John DeBoo wrote:

Rationalization is a fact in woodworking.. lol

Most folks with something like a $200 jet midi will spend MUCH more for
accessories for it...
In my case: (that I can remember)

At least $150 for more chisels and scrapers

$225 for coring system

$200 for Talon chuck

$110 or so for spigot & jumbo jaws for Talon

$100 for bowl gouge set

$75 - $100 for face shield & safety glasses

$40 - $60 for assortment of hook & loop mandrels and discs for power sanding

$30 for right angle drill

$70 for Beall buffing system

Also add the 2 things that I didn't have or need in the shop before getting the
lathe:

$180 for chain saw

$350 for Bandsaw

$60 for riser kit for BS

ADD whatever the imagination allows for sand paper, stains, oils, finishes,
etc...

On totaling the (partial) list above, I can even rationalize the $900 I spend
for the Jet 1442 in June.. *g*
(which the Talon and all of the above fit)



I'd love one of them but they cost more than I paid for the Jet Midi a
year ago brand new from Woodcraft! I just can't seem to rationalize
that in my mind.
John D.

wrote:

Evening John:

I use the Talon chuck with my mini lathe. It only requires 1 hand to
operate and holds very well.

The Other Bruce
================================================== ====================
John DeBoo wrote:

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.





mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Ralph E Lindberg writes:

There is a guy on eBay selling the SN2, with a bunch-o-jaws for $400
(US), when I total up the jaws it's a real bargin. I bought my midi from
him. If I had the funds to by another chuck.....

Sounds like:
http://www.kmstools.com/

Package #5 which features 6 jaw sets - for $412.21 US:
Quote:
------
This deluxe package includes the new Supernova 2 chuck, 3" bowl jaws,
2" dovetail jaws, 1" pin jaws, 45mm spigot jaws, 100mm Powergrip jaws,
10" Cole jaws, woodworm screw, chuck spanner, 4mm T hex key, chuck
spur, dovetail scraper, and fastener spares kit. A well rounded
package for almost any chucking application!
-----------

--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.

Hmmm, I paid $199 for my Jet mini 1 year ago. IIRC, face shield was $4,
already have safety glasses, cheap chisel set until I get my feet wet
was maybe $40, which will be upgraded to a decent set later on. Mini
chisel set was on sale for $23. Jacobs drill chuck and MT2 were $17.
Already have a nice Husky Rancher 55 chainsaw I paid $260 for 2 years
ago (kick butt saw!). Chainsaw was purchased for a different use so it
doesn't really count towards my lathe items.

Bought the Nova chuck today for $99 as I'm satisfied it'll do the
trick. Bought it at Woodworkers Supply as a price match. When they
called Woodcraft, the guy lied and told them they were selling it for
$119, not $99, I think to discourage me from buying at WWS vs Woodcraft.
Thats puckie as I have their in-store flyer (didn't have it at WWS)
and that price is thru Nov 30. The WWS people believed me so they now
have a new customer and Woodcraft has lost one.

I want decent safe tools to use but that are cost effective. I'm not
into the brandname game like some and do not have a boatload of
disposible income so I have to shop carefully and make the best
economical choice I can, which in this case I think I did. Were I a pro
I might consider some of the items and prices on your list, but since
I'm a hobbiest I have to make do. I'm a happy camper with my purchases!

John D.


mac davis wrote:
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 10:02:49 -0700, John DeBoo wrote:

Rationalization is a fact in woodworking.. lol

Most folks with something like a $200 jet midi will spend MUCH more for
accessories for it...
In my case: (that I can remember)

I faced same decision several months ago. I decided to get the Midi
chuck for the stand that I do turning as a hobby, not a living, so was
not ready to invest alot till my skills increased, meaning until I
upgraded to a larger lathe and wanted to turn larger items.

As far as the using 2 bars and the idea of a third hand, that is false
when dealing with small items. I find it quite easy to mount things
with one hand and tighten with the other. Simply setup the bars into
a V and all you do is squeeze the "V" made by bars together. If the
item is large and or cumbersome, simply mount off the lathe by setting
piece of wood on bench, put midi on top and then tighten.

I have been very happy with the midi chuck on my Jet mini lathe and
would recommend the chuck for anyone who is wanting to do basic bowls,
goblets, and other small-medium turnings. I you are wanting to do a
vase or something with maximum swing and a foot or so deep, then A)
the midi chuck would not be best choice and B) you should be
considering a larger/powerful lathe.

- Clayton


On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:06:32 -0600, John DeBoo
wrote:

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.

In article ,
Bruce Barnett wrote:

Ralph E Lindberg writes:

There is a guy on eBay selling the SN2, with a bunch-o-jaws for $400
(US), when I total up the jaws it's a real bargin. I bought my midi from
him. If I had the funds to by another chuck.....

Sounds like:
http://www.kmstools.com/

He's the "outlet", KMS isn't doing business in the states right now
(read their web-site for details)

Package #5 which features 6 jaw sets - for $412.21 US:
Quote:
------
This deluxe package includes the new Supernova 2 chuck, 3" bowl jaws,
2" dovetail jaws, 1" pin jaws, 45mm spigot jaws, 100mm Powergrip jaws,
10" Cole jaws, woodworm screw, chuck spanner, 4mm T hex key, chuck
spur, dovetail scraper, and fastener spares kit. A well rounded
package for almost any chucking application!
-----------

--
--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv

"Ralph E Lindberg" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Bruce Barnett wrote:

Ralph E Lindberg writes:

There is a guy on eBay selling the SN2, with a bunch-o-jaws for $400
(US), when I total up the jaws it's a real bargin. I bought my midi
from
him. If I had the funds to by another chuck.....

Sounds like:
http://www.kmstools.com/

He's the "outlet", KMS isn't doing business in the states right now
(read their web-site for details)

Package #5 which features 6 jaw sets - for $412.21 US:
Quote:
------
This deluxe package includes the new Supernova 2 chuck, 3" bowl jaws,
2" dovetail jaws, 1" pin jaws, 45mm spigot jaws, 100mm Powergrip jaws,
10" Cole jaws, woodworm screw, chuck spanner, 4mm T hex key, chuck
spur, dovetail scraper, and fastener spares kit. A well rounded
package for almost any chucking application!
-----------

--
--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv

Where on the KMS site does it say that? They have data on the cheapest way
to ship to the US etc. KMS has always been mail-order for any area not near
one of their stores in Canada.
billh

"Ralph E Lindberg" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Bruce Barnett wrote:

Ralph E Lindberg writes:

There is a guy on eBay selling the SN2, with a bunch-o-jaws for $400
(US), when I total up the jaws it's a real bargin. I bought my midi
from
him. If I had the funds to by another chuck.....

Sounds like:
http://www.kmstools.com/

He's the "outlet", KMS isn't doing business in the states right now
(read their web-site for details)

It's the same Gadd who work(ed)s at KMS, I'm assuming. Dealt with him a
couple times when I was shipped mismatched jaws a few years back. Filed
the last set to fit, so exchange wasn't required. He still "owes" me one.

In article ,
"billh" wrote:


....

Where on the KMS site does it say that? They have data on the cheapest way
to ship to the US etc. KMS has always been mail-order for any area not near
one of their stores in Canada.
billh



Well, it was there a month ago. Their insurance company was not
allowing them to sell to the US, so Bob Gadd was acting as a "jobber"

--
--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv

"George" George@least wrote in :



It's the same Gadd who work(ed)s at KMS, I'm assuming. Dealt with him
a couple times when I was shipped mismatched jaws a few years back.
Filed the last set to fit, so exchange wasn't required. He still
"owes" me one.



I've dealt with Bob Gadd also and it was a pleasure to do business with
him.
Hank