4-jaw chuck question....

[hogfan1978]

I was thinking of getting this 4-jaw chuck...

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CMG3C.html 

I've got a 5/8" mandrel ordered from Enco and on the way.  Can anyone tell me if this guy will hold the mandrel?  I don't see why I couldn't grip a mandrel with it. 

I would like a collet chuck, but they cost so stinkin' much!!  I also figured I could do more with this jaw chuck anyway. 

Thanks, Ryan

[jcz]

I have the utility grip from PSI. It will work but I got a pin lock mandrel and the 4 jaw chuck doesnt keep it centered like the collet chuck does. When I started having problems with the wobble I broke down and got a collet chuck and it made a huge difference.

[hogfan1978]

Gotcha.  Thanks buddy.

[hogfan1978]

Forgot to ask:  What collet chuck do you have?

[BigB]

Most guys either have the Beall collet chuck, or the PSI collet chuck.


Brian

[Al_at_THO Game Calls]

It will work just fine if you are careful when you tighten up the chuck.  I use a Oneway Talon chuck to hold all my mandrals.  Just tighen each side a bit until you get it tight.   Dont try just tightening it on one side.  The biggest problem you might have is the mandral slipping inside the chuck if you tighten the tail stock too much.  

Al @ THO

[Bob from Eames Custom Calls]

Just a quick comment on the chuck....


 That's the smaller of the two that PSI makes. The utility grip is the next size up, works well on the small lathes (I use mine on a turncrafter pro), comes with the big flat jaws, and is $10 cheaper. I love mine, and highly suggest moving up a size. You never know when you'll need the extra inch!

 Good luck!

 Bob

[Braz]

I agree with The Jester, move up to the Utility chuck and save $10. I use it all the time.

[hogfan1978]

The PSI utility chuck is out of stock with an ETA of late March!

[dogcatcher]

Do you have a drill chuck with the MT Of your lathe?  What is your MT?  If you do have a drill chuck what is the max capability of it?

Marvin

[Les Kuesel at Luv Kalls]

I bought the PSI collet chuck it has 5 collets for $90 and works great for mandels. 

[hogfan1978]

Marvin, I've got a 1/2" Jacobs chuck coming in the mail with a MT#2 on it. 

[dogcatcher]

Do you have access to some one that could cut the end of the mandrel down to 1/2"?  If you do you could use the drill chuck to hold your mandrel.  Or better yet just order another drill chuck that will hold up to 3/4" diameter.  A lot of times I use a drill chuck to hold my mandrels, easy and as good as a collet system.  I have Beall collet system, along with an ER40 collet system but I grab what is the quickest to use at the time. 

Marvin

[hogfan1978]

Marvin, that's a great idea.  Since the drill chuck is designed to hold metal, I don't see a problem doing that...

Father-in-law's a machinist, guess I gotta plan a trip to Mississippi to see the in-laws.

[dogcatcher]

Tell your FIL you need a drill chuck with a 2MT arbor.  It is going to be a big sucker, almost twice the size of your 1/2" drill chuck.  Also ask for the arbor to be tapped for a draw bar, I think it is a 3/8-16 threaded.  Not sure on the threads and too lazy to look.  The draw bar will keep the drill chuck from flying out at 2000 rpm.

Marvin