Chuck Identity?

[Finn Posner]

I should probably post a picture for help, but let's start with a description. I just purchased a used chuck and while it looks like a Vicmark (VM100) it has no logo. The only writing on the unit is "Max RPM 3000". It's about 3.75" in diameter and came with a dovetail set of jaws that are about the same diameter. The chuck key is a blue handled hex head wrench.

Any ideas who might have made this chuck or where I could get additional jaws?

 

[n7bsn]

Finn
Good chance it's a Grizzly. They do sell a clone of the Vicmarc

There is also it's a clone/copy done by someone else

 

[ihmserv]

I second the grizzly

http://www.grizzly.com/products/H6265

they make 3 different jaw sets for it see page 130 of the catalog. but also any vicmarc jaws will fit.


IAN

 

[glenkey]

Finn
Good chance it's a Grizzly. They do sell a clone of the Vicmarc

There is also it's a clone/copy done by someone else

You might be thinking of Penn State Ind.
Lots of pen kits and small lathe turning supplies.
Have a buddy that has one of each, Grizzly and Penn State.
He likes both, and is planning on getting more so that he doesn't have to change out the jaws. I'd do the same but, there is that money thing

 

[Rob Wallace]

Grizzly - yes ---- Penn State - no

I agree that the chuck is likely a Grizzly clone of the VM100.

Penn State's chucks [SEE HERE] do not use a hex key system, and as far as I have been able to check, all of their Barracuda chucks use geared keys. I think many of these have "open" backs and would not have a place for the "Max. 3,000 rpm" writing.

Regardless, it is advised that owners of the Grizzly clone be aware that the "back" outside edge of this chuck can be quite sharp and deliver a nasty cut - this observation from personal experience. I have two of these Grizzly knock-offs and have rounded the sharp edge with a file and abrasives. Although not working as smoothly as the real Vicmarc VM100 (I also have two of these, and one VM120), these Grizzly chucks work acceptably and are a pretty good value.

To answer your other question - the Vicmarc jaws designed for the 3.5" Vicmarc VM100 will work on this Grizzly knock-off chuck. You should know, however, there may be some alignment issues - the threaded jaw holes on one of my two knock-offs are not located as precisely as the real McCoy, and are "off" a bit - making mounting different jaws a bit challenging. BTW - Don't expect to get any other kinds of jaws from Grizzly.

Good luck with your chuck, and be sure to ease the back edge if it is as sharp as mine were!

Rob Wallace

 

[Joe Greiner]

BTW - Don't expect to get any other kinds of jaws from Grizzly.
Rob Wallace

Huh? Look at page 130 again, just below the entry for the Vicmarc clone: pin jaws and large dovetail.

There's a slight gap in overall coverage, but not enough to matter AFAICT.