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 spindles.  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 Versachuck jaws AND 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 for the Nova and/or SuperNova chucks. The se jaws also work with Sorby Patriot jaws.
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 28 mm (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 a mix of jaws from the major jaw manufacturers, and is for illustration purposes only: please don't try using it in this mode.)

Regretfully we must advise that, due to supply chain difficulties, we are currently unable to supply the Versachuck.
For accessories, please see below.

We do offer a number of alternatives within these web pages as well as others not listed here.  If you require further help with chuck selection, please contact us by telephone in the first instance.

If you require a replacement backplate after changing your lathe etc. the following standard backplates are available for purchase separately.  (These backplates also fit the Axminster Super Precision chuck.) 

There are two special backplates shown here which are designed to enable you have a backplate threaded to match a spindle not covered by our standard range.  Most towns have an engineering shop where such a thread can be machined, or maybe you know a model engineer or similar, with an engineering lathe, who can do the job for you?  The reason for having the thread cut in your own locality is that such backplates need to be test fitted onto the spindle - onto which they should fit snugly.  The difference between the two backplates is that one is a slim type, generally suitable for threads up to around 1.1/8" diameter, whilst the HD pattern is much deeper from front to rear face to enable larger spindle threads to be accommodated.  Note that the backplate should be held by the shallow chuck register during screwcutting to ensure accuracy after mounting.

A range of accessories is available for the VersaChuck.  The standard chuck is delivered with three sets of compatible mounting jaws, to suit Axminster, OneWay and SuperNova chuck jaws, respectively.  Also available as accessories are mounting jaw sets to suit Multistar Titan workholding jaws and also VicMarc 100 mm chuck accessory jaws (which are identical to those sold as Record RP4000 accessory jaws).

A generously-proportioned screwchuck is also available, which mounts in the standard jaws of the VersaChuck, giving a sturdy "first-fixing", particularly suitable when bowl-turning.  The screw is 12.5 mm diameter and features a slim cross-section thread form to minimise disruption of the timber as it is screwed into place, whilst also easing the passage of the thread through the workpiece.  The screw is gold passivated for improved corrosion resistance. To further enhance the versatility of the VersaChuck we are supplying a mini faceplate - like an inverse of a faceplate ring - which fits the dovetail recess in the standard VersaChuck 75/60 dovetail jaws supplied with the chuck.  Using this faceplate you can mount several jobs, each on their own mini faceplate, and swap them without any loss of mounting accuracy (usually caused by changes in the timber's moisture content when using conventional direct chuck mounting).  The "footprint" of the mini faceplate is much smaller than most faceplate rings and thus constrains the design of the bowl/platter far less.

Finally, for those who like to swap between spindle turning and faceplate turning, without having to dismount the chuck to mount a drive centre, we have the four-prong 1" drive centre which mounts directly into the centre of the standard 76/60 jaws where it is retained securely by the internal flanges on the dovetail jaws but extends well beyond the front face of the jaws to permit safe and easy access along the whole length of the spindle being turned.

A final thought: the Versachuck body can corrode if it is subject to damp/humid conditions.  There are several "tricks" to avoid this possibility such as spraying with acrylic lacquer, waxing, WD40 etc.  However, there is an excellent solution in the form of Shield Technology active corrosion-inhibiting protection products suitable for use in the chuck case (if you use it!) or for direct application to the chuck body for long-term active protection.  Once you have used these products on the chuck you'll find myriad other uses around the workshop, garden and even the home.