Posts: 6,755
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2001
Location: Post Falls, ID
I use a Oneway Talon chuck and have been extremely pleased with it. I think it's only meant for use on turnings up to 12", though, so you might have to move up to the Stronghold chuck.
Dave
"One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyrany, and is likely to interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
Posts: 320
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2013
Most often folks pick a brand and stick with it since you can get different jaws to fit multiple chucks. Even if you don't plan to have more than one chuck now it's helpful to keep that in mind. Common brands include Nova, Oneway, Vicmarc and Hurricane. Any of those should do what you need. As mentioned above, make sure you get the right size for your intended turning.
Doug
Posts: 10,679
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Orlando, Florida
I'll add EZ Wood to the good chucks category. My personal preference is Nova. Most of the jaws for Nova are interchangeable between different chucks, so if at some time you upgrade or change to a different lathe, your jaws aren't wasted. Oneway I believe is a better chuck (better fit and finish) than Nova, and it also costs more. Nova and Oneway chucks have a very wide variety of jaws. Not sure about Vicmark and Hurricane. Record Power is another chuck now being offered at least via Craft Supplies USA. Another thing to consider is that EZ Wood and Nova both offer quick change jaws. If you need to change jaws often, that can be a real advantage.
Still Learning,
Allan Hill
Posts: 6,179
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Bothell, WA
I use a Vicmarc VM120 on my 1642. I'd buy the same one again or consider the Easy chuck.
Cellulose runs through my veins!
Posts: 20,950
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
A chuck minimizes fiddle and mount, offering more time for turning. I have one of the original 1988 Novas, still in use, and two SuperNovas. I can change chucks faster than others change the newfangled jaws, and the cost of two is similar to the one. Worth considering, unless you have to have the latest thing.
The one chuck I use almost every turning is my pin chuck. Still $70 at bestwoodtools.com. Pin jaws are a fair substitute, but a guy could own one chuck body and a pin chuck and do almost any crossgrain work swapping between.
I only use my jaws in wedge mode, though I own "spigot" jaws. I wouldn't buy them again, so that's one set you can skip. Pin jaws, and something ~2" wedge for up to 16", especially supported with a tailstock, are my "necessities". The 75(NOT)mm lives on the third chuck. It will hold a rounded 2x2 in compression mode - most handy - and features wide faces on the jaws for larger long grain work, where you might not prefer a faceplate.
Whatever chuck you get, I'd recommend those three type jaws, and a pin chuck.
Better to follow the leader than the pack. Less to step in.