4 Jaw Chuck question

[ChrisN]

Quick question: which 4 jaw chuck is better? I would be mainly using it to drill pen blanks at first.

The Barracuda3 Micro Lathe Chuck System:
Barracuda3 Micro Lathe Chuck System: Lever Operated at Penn State Industries

or the Utility Grip 4 Jaw Chrome Lathe Chuck System:
Utility Grip 4 Jaw Chrome Lathe Chuck System: includes 2 jaws and FREE 8" Jumbo Flat Jaw at Penn State Industries

 

[longbeard]

I know a few here have and like the barrcuda chucks, i do not have one. But if you can afford to get the one with the keyed wrench for one handed operation, it will save you a little frustration later trying to hold a pen blank and use 2 tommy bars to tighten. Also with the barrcuda you have options on other jaws for other applications at fairly decent price i think. My. 02 cents

 

[Whaler]

I have owned both the PSI keyed and the tommy bar micro chucks and I would recommend that you get the keyed model. They are both very good chucks but the keyed one is so much easier to use.

 

[longbeard]

Also, check out woodturningz.com
they are a resaler for PSI but a little cheaper and 3or 4 day delivery.

 

[ChrisN]

I have owned both the PSI keyed and the tommy bar micro chucks and I would recommend that you get the keyed model. They are both very good chucks but the keyed one is so much easier to use.

Are you referring to this one: Barracuda2 Lathe Key Chuck System at Penn State Industries
The only concern I have is gripping small pen blanks.

Pin Jaw Grip: Internal: 1" to 2-1/4"
#1 Step jaw gripping: External: 3/32" to 1-3/8",Yes, Internal: 11/16" to 2-3/8",Yes
#2 Standard Jaw gripping: External: 1-1/2" to 2-5/8 " , Internal: 2" to 3-3/8",Yes
#3 Large Round Jaw Gripping: External: 3-1/16" to 4-3/8

The smallest size listed is 11/16. What about smaller blanks than that?

 

[JD Combs Sr]

Dedicated Pen Blank Drilling Chuck at Penn State Industries

I have owned both the PSI keyed and the tommy bar micro chucks and I would recommend that you get the keyed model. They are both very good chucks but the keyed one is so much easier to use.

Are you referring to this one: Barracuda2 Lathe Key Chuck System at Penn State Industries
The only concern I have is gripping small pen blanks.

Pin Jaw Grip: Internal: 1" to 2-1/4"
#1 Step jaw gripping: External: 3/32" to 1-3/8",Yes, Internal: 11/16" to 2-3/8",Yes
#2 Standard Jaw gripping: External: 1-1/2" to 2-5/8 " , Internal: 2" to 3-3/8",Yes
#3 Large Round Jaw Gripping: External: 3-1/16" to 4-3/8

The smallest size listed is 11/16. What about smaller blanks than that?

Not trying to speak for Whaler but yes that is a good choice but you would want to get this set of jaws to go with the chuck. They would fit any of the "C" series chucks. You could also go with a dedicated chuck for a lot less money.