G'day rance.
All you have been told so far is sound, if perhaps confusing.
IMHO; chuck selection will depend on what stock you get. Round and hex
stock only needs a 3 jaw self centering chuck, it will be the most
convenient and have semi permanent residence on the lathe. You can even
off set pieces for eccentric turning by means of packers.
But soon you will need to face or bore an odd shaped piece, then its 4
jaw chuck time or even use a face plate. Ive had my lathe 10 months and
haven't used the face plate yet but they are cheap and just worth
having. You can get by with only a 4 jaw chuck but each job has to be
set up rather than just thrown in the 3 jaw SC chuck. You will need a
dial indicator and magnetic stand. If you are really clever you can use
the cross slide and shims (cigarette papers) to get the work centred.
Get the biggest chuck/s you can afford and swing in the lathe, remember
the jaws sometimes extend beyond the perimeter of the chuck.
You will need chuck and arbor for the tail stock, even if only to drill
centre holes; this also means centre drill bits.
You will be a centre for the tail stock as a minimum. A live centre is
not essential, you just need high pressure molibdenum grease.
I'll make some comments about tooling in a following post.
One good turn deserves another.
Regards
Ian.
--- In 7x12minilathe@..., "rancerupp" <rupps@...> wrote:
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
