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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 Axminste r-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. Th e 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 f or 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 ter m 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.
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The VersaScrew optional screw chuck for the Versachuck and Model T
chucks features a specially designed deep "fin" screw thread, enabling it to cut easily and deeply into the timber without distorting the wood fibres. This, coupled with
the large diameter (12.5 mm) and tough steel contribute to making this a very robust screw with a "grip like a vice"! |
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 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. |
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