I am thinking about buying the new Nova 5" chuck. Has anyone used one and how does it perform? My current Nova chuck doesn't tread all of the way on to my Powermatic 3520 spindle, it bottoms out when the spindle contacts the chuck body but there is still about 1/8" before the chuck insert contacts the spindle shoulder. Is this normal?
Thanks, Dave
I have one of these new chucks and my experiece is it is one of the best chucks produced. The back is closed, unlike their earlier full size chucks. The key set up is excellent and uses a good sized T handle ball end hex key that is as positive as the VicMark but has the added advantage of operation at an angle to the body (of course one can do much the same on the VicMark by finding and substituting a ball end key). I have found it to be consistently very smooth in operation (though I have heard one report of some binding one persons). It has longer jaw travel than its predecessors. My version is the final configuration, now called the Titan, which includes three screw jaw slides (initially it came out with only 2 screw slides like the Nova and SuperNova). The 3 hole slides will take an upcoming range of very large jaws, as well as take all the existing one and two screw Nova/SuperNova jaw sets. I've been holding off with a formal review until I've tried it with some of the new jaws, but I can say that the one I have is definitely a great chuck.
Lyn
Dave wrote:
Hello Dave,
Lyn did a good job of describing the new 5" Nova. I purchased one while I was in New Zealand in March and April of this year. It is one powerful chuck with tremendous holding power. Mine is the earlier version with only two holes to take all of the current Nova chuck jaws. I expect to get a new set of jaw slides to upgrade my chuck to the three screw version of the Titan that Lyn has.
On your second question, I'm not familiar with the Powermatic 3520 spindle, but is sounds like it is longer than normal. The rear of the Chuck insert should mate with the machined shoulder at the rear of the spindle to ensure that it runs true. A work around that I've used many times is either machined washers or home made washers out of a good hard wood like Holly. I turn the wood round in the spindle mode and drill a 1-1/4" hole through the wood. Then I carefully face off the end of the wood and carefully part off a washer about 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick, making sure that the parting tool is sharp and goes in straight. Slip this washer onto the spindle, then screw on the chuck. Tighten the chuck and check to make sure it runs true.
Fred Holder
Fred's idea is a good one. You can use the same idea for a screw chuck if it is too long. I have several that I can stack of on the screw to shorten it as much as I want.
Bruce
Gentlemen,
Thank You for the information.
David
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