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Wobble issue after changing insert on Supernova2

J

John Strand

Joined
Dec 12, 2023
Messages
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Location
Derby, CT
Hi all,

I could use some advice.

I recently bought a Nova Neptune Max, which I'm quite happy about. However, my last lathe was 1"x8TPI, whereas the Neptune is 1-1/4"x8TPI. So, I had to get an ILNS insert for my Supernova2 chuck (chuck purchased last year, insert 2-3 months ago, both from Amazon).

Here is my problem: After installing the insert into the chuck, and attaching to the Neptune, there is a very noticeable wobble. It's easily seen, even without a piece attached. The insert attaches easily to the spindle, seats firmly. I tightened both the set screws (the one securing onto the spindle, and the one securing the insert in the chuck). I've tried multiple sets of jaws.

Is there anything I can do about this, or do I need to replace the insert?

Alternatively, I might decide to just get a new chuck all together. What are your favorites? This Supernova2 was the first "name brand" chuck I splurged on, so I don't know much about which ones are the best values. If it makes a difference, I turn bowls, pretty much exclusively, and mostly large(ish) sizes - 9" to 15".

Thanks everyone.
 
John Strand said:
Actually, the insert is Nova also. Or at least it came in a Nova box.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately that isn't a guarantee with product counterfeiting these days, especially with simple and easily replicated packaging like the Nova inserts. But either way, you got a dud.

I'd first try to return it via Amazon if that window is still open, and failing that reach out to Teknatool and get it replaced under warranty. FWIW, I have that exact same chuck setup and it runs true. Likewise, there are a lot of those chucks and inserts out there running just fine. Especially for a chuck that's run true previously, there's an obvious culprit with the insert.
 
Likely you do have the actual Nova insert. The Wood River insert that was a problem is past history. I looked up the inset on Amazon (only found one that thread) and if you read the 1 star reviews they all complain about run-out and wobble. Your best bet would to be return. You can remove it from the chuck to see if there are any burs not letting it seat right. You could install the inset only on the lathe to see if is the cause for the wobble. Obviously from the Amazon reviews Technatool does make some bad adapters.
 
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I had a Nova insert that did the same thing - pretty sure it was a Nova insert (was quite a few yrs ago). I used it that way for a few yrs, then got another Nova insert, and it was fine, correcting the wobble.

Does it wobble without the set screws tightened? The set screws can induce some wobble.

For larger bowls my favorite chuck is a Oneway Stronghold with their profiled tower jaws, #2 & #3. I also have a set of #5 aluminum profile jaws for bigger bowls and bigger coring.
 
I've had a couple that needed some cleaning up. Might check if your's does.

Check all the threads for any burrs or debris and file if needed.
Check where the insert seats against the chuck for the same.
Also check for any burrs or scratches on the back of the insert where it contacts the flat on the lathe spindle.
Check the lathe spindle for any oddities in threads or seating surfaces, lathe off and turning slowly. Double checking with a dial indicator might be useful.

Be sure the insert is well seated with a wrench. (Edit: Or what I do, my unpatented "wrist flick" method. I have NEVER had a chuck loosen with use.)

If you have another Nova chuck, try swapping the inserts to narrow down if the problem is in the chuck or in the insert.
If you don't have another chuck for the swap test, perhaps someone in has one. I'd bring one over but I think it would be a long drive...

Perhaps mount the insert itself (no chuck) on the lathe spindle threads and look for anything odd.

If no joy, returning the insert for another another would be my next step.
Or call the US Nova distributor in Florida for help. They seem quite responsive.

JKJ
 
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Tom Drees said:
Had the exact thing happen on my new Laguna. Turned out to be the vinyl washer between the machine and insert. Replaced that and all was perfect with a dial indicator
Click to expand...

Yikes! A long time ago using a plastic washer was widely recommended. Some people bought washers, some cut washers from a plastic milk carton. Then some people reporting having problems and quit using them.

I don't know anyone using washers now, just steel against steel. If the point of the washer is to keep the chuck from getting stuck, removing with a wrench always works. (I use the wrenches Teknatool sold that fit all the chuck inserts.)

JKJ
 
When the Nova Chuck and Wood River adaptor problem became well known, Nova stamped their adaptors with the letter L.
It probably only slowed down the copying. Guess it was 8-10 years ago.
IMG_1187.jpg
 
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Got in touch with Teknatool. They asked for photos, which I sent. Then they asked me to measure the chuck with a micrometer. I was like, "I turn wood as a hobby. I don't have professional machine shop measuring tools." Now they want me to send the insert to them. Considering the price of the insert and the cost of shipping, it hardly seems worth it.

So, I think I'm just going to buy a new chuck, without an insert. Now just trying to decide which one. Does anyone know if the Jaws from the Nova are compatible with other brands? I've never compared them.
 
John Strand said:
Got in touch with Teknatool. They asked for photos, which I sent. Then they asked me to measure the chuck with a micrometer. I was like, "I turn wood as a hobby. I don't have professional machine shop measuring tools." Now they want me to send the insert to them. Considering the price of the insert and the cost of shipping, it hardly seems worth it.

So, I think I'm just going to buy a new chuck, without an insert. Now just trying to decide which one. Does anyone know if the Jaws from the Nova are compatible with other brands? I've never compared them.
Click to expand...
I have Nova, Record Power sc4, Rikon r3, Robert Sorby Patriot chucks and the jaws interchange on all of them.
 
John Strand said:
Got in touch with Teknatool. They asked for photos, which I sent. Then they asked me to measure the chuck with a micrometer. I was like, "I turn wood as a hobby. I don't have professional machine shop measuring tools." Now they want me to send the insert to them. Considering the price of the insert and the cost of shipping, it hardly seems worth it.

So, I think I'm just going to buy a new chuck, without an insert. Now just trying to decide which one. Does anyone know if the Jaws from the Nova are compatible with other brands? I've never compared them.
Click to expand...

I just bought two new SN2 Nova chucks and new inserts. These were shipped directly from Nova. I already had a spare older Nova insert.

Put one new insert in one chuck and it ran true within .0005", fine with me for woodturning use.

Put the other new insert in other chuck and had a visible wobble and with the dial indicator showed it to be close to .01" off. Note that the wobble was not just radial run out but even the back side of the chuck, the surface closest to the headstock, had a visible wobble. I could see it and feel it. At certain speeds, of course, there was a significant resonant vibration that shook the PM3520b and the attached lights and dust collector pickup.

I cleaned off some rough spots, checked the threads, cleaned the contact surfaces down in the chuck, and lapped the top and bottom of the insert with 800 grit paper on the surface plate and checked for burrs and scratches. I made sure there was no dirt or debris in the chucks or on the sssinserts and threads. Nothing helped that insert.

I spent an hour testing all combinations of the two chucks and the three inserts and comparing with other chucks from my drawer. (Checking each with the dial indicator.) All combinations of the two chucks and the two "good" inserts ran true within 1/2 of a thousandth of an inch. Both new chucks were unacceptable with the "bad" insert. Bottom line, the ichucks are fine but that one insert is bad, apparently machined incorrectly. I'm going to make careful mearurements using a dial test indicator on my milling machine, then call them with the data and send the bad insert back for a replacement.

If you have another chuck with an insert (or a friend with one) maybe try swapping the inserts and see if the wobble goes away.

PS: I should add that in the two dozen or so Nova chucks I've bought with inserts (G3, SN, SN2, most 1.25x8, some 1" for mini lathe), the insert described above was the only one with a problem.

JKJ
 
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I was starting to get a little wobble. I removed the plastic washer that goes behind the Chuck. Wobble went away. Everything runs true now. Not sure if you use a plastic washer but if you do you might try that.
 
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