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Rikon Z3 & Z4 Lathe Chucks

Rip Littig

Rip Littig

Joined
Apr 12, 2021
Messages
80
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57
Location
Fairfield, CT
Is anyone familiar with the new Z3 and Z4 chuck product line from Rikon? I just noticed them on the their website last night. At 3.5" diameter (2.6 lbs) and 3.875" (3.8 lbs) they appear intermediate sized. What strikes me is they have a 10 year warranty. That combined with $140 and $180 price tags for full direct thread packages seems very compelling. Has anyone seen these in person or even better used them?

rikontools.com

Rikon Chuck System - Rikon Power Tools

NEW! LATHE CHUCK SYSTEMS Shop Sets & Parts 71-103: Z3 Chuck, 50mm Jaw, Woodscrew and Chuck Key-Direct Thread 1″ x 8 TPI $139.99 Add to cart 71-104: Z4 Chuck, 50mm Jaw, Woodscrew and Chuck Key-Direct Thread 1-1/4″ x 8 TPI $179.99 Add to cart 71-105: Z3 Chuck, 50mm Jaw, Woodscrew and Chuck...
rikontools.com rikontools.com

P.S. I'm truly not trying to make a commercial here and have no ties to Rikon. I'm merely curious as many of us are trying to find the elusive sweet spot in terms of quality combined with pricing as it relates to woodturning tools/products.
 
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looks like other chucks—first I’ve seen of it. They claim over 20 different types of jaws though I can’t find those on website.
 
If they're compatible with Nova/Record Power/Sorby and priced at or below Nova, I'd be interested. I have a lot of Nova chucks and jaws, but Nova's quality is hit-or-miss (just had to run a tap through a couple brand new adapter inserts because the threads weren't cut deep enough!) and I'd rather deal with Rikon's customer support than Nova's.
 
I'm a Rikon fan. I did not know they sold chucks. I'm not in the market right now, but the next time I buy a chuck, I'll give one of those a try.
 
This is an older thread, but I am looking at getting one of these now. Any recommendations for which would be best for a Rikon 70-1420 lathe? Thanks!
 
It looks like your spindle on the 70-1420 is 1-1/4" x 8 TPI. From what I can tell if you want a direct thread you'd need to go with the Z4. If you'd like an insert type chuck you can go with either the Z3 or Z4 provided you buy the 1-1/4" x 8 TPI insert. The Z4 seems like the better choice imo as it's a bit larger and has a rear cover. I prefer direct thread chucks but that varies from turner to turner.
 
Rip Littig said:
It looks like your spindle on the 70-1420 is 1-1/4" x 8 TPI. From what I can tell if you want a direct thread you'd need to go with the Z4. If you'd like an insert type chuck you can go with either the Z3 or Z4 provided you buy the 1-1/4" x 8 TPI insert. The Z4 seems like the better choice imo as it's a bit larger and has a rear cover. I prefer direct thread chucks but that varies from turner to turner.
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Thanks Rip. That was what I was thinking too.
 
Rikon USA told me in an email that these chucks will work with Nova jaws and are compatible with many different brands. I haven't checked this out for myself yet, but I may do so.
 
I got one at Woodcraft and so far it has been great. It accepts all my Nova and Record Power jaws. I recently saw it on sale at Acme for about $90 and regret I did not order it.
 
Alan Weinberg said:
looks like other chucks—first I’ve seen of it. They claim over 20 different types of jaws though I can’t find those on website.
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I bought one from woodcraft recently. Unfortunately they sold me the wrong size insert so I have been unable to use it. They are also 1.5 hours away and the shipping is ridiculous for such a small piece. I have extension beds on order so when I go to pick them up I will get the right size.
It does appear to fit on my 10 inch atlas lathe without an insert but that is in the process of being restored and is mostly apart. Woodcraft customer service is a bit lacking.
 
Ray Wall said:
I got the insert Chuck because I have a Rikon lathe and an old atlas that I’m restoring. But the insert they sold me doesn’t work for either one! I bought the Z3. Does nova sell an insert style chuck?
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Nova sells the g3 and the supernova 2, as insert chucks.
 
Ray Wall said:
I got the insert Chuck because I have a Rikon lathe and an old atlas that I’m restoring. But the insert they sold me doesn’t work for either one! I bought the Z3. Does nova sell an insert style chuck?
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I would not change inserts to swap between lathes. I would grab a high quality adapter to use it on the second lathe. I prefer not to change inserts on the chuck unless I'm changing to a new permanent lathe.
 
Russell Nugent said:
I would not change inserts to swap between lathes. I would grab a high quality adapter to use it on the second lathe. I prefer not to change inserts on the chuck unless I'm changing to a new permanent lathe.
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Although I do agree with this in principle, the adapter is mostly equivalent to the insert regarding variances introduced. I personally attempt to have as few intermediaries as possible. It's my main reason for preferring direct thread chucks.
 
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