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1x8 Chucks on 1 1/4 x 8 Headstock Spindles

Joel Daniels

Joel Daniels

Joined
Feb 25, 2025
Messages
28
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Location
New Boston, NH
I have a number of 1 x 8 direct threat chucks (all Nova G3 - each hosting a variety of jaws) for my Laguna 12/16. Going to a larger lathe (PM3520C for example), the headstock spindles are all 1 1/4 x 8.

What is everyone's experience using the 1 1/4 x 8 to 1 x 8 adapters to use the 1 x 8 chucks on 1 1/4 x 8 spindles? Do the 1 x 8 chucks with the adapter still seat properly on the headstock spindle? Do you end up getting excessive vibrations?

Or, do I need to plan to purchase new 1 1/4 x 8 chucks?

Pros/cons please.
 
Joel Daniels said:
I have a number of 1 x 8 direct threat chucks (all Nova G3 - each hosting a variety of jaws) for my Laguna 12/16. Going to a larger lathe (PM3520C for example), the headstock spindles are all 1 1/4 x 8.

What is everyone's experience using the 1 1/4 x 8 to 1 x 8 adapters to use the 1 x 8 chucks on 1 1/4 x 8 spindles? Do the 1 x 8 chucks with the adapter still seat properly on the headstock spindle? Do you end up getting excessive vibrations?

Or, do I need to plan to purchase new 1 1/4 x 8 chucks?

Pros/cons please.
Click to expand...
First I'd be checking the chucks to see if they are an insert type or direct thread - If they have inserts (you'll see hex flats for a wrench on the insert collar) then you can just get replacement 1 1/4 x8 inserts - but if direct thread, I'd probably get a single 1 1/4 x8 to 1X8 adapter to thread on to the spindle and use the old direct thread chucks until such time as I replaced them with insert type chucks. (and then sell on the old chucks). Bear in mind there's not a whole lot really WRONG with using an adapter, it just means you'll be introducing a certain amount of runout (could be microscopic, but it'd be there) where you didn't necessarily have to.... Direct thread chucks do have their advantages in theory (aforementioned runout) but I'd tend to want to get insert type chucks - who knows you might switch chuck brands later on, and insert type chucks are a lot easier to sell on over direct thread chucks.... but to each their own - nothing wrong with keeping your chucks and adapting them, but my own opinion (worth the paper it's written on) would be to get the right chucks for the lathe (insofar as thread sizes) and I'd vote getting insert type chucks
 
With Nova chucks, I believe you can use their jaws on most of their chucks, as long as the chuck and jaws are of the same type, so I think you are likely to be able to buy a new chuck without buying new jaws. Nova's site should address whether chucks are compatible with the jaws you already have.
When I sold my Nova midi lathe, which used 1" X 8 chucks, I kept 1 chuck I had and sold 1 with the lathe. People buying a lathe will want at least 1 chuck with it, especially if they are in the beginner category and have limited turning knowledge.

I have used adapters with Nova chucks because some were only sold with non-compatible threads. No big deal except, to avoid having to change the adapter out I ad to buy multiple adapters. It's easier to buy chucks which match your current lathe.

You might want to use this opportunity to move to a different brand of chuck. I have always believed that VicMarc chucks are superior to Nova chucks, so buying a size chuck and jaws you commonly use, maybe a larger one than the Nova G3, may move you in different direction for the future.

In the end, though, I don't think there is any reason you can't keep the Nova chucks and jaws you have, buying an adapter for each chuck. Certainly adapters are less expensive than new chucks. Or try it with one of the chucks and see what your experience is.

Don't know if this helps. From going through the same thing when I upgraded, I think it's more personal choice than a necessity. There is nothing wrong with Nova chucks. I just think that there are other brands which are better quality. Again, though, that is really more personal preference than an opinion based on true factual information.
 
Randy Heinemann said:
...
You might want to use this opportunity to move to a different brand of chuck. I have always believed that VicMarc chucks are superior to Nova chucks, so buying a size chuck and jaws you commonly use, maybe a larger one than the Nova G3, may move you in different direction for the future.
...
Click to expand...
This was actually my long-term plan. I will be replacing all (or at least most) of my current Nova G3 chucks with VicMarc chucks. Just don't have the up front funds to do that all at one time. So, I was thinking of a single adapter and running the 1 x 8 Nova chucks until I can replace them. Maybe only go to VicMarc for the larger jaw sizes and keep the Nova G3s for the smaller jaw sizes. Also, might look at the other Nova chucks since the jaws are interchangeable (in addition to moving to VicMarc). So many choices!
 
Joel Daniels said:
So, I was thinking of a single adapter and running the 1 x 8 Nova chucks until I can replace them. Maybe only go to VicMarc for the larger jaw sizes and keep the Nova G3s for the smaller jaw sizes. Also, might look at the other Nova chucks since the jaws are interchangeable
Click to expand...
I use one small chuck (2-3/4” I think) with an adapter, as no one makes a small chuck with 1-1/4” threads. Don’t recommend using an adapter long term on a medium chuck like a g3. A good size project can be turned with that size chuck and you dont want to add ~ 3” of extension to the chuck. Replace the 1x8 with a 1-1/4x8 g3. Both g3’s I have are insert type, runout is not an issue.

Getting a larger chuck is a good idea. I use a Oneway Stronghold with their patented profiled tower jaws, love those jaws.
 
I would get an adapter and use them until you can afford the VicMarc you want. I wouldn't sell all them either, you will find the adapter moves the chuck about 3" from the lathe headstock and this is nice for sanding and certain projects. My experience is the adapter is fine if you buy from a quality vendor, but the further from the spindle you get you can get vibration on larger pieces.
 
There are a couple of potential issues. First off, adapters move the workpiece further away from the head stock bearings than the manufacturer of the lathe intended. The second is that you are introducing another manufacturing tolerance into the equation. The chuck may run perfectly true, or it may not. Luck of the draw. Personally I always avoid adapters, and don’t like threaded inserts either. I had an insert chuck once and it didn’t run true. Since then I’ve always bought direct threaded chucks and not had a problem, so far.
 
Joel Daniels said:
This was actually my long-term plan. I will be replacing all (or at least most) of my current Nova G3 chucks with VicMarc chucks. Just don't have the up front funds to do that all at one time. So, I was thinking of a single adapter and running the 1 x 8 Nova chucks until I can replace them. Maybe only go to VicMarc for the larger jaw sizes and keep the Nova G3s for the smaller jaw sizes. Also, might look at the other Nova chucks since the jaws are interchangeable (in addition to moving to VicMarc). So many choices!
Click to expand...
Joel,

Sure, I figured you didn't want to sink a lot into new chucks, especially since you might want to determine what your future needs are before doing that. I just got tired of unmounting and remounting the adapter, so I finally just bought other chucks. I was always sorry, though, that I didn't switch to Vicmarc, but the Nova chucks are certainly very serviceable and they work well. I have bigger chucks and jaws also, but I found out that I really don't turn large enough pieces to justify the size chucks and jaws I bought. Who knew? I find it more enjoyable to turn 8"- 10" or smaller pieces, especially hollow forms.

Just read the response before mine. The issues raised, distance from the head stock didn't seem to be an issue. As for tolerances, Nova manufactures their own adapters in various sizes and threads. Nova's adapters are very usable and I still have one of my chucks mounted on an adapter.
 
Joel Daniels said:
This was actually my long-term plan. I will be replacing all (or at least most) of my current Nova G3 chucks with VicMarc chucks. Maybe only go to VicMarc for the larger jaw sizes and keep the Nova G3s for the smaller jaw sizes.
Click to expand...
Couple unrelated thoughts on your plan. If your Nova chucks are the older/original style G3s, with Lefty Tighty, you might go crazy having 2 types of chucks with opposite turns to open/close. In addition, the bird beak Nova jaws will need a slightly differently shaped tenon than the Vicmarc. Neither issue is insurmountable, but they might be a source of aggravation.
 
I have one adapter which is a little off so I placed a piece of tape on the shoulder and it was a perfect shim. If you use a reliable brand adapter it should work well. Also find the shortest ones you can, longer may cause more vibration.
 
Joel Daniels said:
I have a number of 1 x 8 direct threat chucks (all Nova G3 - each hosting a variety of jaws) for my Laguna 12/16. Going to a larger lathe (PM3520C for example), the headstock spindles are all 1 1/4 x 8.

What is everyone's experience using the 1 1/4 x 8 to 1 x 8 adapters to use the 1 x 8 chucks on 1 1/4 x 8 spindles? Do the 1 x 8 chucks with the adapter still seat properly on the headstock spindle? Do you end up getting excessive vibrations?

Or, do I need to plan to purchase new 1 1/4 x 8 chucks?

Pros/cons please.
Click to expand...

When I run 1x8 chucks on my 1-1/4x8 lathe, I usually use an 2MT x 1x8 adapter from Best Wood Tools:

1740754315022.png

This runs *much* truer than any screw-on adapter I've tried. There are 2 downsides:
  • it doesn't work with vacuum chucks
  • it needs to be secured with a drawbar
Note that you need the all-steel 1-piece adapter. BWT makes a cheaper version with a steel taper and aluminum head, but that model is only for reversing chucks in the tailstock and can't be used in the headstock under power,
 
Asher Langton said:
When I run 1x8 chucks on my 1-1/4x8 lathe, I usually use an 2MT x 1x8 adapter from Best Wood Tools:

View attachment 72934

This runs *much* truer than any screw-on adapter I've tried. There are 2 downsides:
  • it doesn't work with vacuum chucks
  • it needs to be secured with a drawbar
Note that you need the all-steel 1-piece adapter. BWT makes a cheaper version with a steel taper and aluminum head, but that model is only for reversing chucks in the tailstock and can't be used in the headstock under power,
Click to expand...

I like this approach as well. Thanks for sharing.
 
I also bought an M33 X 3.5mm Faceplate on to which I machined a register and drilled three holes. This adapter allows me to fit any of my MW chucks to my wood turning lathe.
 
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I have two lathes one at 1-8 and 1 1/4-8 so I have a number of 1-8 chucks which I use with both lathes with adapters, have not had problems at all with adapters. In fact I have way too many chucks (2-Oneway chucks, 2-record chucks, 3-nova chucks and 1 VicMarc.) How do I stop the obsession?
 
My first chuck was a 1'x8tpi direct thread, low budget chuck from Penn State Industries. I still use occasionally since it has Cole jaws. I bought an adaptor from Penn State and it works fine on my 1 1/4x8 tpi lathe.

Here's a link to their adaptor, about $22. https://www.pennstateind.com/store/LA11418.html

I bought my adaptor more than 10 years ago. Hopefully their quality is even better now, but who knows? Not me. Good luck.
 
I tried one of the adapters, and noticed a lot more run out in the chuck as well as vibration issues caused by cantilevering out farther off of the headstock. Most chucks have inserts so you can change the insert to fit on different lathes. I do keep one 1 by 8 tpi chuck for my mini lathe. I have changed all the rest of them out to fit my bigger lathes.

robo hippy
 
Asher Langton said:
When I run 1x8 chucks on my 1-1/4x8 lathe, I usually use an 2MT x 1x8 adapter from Best Wood Tools:
Click to expand...

That's a great idea. I've bought quite a bit from Best Wood Tools and I've never been sorry - very high quality machining. (The only thing might be the need to be patient for something not in stock since Vic does all the machining himself.)

If someone doesn't want to mess with a drawbar (or wants the through-hole), he also carries threaded adapters for any spindle thread to 1x8 and I expect it is well made also - I recently bought a 1-1/4x8 extension from him and adds no detectable runout to the chuck.

If needed, a drawbar is quite simple, cheap, and quick to make (and also useful for mandrels, Jacobs drill chucks, etc)

I like the idea of a 1-1/4x8 adapter for the metal lathe too.

JKJ
 
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