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Penn State Industries 'Barracuda' Chucks

Z

Ziffy

Joined
May 10, 2005
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Location
Watertown, CT
Does anyone have any experience with the Penn State Industries Barracuda chucks? They have a special going on right now for one chuck (which is comprable - in size at least - with the Nova Midi, but it comes with 5 different sets of jaws for a total price of about $130. I have a Nova Midi, and I love it, but have been wanting to get additional jaw sets. Unfortunately they cost anywhere from $35 up to $60 or more per additional set. I know you 'get what you pay for', but this just seems like a really great offer. Any insight anyone...?

Thanks,
Brian

Here's a link if anyone is interested...
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/e-10259.html
 
I have the apprentice chuck from Craft Supplies which I find is a really nice chuck. I have been told via this forum that the Apprentice and Baracudda are the same chuck. Made in China.
 
oops. The apprentice is like the Barracuda 2 3000. The one on sale at PSI (2000) is a different version, does not look as substantial. And it looks like you need two pins to tighten it.
 
Score another point for the screwball pin chuck method. The tailstock is the third hand, and the hole helps center as well as hold it up.

Don't know why they don't use the pin spanner like the old NOVA chucks used. You can put the pin in about a half-dozen places on the outside and squeeze one-handed. Doesn't appear to be an option tool purchase either. Farmer up the way made one for me when I broke the one for my old pin chuck. Three bends and a pin, if you've got the metalworking vise and a pipe wrench.
 
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