Whether you are a woodturning beginner or a seasoned professional, finding the right chuck for your lathe can be an overwhelming process. There are many products on the market, and finding a chuck that fits all of your needs can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. However, some wood lathe chucks are much better for Craftsman lathes than others.
The best chucks for Craftsman wood lathes are made by Techniks Tool, Barracuda, and NOVA. Knowing your lathe’s spindle size and the jaw design you are looking for in a chuck can help you find the right product for you.
If you want to know more about the types of lathe chucks and what to look for while shopping for a new one, stick with us. We will teach you more about all of the most popular and reliable chucks out there, which will help you find the chuck that fits all of your unique needs.
Types of Lathe Chucks
Before you invest in a new lathe chuck, you should learn more about what is out there. Different chuck designs are better at certain things, and some are more expensive than others, so you should choose the one that fits your needs and your budget.
Four-Jaw Independent Chuck
A four-jaw independent chuck is usually the default option of many woodworkers since they are generally cheaper and more versatile than other chucks. Each jaw of the chuck is individually adjustable, enabling you to put materials of any size or shape into the chuck. The adjustable jaw screws can also be more challenging to use because it is hard to align wood in the chuck perfectly.
Three or Six-Jaw Scroll Chuck
Three and six-jaw scroll chucks have just one key that simultaneously clamps down all of the jaws. It is easy to align something in one of these chucks since they clamp objects down the same way that a drill clamps down on a drill bit. The only major downside to using these chucks is that you cannot adjust the jaws to fit irregular shapes unless you use two of them at a time.
Four-Jaw Combination Chuck
A four-jaw combination chuck combines the adjustable jaws of an independent chuck while still having the option to use a key that adjusts all four jaws simultaneously. These are among the most versatile lathe chucks, so if you only want to buy one, a four-jaw combination chuck might be the right option for you.
Tips for Getting the Right Fit
Before you buy your chuck, it is essential to try to get the right size. Each lathe model requires a different size chuck since each wood lathe spindle has a unique diameter with threads of varying sizes. Usually, larger lathes need larger-sized chucks, so you should try to get an accurate measurement before purchasing yours.
Most American-made lathes have spindle widths of 1 ¼ inch and eight threads per inch, but larger lathe spindles will have larger measurements, and micro lathes will need smaller chucks. To find out the width of your lathe’s spindle, look up the model’s specs or use a set of ratchet sockets or nuts to find the right fit.
If you find yourself in a position where your new chuck does not fit your lathe, you can still use it, but you will need to find or make an adapter. Buying an adapter is much cheaper than buying a new chuck, and you can use the adapters to use old chucks on a new lathe. If you are interested in purchasing an adapter, we recommend this PSI Woodworking Lathe Adapter because it comes in every size you want it in.
- Convert a 1-1/4" x 8tpi lathe headstock spindle to 1-1/2" x 8tpi
- Allows a 1-1/4" x 8tpi threaded spindle to accept 1-1/2" x 8tpi threaded chucks, faceplates, and other woodturning tools and accessories
- Made of steel
Last update on 2023-06-16 at 00:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are a little overwhelmed by the options, you are not alone. That is why we have put together a list of the best chucks for your craftsman wood lathe based on their durability, effectiveness, value, and longevity. No matter who you are or the size of the lathe, one of these brands will be sure to have the perfect chuck for you.
Craftsman
Naturally, Craftsman chucks are one of the best chuck options for a Craftsman lathe. Craftsman is an all-American brand, which means that you will use standard American measurements to determine the size chuck you will need.
However, it can be challenging to find a Craftsman wood chuck since they do not make them anymore. The only retailer that still sells Craftsman chucks is Sears. They have a few options, but not as many as some other manufacturers, so you will be hard-pressed to find a brand new Craftsman lathe chuck unless you are looking for a used one.
Techniks Tool
Techniks Tool is also an American brand, which means that their lathe chucks will fit on Craftsman lathes. Their selection is astoundingly wide, and they offer over 100 different chucks with different measurements and features.
Each chuck from Techniks Tool comes in multiple spindle shaft diameters ranging from 1.08 inches to 2.48 inches. Since each product comes in numerous sizes, Techniks Tool has what you are looking for, no matter what diameter side you need. They even have a chuck, called the collet chuck, that allows you to change out the jaws, making this model a versatile and cost-efficient option for those who want to buy just one chuck.
Overall, Techniks Tool is a great place to buy your lathe chuck because they have many models and sizes. Their chucks are incredibly versatile and come with whatever features that you value the most.
Barracuda
Barracuda chucks are a great option if you are working on a tight budget but do not want to sacrifice the chuck’s quality. They are also perfect for beginners and amateur woodturners since they come with many extra pieces, such as spare keys and adapters, that beginners do not usually have. Barracuda chucks are available through a lot of retailers, including Amazon.
- Instantly change your chuck jaws; remove and replace all 4 jaws in less than a minute; jaws will snap into place for a secure mount; use the included jaw removal tool to pop them off the chuck body
- Instar-change jaw chuck system includes: barracuda chuck body, set of #2 round jaws, set of pen blank drilling jaws, woodworm screw chuck, jaw tightening key, jaw removal tool, storage case
- Barracuda chuck body: pre-threaded at 1" X 8TPI, weighs 4 lbs. , diameter 3. 5", enclosed back plate with indexing
Last update on 2023-06-16 at 00:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
They offer many different woodturning tools. They even have one model, called the Insta-Change Jaw System Chuck, that allows you to change out the jaws whenever you want. Their highest-rated product is their Key Chuck System, which also comes with four different jaw inserts. Their wood lathe chucks also have a dovetail design, which keeps the jaws from damaging the wood in your chuck.
- Includes: (1) Barracuda2 chuck body, (4) self-centering jaw sets, (1) woodworm screw chuck, (1) spindle adapter, (1) gear key, (1) Allen wrench, (8) screws, (1) storage case
- Barracuda2 chuck body is 3. 5" Diameter and weighs 2.60 lbs. ; pre-threaded to 1" X 8TPI and includes 3/4" X 16TPI spindle adapter
- #1 step jaws: 3/32" To 1-3/8" & 11/16" To 2-3/8"; #2 round jaws: 7/8" To 1-1/2" &1-1/4" To 2"; #3 wide bowl jaws: 3-1/16" To 4-3/8"; pin jaws: 1" To 2-1/4"
Last update on 2023-06-16 at 00:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
They have lathe chucks with both independent and combination jaw keys, which makes their products very versatile. Their wood lathe chucks also come with various spindle adapters, a storage case, and a 2-year warranty.
Barracuda chucks are the cheapest option, but they still offer a lot of high-quality products. Since their chucks are versatile and cost-effective, they have the perfect chuck options for beginners and people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new lathe chuck.
NOVA
NOVA offers four different 4-jaw self-centering scroll chucks, which makes aligning your turning project a piece of cake. NOVA chucks have automatic safety stops built into their design, making them very safe for beginners and professionals alike. Their chucks also have a unique dovetail design, perfect for woodturning since the jaws will not damage the wood.
NOVA’s wood lathe chucks are also reversible, which can make woodturning a lot easier. Nova’s chucks come with replacement keys, extra adapters, and a heavy-duty storage case for all of your woodturning tools. They also offer a 6-year replacement warranty on all of their chucks, making them the company with the most extended, most secure warranty on the market.
NOVA is a little more expensive than some other wood lathe chuck manufacturers, but the price pays off due to the great warranty, the extra pieces they offer, and the chuck’s durability.
Summary
If you know the size and specifications of the wood lathe chuck you want, shopping for one is a breeze. Some of the most popular brands that fit Craftsman wood lathes include Technik Tools, NOVA, and Barracuda. Each manufacturer has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Now that you know all of the best options, all you need to do is pick out the chuck that fits your needs best, and then it’s time to get turning!