Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
The forum upgrades have been completed. These were moderate security fixes from our software vendor and it looks like everything is working well. If you see any problems please post in the Forum Technical Support forum or email us at forum_moderator (at) aawforum.org. Thank you
Congratulations to Bernie Hyrtzak, People's Choice in the January 2026 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
Congratulations to Matt Carvalho for "Red Mallee Folded Form" being selected as Turning of the Week for February 9, 2026
(click here for details)
AAW Symposium demonstrators announced - If the 2026 AAW International Woodturning Symposium is not on your calendar, now is the time to register. And there are discounts available if you sign up early, by Feb. 28. Early Bird pricing gives you the best rate for our 40th Anniversary Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 4–7, 2026. (There are discounts for AAW chapter members too) For more information vist the discussion thread here or the AAW registration page
Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.
Bill Rubenstein, the Stubby lathe support person, showed me a trick that he uses for Stronghold and Talon chucks ... he buys extra sets of base jaws and leaves them permanently attached to the top jaws and he also removes the roll pin that normally keeps you from opening the jaws too far. This allows him to simply unscrew the jaws and quickly install another set. This is only for the more experienced turner obviously because you need to be very aware of what the maximum safe spread is for the jaws as well as installing them into the scroll in the location as well as engaging them with the scroll in the correct sequence. It's a clever idea, but not something that I ever felt a compelling need to do.
My first chuck was a SuperNova2, which I used on my first lathe (Delta 46-460). I bought it because that was the one that most people on the forums seemed to be recommending. Several months later, I decided I wanted a second chuck and decided to try a different brand just to get some exposure to something different. I bought a Talon. Pretty much from the first day I used it, I developed a strong preference for the Talon over the SN2. Later, when I moved to a big lathe and needed a big chuck, I went with the Stronghold and it remains the chuck I use more than others. That said, I have used other people's Vicmarcs and they are also excellent.
There is a difference between need, and what some of us find to be a nice to have convenience. Nobody really "needs" multiple chucks, but it's pleasure to simply mount up a chuck that already has the proper jaws installed......and, go!
I believe it's Steve Worchester who mentioned he has five Stronghold chucks, and I certainly can see the benefits to it. I have three Stronghold chucks, and it's a great convenience for me. These days, money is tight, and I just can't justify buying another chuck.....but, if I were a rich man, I'd probably add one more Stronghold chuck! I have seven or eight sets of jaws, but the most used jaws are those that are left mounted all the time. They are #2,#3, and the Jumbo Jaws. I almost never have a need to change out the #3 jaws.....and the #2 jaws are left on permanently, as it's the most used jaws. There are times when I change out the Jumbo Jaws for the Mega Jumbo Jaws.
Note: I'm not sure if my set of Mega Jumbo Jaws are the same as what's currently offered, but I purchased this set around the same time as I bought my Woodfast lathe about 24 years ago. The holes on the Mega Jumbo Jaws are, of course, able to mount bigger turnings......but, also have hole positions that are smaller than those on the Jumbo Jaws! Occasionally, I need to grip the interior of a very small opening, and the Mega Jumbo Jaws are my only option to do that......
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.