Glaser Screw Chuck ? ? ?

I have two Glaser Screw Chucks. One that I got when I only had a mini lathe, and another larger one that also has the larger screw.

Everyone has their own preferences in mounting methods, but I absolutely adore these chucks and use them often. Better for dry wood than green, the allow you to remove and remount wood from the chuck without any errors in registration. The three mounting sizes allow for a good fit to all kinds of wood, (the smalles is great for making bracelets), and the two screw sizes allow you to tailor the screw to the size of projects one most commonly works with. (Not everyone shows the 1/2 inch size screw, but you can order it as an extra part from Highland Hardware).

I can't say if the price will be worth it to someone else, but it sure is to me. It is one of my favorite means to mount wood, and is one of the most elegant designs to be found anywhere. Seriously, I think it is deserving of an award just for its industrial design.

Lyn

Barry N. Turner wrote:

Hi Barry,

I will second what Lyn said. It is simply the best screw chuck being made today.

I have used it for several years on both green and dry wood. The biggest problem with it is removing the blank from it. It has the best grip of any screw chuck I have ever used.

Also, As Lyn said, you can remove your blank from the chuck and be sure that it will re-center perfectly every time.

I wish every tool were made as well as this one.

I have no vested interest In Glaser tools, But if Jerry wants to send me a new V-15 5/8" bowl gouge to replace my old one, I would have to accept it.... I guess. :)

If you drop the $$$ on it, I do not believe you will have any regrets.

Dave

David Peebles Lyons, Ohio Revolutions Woodturning

I have a vicmarc version. It uses the Glaser screw, but is milled to use Vicmarc inserts so I can use it on different spindles just by swapping the insert. I ordered it from Australia and I don't remember anybody carrying it up here, but you may want to ask Craft supplies about it. I would suggest Paul Judkins, but it looks like he is temporarily not selling due to family issues. You can see the screw chuck on Paul's site:

Hi Barry, You expect me to not answer your question about the Glaser, but first congratulations on your new lathe. If my Scottish blood would allow my going first class, Stubby and Glasers would be my choice too. Shopmade and cheap devices may not be allowed on Stubby or Oneway lathes, but I'll continue.

I bet you will keep your Jet mini that has given you so much pleasure and growth as a woodturner. If so, I'd be interested in the percentages of your turning time spent on your two fine machines after a year or so when the excitement of huge blanks and rotating lathe beds has waned and both seem to have gotten much heavier. Many will protest, but I think turning a small piece on a quality small machine using small tools is somehow a different and separate satisfaction.

If your present single screw chuck as well as all your other 1X8 fitments were satisfactory, I'd think an adapter for the Stubby would be a good thing. There are often 1X8 and 3/4X16 accessories used or new at good bargains. Not that Stubby owners care about bargains. TIC :) & G

I suppose a single screw chuck does allow for a smaller foot and can save some timber on pieces that are not reversed. There may be some convenience in drilling a single hole and spinning the blank onto the spinning screw, but you still have to drill the hole while often you can screw the blank or block to a multi screw chuck (faceplate) without drilling any holes and the security is as good or better. Being able to remove and replace wood concentrically might be an advantage for single screw chucks over wood blocks that are threaded on the spindle or screwed to a faceplate, but in the end we usually have to true the work regardless of what it's hanging on to. Wood moves.

Just one old turner's opinion, but I suspect that with all the savings of shopmade devices or the utility of store bought single screw or scroll chucks, many return to screwing their blanks or glue blocks to metal faceplates. You can make or buy several for $110 plus S&H. George can do the same with pin chucks. :)

I hope my Glaser/ Stubby friends aren't too displeased with my obvious jealousy.

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

Hi Arch

I do agree with your take, that as usual is well taken. (G)

There is an additional point to consider, using a bigger lathe does not automatically increase the size of blanks that can be turned on a single screw (DAHIK)( After all I do have Experience someone said experience is something you have learned the hard way).

And you can also have a instant dismount if you start up your lathe in reverse direction, there that's some more experience for you.

Still it is a quick way of mounting a rough blank and I use it within reason, you can easily strip the thread in wet wood if used on bigger heavy blanks, not only by having a catch but by just starting up the lathe, you wonder for a moment why the lathe is turning while the blank just sits there

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Arch wrote:

Unfortunately, I don't have an unlimited budget for this insane hobby of mine (and yours). I probably really couldn't afford a Stubby. Actually, it was my wife who insisted I go for the Stubby instead of a Jet 1642. What's the biblical quote? I think it goes something like, "The worth of a good woman is above that of rubies and gold." Amen to that!

Absolutely, I will keep my Jet Mini. You just don't sell old friends. One of my major concerns when considering the Stubby purchase was, "Will it be as much fun as my Jet Mini?" (How could it be?) That remains to be seen. Plus, I may be the only guy around turning ornaments and lidded boxes on a Stubby.

I may yet spring for a Glaser screw chuck. That $110 price tag is a bit daunting, especially since I now have an expensive new lathe in my shop. I have to admit that, right now, I'm leaning towards another $34.95 one from Craft Supply in 1 1/4" x 8 thread. I try not to get too hung up on how cheap/costly something is (within reason), how well it functions is much more important.

Thanks for you comments. I always enjoy reading your posts.

Barry

"Leo Van Der Loo" wrote: (clip)And you can also have a instant dismount if you start up your lathe in reverse direction, (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Or stop it too quickly in the forward direction. I've see it, but claim I haven't done it.

Barry:

Ain't so. I do ornaments and also lace bobbins on my Stubby. I've even done a lace bobbin with a captured ring. In prior years I've done lidded boxes but don't do these much any more.

Bill

Barry N. Turner wrote:

It's nice to know I'll have some company..........Barry

I kept my Jet Mini when I got my Stubby too. And you won't be alone on turning the small stuff. I've done some miniture goblets on mine, but I also made sure I tested the limits at least once too. Got a 26" bowl off of it also.