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Axminster (new chucks) vs New Vicmarc

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May 29, 2022
Messages
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Location
Nashville, TN
I'm in the USA considering one or the other of these brands to standardize on. Specifically the VM100 and a Axminster 100. The impression I get from a lot of reading is the Vicmarc's are almost universally liked. Some of the biggest names in woodturning use them. That's a pretty good testimonial. But the Axminster seems to get the nod for being slightly higher end, construction wise. Both brands have all the jaws I'd ever need. With a set of 4 jaws chosen to fit my needs the price difference is about $210. I do like the shark jaws available for the Vicmarcs. But what I love about the Axminster is the ability to "Crank out" the jaws for jaw changes (if you want to spend another $60 on extra mounting jaws for every jaw set).

Today I learned Axminister is out of stock on all Evolution 100's. And apparently they are changing to a new chuck they are calling the "Discovery", also out of stock until Dec-ish:

It looks like an Evolution and the only differences I see are:
1) they dropped the lifetime warranty
2) added "SafetyJaw© accessory mounting jaws"
3) dropped price a little
4) apparently the Discovery line has interchangable "backplates" , akin to using thread inserts. Can't see how this wouldn't have the potential to affect runout vs a dedicated thread in the chuck. But maybe not.

I don't know what the quality difference will be .


THREE QUESTIONS:

1) Anyone know any details on this chuck model change? Evolution vs Discovery quality? Features?

2) Any fresh opinions based on the current lines on Vicmarc vs Axminster? I know the old stuff some of you have is still your workhorse, mainly interested in newer gear opinions.

3) Anyone do the "crank out" thing for VIcmarcs for jaw changes?
 
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I’m happy with the jaw changes on the Axminster Sk114 and don’t see the need for multiple chucks anymore. And I’m pretty sensitive to the downtime when changing jaws. That seems to be the main real difference, feature wise, between it and other chuck brands
 
I’m happy with the jaw changes on the Axminster Sk114 and don’t see the need for multiple chucks anymore. And I’m pretty sensitive to the downtime when changing jaws. That seems to be the main real difference, feature wise, between it and other chuck brands
I do like this “feature”. Although I see no reason offhand why it couldn’t also be done with Vicmarc. Their scroll jaw carriers are more expensive by roughly $10/set. With both brands it’s as $50-$60 USD additional cost to every jaw set to make it work. So there’s that. Still, I like this vs. the screw change business.
 
On the Vicmarc side of the scale they have the most jaw travel by a wide margin. I know it’s best to use in the true circle size but there are times when it doesn’t matter and the extra range is helpful.
 
Both are excellent top the line chucks. I went with Axminister because of jaw change and the O’Donnell jaws. Vicmarc does not have jaws comparable to the O’Donnell jaws. I have two of the older style gear SK100 (looks like it is now called the GK100) and two of the SK114 chucks. I have no desire to go back to removing screws to change jaws.
 
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I think Vicmarc chucks are good and I have several I've been using for 20+ years with no complaints. I've handled the SK 114 and if I was buying chucks again, I'd get them without reservation - biggest attributes are the stainless steel body and the excellent machining. I have seen pictures of the factory in the UK where Axminster makes their chucks. It is modern and well equipped. Not to take anything away from Vicmarc, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy an Axminster chuck. And, I have no dog in this hunt.
 
I don’t like swapping jaws with screws but I have a lightweight cordless semi-dedicated Bosch torque controlled driver that makes it relatively easier to deal with. So it is not the chore it is for others doing it manually. And it is gonna cost around $500 to equip all my jaws with extra carriers. So it’s not trivial to implement the crank out method if you have several jaws. As for Odonell I just don’t see them being that much different than Vicmarc shark jaw chucks. Both sufficiently extend the dovetails away from the chuck, but vicmarcs add the ability of a more robust deep grab bs a smooth small cylinder.
 
I have sk114's with the O'Donnell and others. I try to keep a set of small medium and large jaws on the chucks. It usually ends up being a "H" gripper, a "C" jaw so I can use face plate rings that I have set up for my vacuum plate and then the "G" gripper for larger bowls. I also have the colossus jaws for the "why am I doing this?" times.

I prefer the gripper jaws because it's just easier for me to make a tenon with 90 degree sides instead of putting the correct angle for a dovetail.

The main reason I went with the axminster was because of the stainless steel construction that was mentioned before. At the time I was turning a bunch of green wood and all I had was a grizzly chuck I had bought with the lathe so I figured no rust was better.
 
As for Odonell I just don’t see them being that much different than Vicmarc shark jaw chucks. Both sufficiently extend the dovetails away from the chuck, but vicmarcs add the ability of a more robust deep grab bs a smooth small cylinder.
The O’Donnell jaws are a lot different from the Vicmarc shark jaws. I can clamp as small as 1/2” round to over 2” round in the O’Donnell jaws. You can clamp over an inch inside the O’Donnell jaws and that is more than enough for excellent holding. Not to say the Vicmarc shark jaws are not nice, but they are just not the same as the O’Donnell jaws and IMO the O’Donnell jaws have much more capability. As far as screw removal, I have had “stuck” screws and stripped screw heads. Just something I want to avoid.
 
I have sk114's with the O'Donnell and others. I try to keep a set of small medium and large jaws on the chucks. It usually ends up being a "H" gripper, a "C" jaw so I can use face plate rings that I have set up for my vacuum plate and then the "G" gripper for larger bowls. I also have the colossus jaws for the "why am I doing this?" times.

I prefer the gripper jaws because it's just easier for me to make a tenon with 90 degree sides instead of putting the correct angle for a dovetail.

The main reason I went with the axminster was because of the stainless steel construction that was mentioned before. At the time I was turning a bunch of green wood and all I had was a grizzly chuck I had bought with the lathe so I figured no rust was better.
Sam that’s interesting about the gripper. I’ve heard others have negative opinions on them. I don’t mind making dovetails but straight is obviously easier.

And I too like the stainless construction. Big plus for them.
 
The O’Donnell jaws are a lot different from the Vicmarc shark jaws. I can clamp as small as 1/2” round to over 2” round in the O’Donnell jaws. You can clamp over an inch inside the O’Donnell jaws and that is more than enough for excellent holding. Not to say the Vicmarc shark jaws are not nice, but they are just not the same as the O’Donnell jaws and IMO the O’Donnell jaws have much more capability. As far as screw removal, I have had “stuck” screws and stripped screw heads. Just something I want to avoid.
William, I know you’re a fan and have contributed your perspective in all the older threads I researched. Appreciate your input here too. I don’t see how you are clamping 1/2 to 2”. Their specs don’t indicate that capability. Unless you are taking about multiple jaws. For a particular range comparing a single jaw, I like the shark design. Axminster has one, wish they make a couple more.
 
@Scott Horton The O’Donnell jaws have 2 sets of inserts attached with cap head screws. the inside of the jaws are smooth, but I have never had a problem with holding, clamps a good inch of material. The pictures are with a 2 3/8” round and a 1/2” dowel. The jaws and inserts also have dovetail for internal and external use. Hopefully the pictures explain. The shark jaws don’t have the same capability IMO.

Inserts

IMG_4126.jpeg

Clamping a 2 3/8” round without any insert and of course could be a square

IMG_4124.jpeg

Clamping a 1/2” dowel with small insert

IMG_4127.jpeg
 
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I have a couple SK114s and I really like them. I wanted stainless steel because the garage can get damp and I wanted to minimize rust. Nice and solid grip. I’ve also used the vicmarc and can’t say that these are substantially different, at least to my eye.
I’d recommend getting the long chuck key also, as it helps with mounting wide bowls when the foot is away from the headstock.
 
@ Scott Horton The O’Donnell jaws have 2 sets of inserts attached with cap head screws. the inside of the jaws are smooth, but I have never had a problem with holding, clamps a good inch of material. The pictures are with a 2 3/8” round and a 1/2” dowel. The jaws and inserts also have dovetail for internal and external use. Hopefully the pictures explain. The shark jaws don’t have the same capability IMO.
Thanks for the pics. Tha's what I figured you were up to. Technically that's changing jaws, albeit 4 screws instead of 8 granted, but not the same jaw. Not meaning to split hairs and I think the screws being SHCS are more robust than the M5 FHCS in a Vicmarc jaw makes it more pleasant to change the 4, but it is 2 jaws. And they are proud of that set. :)
 
Thanks for the pics. Tha's what I figured you were up to. Technically that's changing jaws, albeit 4 screws instead of 8 granted, but not the same jaw. Not meaning to split hairs and I think the screws being SHCS are more robust than the M5 FHCS in a Vicmarc jaw makes it more pleasant to change the 4, but it is 2 jaws. And they are proud of that set. :)
Yes they are proud of them around $220 for the jaws and the 2 sets of inserts and then $$ for the sides. There are only 2 sets of inserts. Yes, the SHCS are much easier to deal with than the FHCS screws. You could also buy individual jaw sets, but that would be a lot more $$ and it is fairly quick to swap the inserts.
 
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I live in the uk I have both the sk100 and sk114 chucks

Please see the information below which may be helpful

(1) The Axmister C jaws do not have a dovetail profile I have never found this an issue
Please see link below which illiterates their features
Axminster c jaws - Google Search

80x80_google.png

axminster c jaws - Google Search​



(2) The carriers on the sk114 are longer than on the sk100 this provides additional stability

(3) Axminster have a range of videos on their web site you may find useful
https://www.youtube.com/@axminster

(4) If it states the product is made in the uk you will see a British made logo
https://www.axminstertools.com/british-made/

(5) If you watch Stuart Batty videos which were originally on Vimeo but are now on his web site Stuart explains the limitations of Shark type jaws and why he does not use them

Stuart Batty Tools

Stuart Batty Tools​

STUART BATTY TOOLS



In summery I am very happy with all my Axminster tools

Other please note American and British companies will always struggle to compete on price with Chinese companies The reason you can never compete with a company that can operate from a lower cost base
I will be attending a Woodturning show in Harroegate England on Friday 15th November I will enquire about the Discovery chucks and report back
 
(5) If you watch Stuart Batty videos which were originally on Vimeo but are now on his web site Stuart explains the limitations of Shark type jaws and why he does not use them
Brian, I watched his chuck video. Reinforced why I do not like serrated jaws, so thanks for that reminder. But, that video didn't say anything about shark jaws. He's got a lot of videos. Happen to know which one discusses? I don't always agree with everything he preaches, but I do respect his woodturning opinions as anyone should, I def want to see what he says re sharks.

OR, maybe you think what I'm calling shark jaws are what Axminsted calls "gripper", which SB calls "serrated"?

Vicmarcs "Shark jaws" are very similar to Axminster "Woodturning Deep Grip Jaws 502670", except Vicmarc's have dovetails, too:

1731564198188.png

Axminster's sort of do but way shorter, I dont' think theirs were mean to be used as dovetails like the Vicmarc's are.:
1731564229746.png
 
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(1) The Axmister C jaws do not have a dovetail profile I have never found this an issue
Please see link below which illiterates their features
Yeah, for other's benefit, here's the link to their C jaws, which are different for different chucks. I do not like that internal notch. I read a lot of complaints about it. No biggie, I dont' have that on in my list of needed jaws anyway. I know what it's there for but don't plan to use it's accessories.
1731564546956.png

SK100:
SK114:
 
I have sk114's with the O'Donnell and others. I try to keep a set of small medium and large jaws on the chucks. It usually ends up being a "H" gripper, a "C" jaw so I can use face plate rings that I have set up for my vacuum plate and then the "G" gripper for larger bowls. I also have the colossus jaws for the "why am I doing this?" times.

I prefer the gripper jaws because it's just easier for me to make a tenon with 90 degree sides instead of putting the correct angle for a dovetail.

The main reason I went with the axminster was because of the stainless steel construction that was mentioned before. At the time I was turning a bunch of green wood and all I had was a grizzly chuck I had bought with the lathe so I figured no rust was better.
Have 2 Evolution SK114 chucks. Ditto on gripper jaws, O'Donnell, face plate rings and also really like their large Cole jaws. Have used the rubber buttons both inside and outside of large bowl rims and haven't launched a bowl (yet ;-).
 

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I have two Axminister SK114 and one SK100 and three Vicmarc VM120s. They are both great but I prefer to use the Vicmarc chucks. The Axminister fit and finish is a little better looking/feeling - but there is something about using the vicmarcs I just prefer. I also have a nova G3 as well as a clubman from Axminister but I consolidated so I'd just have two different chuck keys. The clubman I did not like - I also strongly dislike the Axminister C jaws which come on all their chucks if you buy kit. Their new Discovery GK100 chucks look like refined clubman's while the Discovery SK100 looks the evolution 100.
 
I have two Axminister SK114 and one SK100 and three Vicmarc VM120s. They are both great but I prefer to use the Vicmarc chucks. The Axminister fit and finish is a little better looking/feeling - but there is something about using the vicmarcs I just prefer. I also have a nova G3 as well as a clubman from Axminister but I consolidated so I'd just have two different chuck keys. The clubman I did not like - I also strongly dislike the Axminister C jaws which come on all their chucks if you buy kit. Their new Discovery GK100 chucks look like refined clubman's while the Discovery SK100 looks the evolution 100.
I don’t care for the open gear chucks at all. Thank you for your experienced input on the vicmarc vs sk100/114
 
The Woodturning store sent an email claiming they got the last of the Evolution SK100s, in case anyone wanted to get the one piece design over the new one.
 
They had them $40 off a week or so ago. Out one in my cart then came back to find it back to inflated price. More than Axminster direct. Alas someone must have made an error. Was unable to get them back down.

At the cost difference I’m back to leaning toward Vicmarc. Waiting on Black Friday in case anyone does do any sales.
 
They had them $40 off a week or so ago. Out one in my cart then came back to find it back to inflated price. More than Axminster direct. Alas someone must have made an error. Was unable to get them back down.

At the cost difference I’m back to leaning toward Vicmarc. Waiting on Black Friday in case anyone does do any sales.
Hi did you finally get the VM over the Axminster and why?
 
Hi did you finally get the VM over the Axminster and why?
James et.al.: In the end I chose Vicmarc.

My Reasons in no particular order:

1) The Vicmarc landed cost was substantially less. No one in the USA really had much stock if any. So I bought mine direct from AU and the USD to AUD exchange rate was very good at the time of ordering. I could have bought (2) VM100s and have money left over vs. (1) SK100 sourced in the USA (see #2)

2) The SK100 was not available from Axminster, not in the old, solid body, lifetime guarantee version, nor in the upcoming universal style with the swap-able backing plate, and the shorter warranty. The SK114 is still made in the solid body but I don't need the SK114 size. The only place that had any stock for the old design SK100 was a US supplier (at top dollar $$$).

3) Part of the reason I was switching brands was to get a direct threaded, solid body, that did not use inserts/adapters. The new SK100 has an insert (well, interchangeable backing plate they call it). I expect the "backing plate" is an improvement vs a threaded insert as far as potential run out goes, but it's still not a solid body. The VM100 comes in direct thread, so it is shorter overall which is important for me on my PM2020 shorter bed lathe. I will say this was a minor point, definitely not a deal breaker for Axminster, but to me, the jury is out on the new design. And why'd they change the warranty on this one?

4) I consulted Vicmarc and made sure there was no technical reason I couldn't buy extra jaw carriers and do the "spin in", "spin out" changing of jaws. Axminster promotes that "feature" and even makes a a sheet metal wall rack for their jaws with the jaw carriers on them. You can see them on the wall in some of Collin Way(?)'s videos. As long as I understood the risks and reasons to be sure I did not over-open a Vicmarc jaw set, then there was no technical reason I coudl not. The Chuck would be perfectly happy with the different jaw carriers. As long as you don't mix up the carrier sets, which are matches sets, you're golden. And I'd never mix them as they are all attached to different jaw sets. I've marked mine so I know the spot they would stop at with the safety stop in place. It would be rare I'd be that extended anyway, but I know when and where to look if it's needed, so I'm comfortable, safety wise. So, that did away with that feature difference between the 2 brands, and the Vicmarc jaw carriers were less expensive as well (IIRC).

5) A BIG point for me was the jaw travel. It was another reason I changed brands from nova in the first place. I measured the travel on a friends Axminster and Vicmarc. The Vicmarc jaws move twice as far. I know all about the perfect circle for tenons and mortise but there are many times when that makes no difference, like holding square stock, getting a rough grab on something for a preliminary step, etc.

6) Vicmarc's shark jaws, and jaw selection. I like the Vicmarc shark jaws, a lot. Axminster has one that's similar, but I think Vicmarc offers 5 sizes for the VM100. They had every other style jaw I need for about everything I do. I bought a full assortment. I know many have multiple dedicated chucks, and I may add one one day, but I'm not a production turner, do it for fun and am never in a hurry. The spin out-in method is quite easy and fairly quick.

7) I'm a fan of R Raffan, and he and several others that I keep up with use Vicmarc. So that's a good testimonial. I do believe the Axminsters are well made, their craftsmanship seems very good, but so does the Vicmarc, so I'd call quality a tie.

All that said, I still like Axminster's stainless steel parts. If Vicmarc's jaws had been stainless this probably would not have been a competition for me. It was the only negative I had really, and it's not been a problem for many others, it shouldn't with me either.

I'm an avid 3D CAD/design/3D printer guy, so I made my own storage system for my Vicmarc jaws. Protects the jaw carrier's teeth, stores them neatly. They are held in their "perfect circle" position so I can see at a glance which one I want/need. They are magnetic and quick change, they are easy to stack on a 1/4" rod, or you could put them on pegs on a wall. With all of my jaws having jaw carriers attached, I no longer mess with the screws and I can change jaws under a minute, probably half that. I have an appropriate size hex driver for my little Bosch power screwdriver, so I can do the spin out in a couple of seconds. But I'm never in a hurry anyway. Some of mine in these photos. A few sets not pictured. Colors represent the magnet strength, heavier jaws get a size bigger on magnets. Magnets aren't needed unless you were to wall mount them. Which was my original plan. But I found stacking works great and I'm short on wall space anyway, so the stack is my method.

Hope this helps...
Scott

1739830770474.png 1739830807688.png 1739830838075.png
 
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Axminster in Somerset, UK. I went on a tour of their factory some time ago. When you consider the chucks are CNC’d from solid Stainless Steel the cost of them seems very reasonable.
I do not disagree, but for me anyway, there was more to consider than if they are being financially efficient with their manufacturing materials. The cost is still higher by a wide margin for my location at least. Is the SS an overriding factor is a personal call. I do like the stainless, always have. And their fit and finish is top notch. If you've got deep pockets and don't mind all the points I made earlier, and/or live nearby, then your choice may be different than mine. I'd guess they are a better value proposition for a local consumer. Still pros and cons, SS aside.
 
James et.al.: In the end I chose Vicmarc.

My Reasons in no particular order:

1) The Vicmarc landed cost was substantially less. No one in the USA really had much stock if any. So I bought mine direct from AU and the USD to AUD exchange rate was very good at the time of ordering. I could have bought (2) VM100s and have money left over vs. (1) SK100 sourced in the USA (see #2)

2) The SK100 was not available from Axminster, not in the old, solid body, lifetime guarantee version, nor in the upcoming universal style with the swap-able backing plate, and the shorter warranty. The SK114 is still made in the solid body but I don't need the SK114 size. The only place that had any stock for the old design SK100 was a US supplier (at top dollar $$$).

3) Part of the reason I was switching brands was to get a direct threaded, solid body, that did not use inserts/adapters. The new SK100 has an insert (well, interchangeable backing plate they call it). I expect the "backing plate" is an improvement vs a threaded insert as far as potential run out goes, but it's still not a solid body. The VM100 comes in direct thread, so it is shorter overall which is important for me on my PM2020 shorter bed lathe. I will say this was a minor point, definitely not a deal breaker for Axminster, but to me, the jury is out on the new design. And why'd they change the warranty on this one?

4) I consulted Vicmarc and made sure there was no technical reason I couldn't buy extra jaw carriers and do the "spin in", "spin out" changing of jaws. Axminster promotes that "feature" and even makes a a sheet metal wall rack for their jaws with the jaw carriers on them. You can see them on the wall in some of Collin Way(?)'s videos. As long as I understood the risks and reasons to be sure I did not over-open a Vicmarc jaw set, then there was no technical reason I coudl not. The Chuck would be perfectly happy with the different jaw carriers. As long as you don't mix up the carrier sets, which are matches sets, you're golden. And I'd never mix them as they are all attached to different jaw sets. I've marked mine so I know the spot they would stop at with the safety stop in place. It would be rare I'd be that extended anyway, but I know when and where to look if it's needed, so I'm comfortable, safety wise. So, that did away with that feature difference between the 2 brands, and the Vicmarc jaw carriers were less expensive as well (IIRC).

5) A BIG point for me was the jaw travel. It was another reason I changed brands from nova in the first place. I measured the travel on a friends Axminster and Vicmarc. The Vicmarc jaws move twice as far. I know all about the perfect circle for tenons and mortise but there are many times when that makes no difference, like holding square stock, getting a rough grab on something for a preliminary step, etc.

6) Vicmarc's shark jaws, and jaw selection. I like the Vicmarc shark jaws, a lot. Axminster has one that's similar, but I think Vicmarc offers 5 sizes for the VM100. They had every other style jaw I need for about everything I do. I bought a full assortment. I know many have multiple dedicated jaws, and I may add one one day, but I'm not a production turner, do it for fun and am never in a hurry. The spin out-in method is quite easy and fairly quick.

7) I'm a fan of R Raffan, and he and several others that I keep up with use Vicmarc. So that's a good testimonial. I do believe the Axminsters are well made, their craftsmanship seems very good, but so does the Vicmarc, so I'd call quality a tie.

All that said, I still like Axminster's stainless steel parts. If Vicmarc's jaws had been stainless this probably would not have been a competition for me. It was the only negative I had really, and it's not been a problem for many others, it shouldn't with me either.

I'm an avid 3D CAD/design/3D printer guy, so I made my own storage system for my Vicmarc jaws. Protects the jaw carrier's teeth, stores them neatly. They are held in their "perfect circle" position so I can see at a glance which one I want/need. They are magnetic and quick change, they are easy to stack on a 1/4" rod, or you could put them on pegs on a wall. With all of my jaws having jaw carriers attached, I no longer mess with the screws and I can change jaws under a minute, probably half that. I have an appropriate size hex driver for my little Bosch power screwdriver, so I can do the spin out in a couple of seconds. But I'm never in a hurry anyway. Some of mine in these photos. A few sets not pictured. Colors represent the magnet strength, heavier jaws get a size bigger on magnets. Magnets aren't needed unless you were to wall mount them. Which was my original plan. But I found stacking works great and I'm short on wall space anyway, so the stack is my method.

Hope this helps...
Scott

View attachment 72432 View attachment 72433 View attachment 72434
Scott, I love your solution! As a Vicmarc guy, I already have too many 100's and 120's, so this would keep me from indulging in any more. Would you be willing to share your files?
Thanks, Stan
 
Scott, I love your solution! As a Vicmarc guy, I already have too many 100's and 120's, so this would keep me from indulging in any more. Would you be willing to share your files?
Thanks, Stan
They only work if you put the jaw carriers on all the jaws. For jaw only (like most people have) it would need a different design.
 
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