The standard minilathe chuck is an 80mm (just over 3") three jaw and I suspect that your 8x14 will come equipped with a 3 jaw of similar or slightly bigger size as standard, maybe a 4". Some of the 8 and 9" hobbty lathes come bundled with a 3 jaw and four jaw independant so you may not need to do anything.
If you do have to buy one I would suggest that you start off with a budget 4" 3 jaw to get a bit of practice in as these are very versatile, easy to use and are generally accurate enough for most work, especially if you are turning parts that do not need re-chucking.
Four jaw independants are for more accurate work, holding irregular parts, boring and turning off centre etc but they involve a lot more setting up with dial test indicators so are best left until you build up some lathe time.
Many people think it is a good idea to get the biggest chuck they can get to fit and this is a common mistake as they forget that the jaws extend past the chuck body as the workpiece size increases and the jaws will then hit the bed or saddle long before the chuck capacity is reached so you can have the bizzare situation that when fitted to the lathe your physically bigger chuck has less usable chuck capacity than its smaller brother!
There was an interesting article either on www.mini-lathe.com or one of the links about selecting chucks generally as well as fitting larger chucks to the 7x minilathes and as an 8x is not that much larger it may be of interest to you.
Gerry
Leeds UK
From: "rancerupp" <rupps@...>
Reply-To: 7x12minilathe@...
To: 7x12minilathe@...
Subject: [7x12minilathe] 1st Timer Accessories-Which 4-Jaw chuck?
Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:48:15 -0000
I'm looking for accessories in anticipation of my 8x12 HF purchase.
There are so many chucks to choose from. 3", 4", 5", self centering or
independetent jaws. In my limited knowledge, I expect that independent
jaws is what I want. Should I get the biggest that my lathe & pocket
book can handle? Price IS a consideration to me. Any recommendations
for a 5" (specific part #'s please)? Thanks. :)
Rance
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