What are the most used jaws for a 120 chuck?
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vicmarc jaws
- Thread starter Ed Jarvis
- Start date
Surely that would depend on what you are intending to make
The Shark jaws. They do almost everything for me.
I dont have Vicmarc , but I agree with the two comments here. I have several SN2 Nova chucks and three of them have the equivalent of the Vicmarc shark jaws. Why three I often have several on the go at once and the shark jaws will do most everything for me as Gabriel mentioned, of course what you are turning will influence chuck jaws choice. But the shark type is very near to a universal jaw bowls or hollow vessels and if you have only one chuck its probably the best option to start with.
what are the shark equivalent jaws for nova. Cant seem to find any
There aren’t any. I did find these and am considering trying them out. Need to either buy their screws or a 10.5mm drill for the screw holes.
Thanks for the link! I ordered a set. Won't get here till the 17th or 18th though. Will post how they are when I get them.
I use these
NOVA CHUCK ACCESSORY POWERGRIP JAW SET (SKU PJSN) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
Accessory for NOVA chucks, designed to expand your range and capacity of your standard NOVA chuck for specific projects and applications. Universally fits to any NOVA Chuck* for maximum flexibility, saving money as duplicate accessories are not needed for different NOVA Chucks. It's the most...
www.teknatool.com
Just curious what you all are trying to hold that a normal tenon won’t work?
Nothing. I prefer, and use, the jaws below, #2 Stronghold Tower jaws. Provide more room around the bottom, capable for bowls or long spigots for vases, hf’s, etc. I happened to see the jaws linked to above and posted for the OP. They are bery similar to Vicmarc shark jaws and fit Nova chucks.
Doug none of my Oneway jaws fit any of my Nova chucks. Although I have some of these types of jaws for different brands of chucks I never use them. A dovetail tenon has worked for me for 25 years.
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I believe what he means is that (his pictured Stronghold #2 Tower) is a version of jaws that fit Nova chucks, since Charlie Hampton was asking about equivalent of Shark Jaws to fit Nova (which there aren't any Shark Jaws for Nova)
(and BTW Thanks, Doug. I've added a set of those to my want-list) I also use tenons for the vast majority , but some projects which I want to put on the lathe are not always conducive to cutting a tenon or recess , and those rare times I wasted hours of various attempts to jury-rig a holding method for my project could have been saved by having a Oneway chuck with shark jaws....
No I do not mean the stronghold jaws fit Nova chucks. I said I prefer and use those jaws (which have a 1/4” deep dovetail at the top).
The jaws I linked to are similar to Vicmarc shark jaws and do fit Nova chucks. Those shark jaws allow some of the same benefits as the Oneway tower jaws - taller for better bottom access, with a dovetail at the top. They do not have Oneway’s profiled patented design, which IMO beats all other designs, allowing excellent retention at any opening size.
The jaws I linked to are similar to Vicmarc shark jaws and do fit Nova chucks. Those shark jaws allow some of the same benefits as the Oneway tower jaws - taller for better bottom access, with a dovetail at the top. They do not have Oneway’s profiled patented design, which IMO beats all other designs, allowing excellent retention at any opening size.
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I use the standard jaws that come with my chuck. If I am turning spindles, I will turn an appropriate tenon on each end. I did try some stepped jaws, and they just don't do much for me, other than gather dust. Those tower type jaws, if I was to use them would be more for turning spindles. I do start my spindles between centers first, then turn the tenons.
robo hippy
robo hippy
I have a 50mm and 100mm set that I got for free when I bought a couple of Record Power chucks. I tried the 50mm today for turning a tree. I was impressed. I had 2” round by 14” long piece and when it got too small I had to take the tail stock away. It was very solid without the tail stock.
It's interesting that vicmarc sells the shark jaws is 48, 55, 74, and 88 mm. ( For the vm100 ). But they just sell a 50 and a 100 for the dovetails. This implies some nuance is choosing the right size. Or maybe not.
Hmm, I'm not 100% sure that is right, although maybe in your part of the world they don't stock or sell it.
They have a 144mm external, 128mm internal., set of dovetail jaws for the VM100 chucks. This is a very handy size for wide bases on platters, and the like.
Part number V00643
Dovetail Jaws VM90/100 | Vicmarc
Dovetail Jaws have been designed to mount bowls by expanding into a recess or clamping onto a spigot. The sizes indicated on the drawing are when the jaws form a perfect circle. VM90 and VM100 chucks provide approx. 38mm of expansion beyond these specified sizes. All Dovetail Jaws have an...
www.vicmarc.com
Edit: they also have the 70mm two stepped dovetail jaws, which I have and use a real lot. Part number V00644.
Right, good point I was simply going with what Packard woodwork sells. There may be all manner of vm items made that pw doesn't sell.
I use the following 'shark-like' jaws on various sizes of Nova chucks:
NOVA 75mm (3") LONG NOSED JAW SET (SKU 6017) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
The NOVA 6017 75mm (3") Long Nosed Chuck Accessory Jaw Set features a 2" rise above their base which means a very long reach, deep inside bowls. This is a very versatile jaw with tremendous holding power externally and internally. An ideal set for green wood turning. The internal features...
www.teknatool.com
These 3", (mine are actually 85mm OD), but I'm not sure they sell my size anymore...
NOVA 75mm (3") BOWL JAW SET (SKU 6014) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
• Special NOVA dovetail profile, designed to maximum strength and holding in wood turning, without crushing wood fibres. • All NOVA Chuck accessory jaws are designed to hold in the expansion and contraction modes • Same jaw fixing system across all standard NOVA chuck models (except Quick...
www.teknatool.com
Powergrip Jaws...
NOVA CHUCK ACCESSORY POWERGRIP JAW SET (SKU PJSN) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
Accessory for NOVA chucks, designed to expand your range and capacity of your standard NOVA chuck for specific projects and applications. Universally fits to any NOVA Chuck* for maximum flexibility, saving money as duplicate accessories are not needed for different NOVA Chucks. It's the most...
www.teknatool.com
And, for the Nova 5" chuck with the three screw fixing (now called Titan III)...
NOVA 13060 Titan III Chuck with 5" Power Grip Jaws (for 1-1/4" x 8tpi spindles ONLY)
NOVA 13060 Titan III Chuck is The largest most powerful chuck in the NOVA range. fits larger lathes (16" to 24" swing), and has BIG holding power.
woodworkerspecialties.com
There are also these, which I don't have, but I can't see the advantage of having teeth on the outside for what I do...
NOVA 112MM (4.4") GREENWOOD JAW SET (6089) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
NOVA 6089 112mm (4.4") Greenwood Jaws are the perfect jaw set for turning large Green or Wet wood projects like bowls or vases. These jaws have an advanced electroplated coating to minimize rusting common when turning greenwood due to the high moisture environment created. The thicker profile...
www.teknatool.com
I have most of these except the 75mm bowl set, have also a similar greenwood set buts a very early version with a slightly different jaw configuration. Thought about getting more jaws, but on tallying up what I have thought better against itI use the following 'shark-like' jaws on various sizes of Nova chucks:
NOVA 75mm (3") LONG NOSED JAW SET (SKU 6017) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
The NOVA 6017 75mm (3") Long Nosed Chuck Accessory Jaw Set features a 2" rise above their base which means a very long reach, deep inside bowls. This is a very versatile jaw with tremendous holding power externally and internally. An ideal set for green wood turning. The internal features...
These 3", (mine are actually 85mm OD), but I'm not sure they sell my size anymore...
NOVA 75mm (3") BOWL JAW SET (SKU 6014) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
• Special NOVA dovetail profile, designed to maximum strength and holding in wood turning, without crushing wood fibres. • All NOVA Chuck accessory jaws are designed to hold in the expansion and contraction modes • Same jaw fixing system across all standard NOVA chuck models (except Quick...
Powergrip Jaws...
NOVA CHUCK ACCESSORY POWERGRIP JAW SET (SKU PJSN) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
Accessory for NOVA chucks, designed to expand your range and capacity of your standard NOVA chuck for specific projects and applications. Universally fits to any NOVA Chuck* for maximum flexibility, saving money as duplicate accessories are not needed for different NOVA Chucks. It's the most...
And, for the Nova 5" chuck with the three screw fixing (now called Titan III)...
NOVA 13060 Titan III Chuck with 5" Power Grip Jaws (for 1-1/4" x 8tpi spindles ONLY)
NOVA 13060 Titan III Chuck is The largest most powerful chuck in the NOVA range. fits larger lathes (16" to 24" swing), and has BIG holding power.woodworkerspecialties.com
There are also these, which I don't have, but I can't see the advantage of having teeth on the outside for what I do...
NOVA 112MM (4.4") GREENWOOD JAW SET (6089) - NOVA, a Teknatool Brand
NOVA 6089 112mm (4.4") Greenwood Jaws are the perfect jaw set for turning large Green or Wet wood projects like bowls or vases. These jaws have an advanced electroplated coating to minimize rusting common when turning greenwood due to the high moisture environment created. The thicker profile...
I keep the Nova 75mm long nosed jaws on one SN2 chuck, use it quite a bit.
I use the 5" dovetail jaws most often. I am thinking about getting some shark jaws though.
Just watched Raffan's video on his chucks. He stated that is he had only one jaw set it would be his 48 mm shark jaws.
Gregory
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Mick do you find the dept of the widest section to be deep enough?Hmm, I'm not 100% sure that is right, although maybe in your part of the world they don't stock or sell it.
They have a 144mm external, 128mm internal., set of dovetail jaws for the VM100 chucks. This is a very handy size for wide bases on platters, and the like.
Part number V00643
Dovetail Jaws VM90/100 | Vicmarc
Dovetail Jaws have been designed to mount bowls by expanding into a recess or clamping onto a spigot. The sizes indicated on the drawing are when the jaws form a perfect circle. VM90 and VM100 chucks provide approx. 38mm of expansion beyond these specified sizes. All Dovetail Jaws have an...
Edit: they also have the 70mm two stepped dovetail jaws, which I have and use a real lot. Part number V00644.
Been looking at getting that set as i feel that the vm100 is plenty big enough for that size. The option wud be the vm120 with the 85mm DT jaws but id rater save the bigger chuck gor the big work and bigger jawsets
For vases or spindle work, I use either Teknatool's 'power grip' or their 'spigot' jaws. I prefer them for spindle work as they don't rely on a dovetail, but rather, more surface to surface area contact. Individual results may vary and bravo to whatever works for you.
My most used jaws regardless of the brand of chuck are the 2" jaws. If I'm coring big stuff nothing like the Nova Titan with the new 6.5" jaws. I have a great assortment of jaws (have 90% of Nova jaws) and what I don't have of the Novas I have covered by the other brand of chucks and their jaws. I just have never used the shark type jaws, I have them but never use them.
Just to bad Nova dont have proper dovetail jaws instead of the hybrid between serrated, dovetail and straught jaws in the 50mm and 70mm size.
They also have a 35 mm in that style. It probably comes down to personal preferences but I prefer the straight jaws with beak to dovetails in the smaller sizes. Have never had a bowl come off but have had the whole tenon break off, but I don’t think a dovetail would have prevented that.
André, are you talking about the smaller two step jaw set?
If you are, then having just measured the depth of the dovetails, I can tell you that the outer dovetail is 7mm deep, while the inner dovetail is 5mm deep.
Almost everyone I know that has this two step jaw set, doesn't really use them, whereas I use mine a real lot.
André, unfortunately I lost internet connection as I was attempting to upload a picture, so here it is.
Left to right VM120 with Vicmarc's biggest faceplate ring, VM100 with the larger of the two faceplate rings for the VM100 chucks. VM100 with the faceplate ring designed for the standard VM120 jaw set, but this also fits onto the two step jaw set designed for the VM100, which is what is on that VM100, VM100 with standard size shark jaws and the smallest faceplate ring Vicmarc make.
Third from the left is the two step jaw set, 7mm depth for the outer set, 5mm depth for the inner set.
Left to right VM120 with Vicmarc's biggest faceplate ring, VM100 with the larger of the two faceplate rings for the VM100 chucks. VM100 with the faceplate ring designed for the standard VM120 jaw set, but this also fits onto the two step jaw set designed for the VM100, which is what is on that VM100, VM100 with standard size shark jaws and the smallest faceplate ring Vicmarc make.
Third from the left is the two step jaw set, 7mm depth for the outer set, 5mm depth for the inner set.
Thanks Mick!
Yes that was the set I was thinking about and you really answered my question!
There are often other makes of Accessory jaws that fit Nova chucks, like these for example.
In 2007 or 2008 I did a week with Richard Raffan at Craft Supplies. We were using Vicmarc dovetail jaws and he showed that you only needed a very small dovetail and he used somewhere in the neighborhood of a 1/16" to hold. I did it there and when I got home my Nova 2" jaws have what Nova calls a birds beak. Well that birds beak is a little dovetail and that most of my 2" jaws are Novas I started just using 1/16" to 1/8" dovetails and I have never lost a piece using them. I have used full dovetail jaws and made bigger dovetails but I have cleaved off the bottom entirely once or twice. Now I don't believe the dovetail or the jaws are to blame probably the wood. The only place that I find myself not believing in that short dovetail is coring. When I core I'm using a 3/8" dovetail as coring puts more pressure on the wood than I ever do with a gouge. I quantify that by stating that the McNaughton gave me more trouble than I could take with some real scary moments. That is why it was the first to go. The Woodcut worked without a problem but was just not versatile enough. Now the Oneway was easier than the McNaughton but still kept me on edge until I tried the new cutter by Mike Hunter the Korpro Cartridge. The Oneway coring system now works very nicely. Now Alan Weinberg if you read this you can see how I can go off topic in the same thread 
Tower/shark jaws are particularly useful for cross-grain box work because they can reach mounting features deep within the inside of a lid.
Finding Vicmarc VL120 shark jaws right now is like finding hen's teeth. Probably thanks to the 2025 USA "tariff solution to fix our problems" 
, and Vicmarc has always waited until shipping containers were full before sending trans-Pacific loads, but tariffs have just added to the challenge. I could order them straight from Vicmarc, but the in-cart price, after shipping and tariff tax, about doubled the price. I've had the 45'ish mm set forever, but I'd like to add a couple larger sizes.
Edit- Branches To Bowls in Canada stocks them. Through their website I've just asked for a quote for Vicmarc Shark Jaws. https://branchestobowls.com/
, and Vicmarc has always waited until shipping containers were full before sending trans-Pacific loads, but tariffs have just added to the challenge. I could order them straight from Vicmarc, but the in-cart price, after shipping and tariff tax, about doubled the price. I've had the 45'ish mm set forever, but I'd like to add a couple larger sizes.Edit- Branches To Bowls in Canada stocks them. Through their website I've just asked for a quote for Vicmarc Shark Jaws. https://branchestobowls.com/
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In 2007 or 2008 I did a week with Richard Raffan ... he showed that you only needed a very small dovetail and he used somewhere in the neighborhood of a 1/16" to hold. ... Now Alan Weinberg if you read this you can see how I can go off topic in the same thread
In re-reading the forum rules I saw they frown on vitriol, politics, commercial advertising, and a few other things but I didn't see "staying on topic" in the list.
Years ago I quit shaping dovetails in the wood, both inside and out. With almost all species except extremely hard woods a cylindrical tenon or recess is enough. Dovetails, larger or beaky, compress the wood enough to hold well. A well made seating surface is essential, as I think more important, proper tightening. I've never launched a piece held with no shaped dovetail. I make recesses 1/8" to 1/4" as appropriate and tenons a bit deeper if needed. Just my opinion.
I think careful attention to the grain orientation and the wood integrity is paramount. Since I starting woodturning nearly 25 years ago I never once lanuched a spinning mass, even 20" pieces with just a 1/8" recess. I've seen others launch even small bowls across the room or break tenons with force and catches instead of finesse.
On the subject of tep jaws I'm not a fan. But I might be spoiled with a variety of jaw sizes, each dedicated to a separate chuck.
So I was shopping on the Vicmarc website and the prices were preceded by the "$" symbol. Australian currency is also a dollar. I sent an email asking about what the "$" meant and received the response below.Finding Vicmarc VL120 shark jaws right now is like finding hen's teeth. Probably thanks to the 2025 USA "tariff solution to fix our problems"
"Hi Jim,
If you set the currency on the top right corner to USD ($) then this will show you in your currency.
Many thanks,
Marco Verrecchia"
Sure enough, after I scrolled all the way to the right edge of the home page, there was the drop down to set the currency. This dramatically changed the displayed price. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 1.51 AUD.
Marco Verrecchia"
Sure enough, after I scrolled all the way to the right edge of the home page, there was the drop down to set the currency. This dramatically changed the displayed price. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 1.51 AUD.
I just checked the US dollar to Canada. $1.00 Canadian = $0.72 USA right now.
Add shipping and tariff fees...
Add shipping and tariff fees...
Interesting. Moving the mouse didn't help on this laptop. Scrolling or decreasing the zoom level in Firefox did - it's off the page at 100%.
Odd design for a website that sells things. At least the setting seems to be "sticky" with cookies.
JKJ