In addition to the ranges of compatible jaws available from Sorby (for the Patriot chuck), from Axminster (for the Super Precision, Woodturner's, Carlton and similar chucks), from OneWay (for the Talon and OneWay chucks), from Teknatool (for the SuperNova and Nova chucks), from Multistar (for the Titan chuck) and from VicMarc (for the VM100 chucks), we are pleased to introduce our own range of chuck jaws made specially for the Versachuck - in answer to the many requests from VersaChuck owners.

It is worthy of remarking that these jaws sets will also fit the Axminster Super Precision and compatible chucks, since the standard mounting jaws fitted to the Versachuck when delivered are Axminster-compatible.

The Versachuck is supplied as standard with a set of dovetail jaws with an outside dovetail diameter of 75mm and an internal dovetail diameter of 60mm.  The following additional jaw types are also available and are expected to be joined by other types in the future.

We have tried to bring the same sort of original thinking to these jaws as we brought to the original Versachuck concept.  Hence we have a series of jaws which reflect the fact that if you are the sort of turner who needs a set of, say 50 mm jaws to hold into a recess, then it is more likely that a compression size of 35 mm is more likely to be suitable for your work than, say, a plain bore of 19 mm!  We have also reflected on the fact that there's an "unused" surface on most jaw sets - around the perimeter.  So..o..o..o..o we have used that space to add a further dovetail to five of our "standard" dovetail profile jaw sets to create a 100 mm dovetail which we project will be used to hold the rims of small bowls to allow the bottoms of such items to be reversed for cleaning up and removal of the mounting point.  That's a job that's hard to do with most "button jaw" sets because most of those don't go down as far as 100 mm (4").  A further point of note is that all of our jaws are forged before machining, creating jaws that have a more coherent grain structure (giving greater strength) than conventional jaws from other manufacturers which are simply machined from a solid steel billet.  At the same time our process makes better use of the raw material so we can create superior jaws at lower environmental cost.  A complete table of jaw dimensions is shown, below.  Note that the "Extreme Diameter" dimensions listed are suitable for use only by well-practised and experienced turners who are aware of the dangers inherent in using chucks with jaws projecting beyond the chuck body. All turners are also reminded that any chuck jaws can only develop their maximum - and design - grip when used at their "Perfect Circle" diameter: using jaws at any other setting can lead to insecure workpiece holding. 

YOUR safety is YOUR responsibility: don't neglect it!

We have also developed jaws for special applications.  The Long Nose jaws feature an internal dovetail recess of 1.1/2" 938 mm) and an external one of 51 mm (2") - because I love this type of jaw and find this to be by far the most useful size.  These jaws project the work a full 50 mm (2") forward of the normal position with a dovetail jaw, allowing plenty of access space behind the workpiece.  This can be particularly helpful when wet turning as both inside and outside of the piece can be worked on without the need for re-chucking.

Our second specialist jaw is what we term a "Goblet Jaw" designed to give a much firmer hold than can a dovetail jaw, especially for work which projects a long way out of the chuck - like a goblet.  One could see this as an update on the venerable - and highly effective - ring chuck principle.  To use this jaw, one simply creates a parallel spigot 1.1/2" (38mm) diameter and 3/4" (20 mm) long: at the inner (tailstock) end of the spigot, create a groove about 5 mm wide and 4 mm deep with a parting tool.  Now close the jaws around the spigot so that the lip at the front edge of the jaws fits into the groove: the tapered section of the lip will draw the spigot back into the jaws to create a firm hold on the workpiece as the jaws are tightened.  The outside of these jaws also features a conventional 75mm (3") dovetail.