Re: Scroll Chuck Question (newby sticking foot in)

Thanks, George!

I would suggest that the newer lightweight lathes tend to have rotating headstocks, but then they don't usually have a threaded spindle on both sides of the headstock, either (Jet, Delta, Etc) Most bigger lathes do have twin spindles, one inboard (RH), and one outboard (LH). Some medium to large commercial lathes have only one threaded spindle nose, but the headstock slides all the way to the end of the bed for non-reversed outboard turning.

It is probably wise to get the dual-threaded insert for your chuck if you think bigger pieces and outboard turning are in your future, or, if your lathe doesn't support that method, if you can envision taking your chuck to someone else's lathe to turn a big bowl outboard. (For example I can only turn 12" inboard on my lathe, and used my equipment to turn a 15" piece on the outboard side of my dad's lathe.) The only drawback seems to be how easily the chuck will thread on to the spindle -- some report a dedicated RH thread is easier to get on straight with less fussing. I use a dual-thread chuck insert whenever I turn in my dad's shop, and I'm not sure I ever noticed the difference.

The only stupid question is the one that you didn't ask, and an injury results ...

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje Thetford, VT

Your presumption is correct, opposite ends.

I have one faceplate with both lh and rh threads cut on the same bore. With my variable speed Delta/Rockwell the faceplate will spin off when I stop the lathe - not a pleasant experience when you have a heavy turning block on board. Based on my experience wih this cleap face plate (from Harbor Freight or Grizzly or one of their competitors I don't remember which) I would not recommend a double threaded faceplate. Maybe a quality product could be double threaded and perform suitably, I tend to doubt it because the contact area is reduced by the extra cuts needed to get the other thread.

Bottom line, get the insert for inboard use and if you ever want/need to go outboard then get the lh insert.

Dan

Lynn Coffelt wrote:

Dan,

I think your problem must be because it's cheap. I've got a 6" faceplate & an Axminster chuck, both cross-threaded RH/LH and have never had a problem with either.

Larry