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The VersaChuck is a four-jaw self-centring scroll chuck designed by The ToolPost for use by woodturners. It is based
on an engineering chuck of robust design, mounted on an interchangeable backplate (ISO standard style) which carries the spindle mounting thread,
allowing the chuck to be adapted to fit onto a variety of lathe spindle. The name "Versatile Chuck" is no accident nor idle boast! The unique feature which characterises the
Versachuck is the provision of mounting jaws which are compatible with the accessory jaws produced by various leading manufacturers of chucks, the intention being to free the woodturner from the tyranny under which each
manufacturer's chuck is capable of carrying only the jaws from that manufacturer: the Versachuck is designed to be compatible with as wide a range of jaw types as possible,
regardless of manufacturer. In addition it is supplied with a set of dovetail jaws designed to give an excellent grip in both compression and expansion mounting modes (
annotated jaw dimensions diagram here)
. An extended chuck key, which locates into either of the two square recesses in the body where it engages the captive pinions, allows easy one-handed operation and is supplied as standard with the chuck. Package contents:
- 100 mm (outside diameter) scroll chuck. This is derived from an engineering chuck design, giving the benefit of high precision, great strength and excellent gripping power
within a compact outline. The chuck key is of the engineering type, with an 8 mm square spigot fitting into a matching square socket, captive in the chuck body.
- Backplate to suit lathe spindle, mounted to rear of chuck using three M8 socket head capscrews (supplied). Some styles of backplate may incorporate a series of 24
equally positioned holes around the periphery, enabling the backplate and chuck to be used as part of an indexing system. The backplates are interchangeable and are
available separately, enabling the chuck to be modified to suit an alternative lathe, for instance when upgrading.
- Three sets of Mounting Jaws, each designed for use with a different type of accessory jaw. These will normally comprise the following types:-
o One set of mounting jaws compatible with accessory jaws produced by Axminster Power Tool Centre for their Super Precision, Clubman (formerly "Woodturner's") and former Carlton chucks. These are the jaws mounted on the
chuck by default, when shipped. o One set of mounting jaws compatible with accessory jaws produced by Teknatool for the Nova and/or SuperNova chucks. o
One set of mounting jaws compatible with accessory jaws produced by OneWay Manufacturing for use with their OneWay and Talon chucks. (NB:
Accessory jaws designed for use with the Stronghold chuck will not fit these mounting jaws.)
Extended chuck key with removable tommy bar (secured by a socket screw, enabling it to be released and used as a sliding tommy bar if the bar fouls the workpiece when
in its "normal" position.) The key is designed to facilitate one-handed operation.
A set of four dovetail jaws which mount onto the Axminster-compatible mounting jaws, each dovetail jaw being secured to the mounting jaws by two M5 x 12 mm socket
head capscrews. (A couple of spare screws are normally provided with the chuck.) When the dovetail jaws are set such that the jaw inner and outer peripheries each
forms a "perfect circle" the outside (expansion) dovetail measures 75 mm diameter and the inner (compression), 60 mm diameter. An additional 28mm (compression) dovetail is formed in the centre of the jaws.
Annotated jaw dimensions diagram here
A wooden storage case, in which it is suggested the chuck be stored to minimise the risk of contamination through dust or corrosion.
This truly is the most versatile chuck on the market and with an affordable price tag that belies its high quality. The end of the search for the ultimate chuck? (The image shown at the top of this page shows the Versachuck mounted with jaws from the major jaw
manufacturers, and is for illustration purposes only: please don't try using it in this mode.) |
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