TIP: Sharing spindle accessories between large and small lathes

[Karl_TN]

Many larger lathes have 1-1/4" x 8 TPI spindles, but smaller (i.e. Jet Mini) lathes have 1" x 8 TPI spindles. If you use both size lathes then you might want to consider this spindle adapter which lets you mount larger spindle accessories to on the smaller lathes.

Problem is there are many companies making spindle adapters, but for some odd reason not many make an adapter going 1" x 8 female to 1-1/4" x 8 male. Like this one from Turners Select:



As far as I know, Crafts Supply is the only place carrying this Turners Select adapter (Turners Select Spindle Adapter 1"-8 TPI to 1-1/4"-8 TPI), but it's currently out of stock until Oct. 31. These seem to go out of stock quickly so don't hesitate long before buying one when they're back in stock.


Added Bonus: This adapter allows the PSI Live Tailstock Chuck Adapter (only comes in 1"x8TPI size) to be used with the larger 1-1/4" x 8 size chucks.

This adapter is great for reverse mounting a bowl on a vacuum chuck setup like this:

 

[woodtickgreg]

I'm guessing not many companies manufacture the 1 to 1 1/4 adapter because that would not leave much material for strength. Still handy though as long as you dont get to agressive.

 

[gman2431]

I'm guessing not many companies manufacture the 1 to 1 1/4 adapter because that would not leave much material for strength. Still handy though as long as you dont get to agressive.

Plus big chucks are just that... big and heavy. They also take a serious amount of torque on them when turning big pieces big lathes are capable of. I can see why a manufacturer would be scared (liability) of offering a device to make things for a mini/midi compatible with big lathes with big motors.

 

[Smitty]

Two different spindle sizes helps me justify my chuck purchases. I have 2 chucks (4 total) for each size lathe spindle. No extra adapter needed. Plus, I don't like changing out jaws. They are all G3's with insert.

 

[Karl_TN]

I'm guessing not many companies manufacture the 1 to 1 1/4 adapter because that would not leave much material for strength. Still handy though as long as you dont get to aggressive.

I've mostly used this adapter when demonstrating at recent fairs. This way I don't need to buy the adapters tied to specific chuck manufacturer. The Turners Select adapter works great for this purpose and seems plenty strong enough to be used in the cases mentioned (mounting spindle accessories on smaller lathes or reverse mounting). If anything I'd be more concerned with having one more piece to accidentally spin off if lathe gets put in reverse. Someone with a reversible lathe might want to drill & tap spindle attachments like this one for a set screw when needed for safety.

@gman2431 Many chucks manufactures also sell different adapters in order to mount their chucks on different spindle sizes both small & large. Sure a lighter chuck will spin up faster, but my Jet mini (non vs) doesn't have any problems spinning up my Vicmarc VM120 chuck. I'd be more worried about spinning up a large chunk of unbalanced wood on a small lathe.

@Smitty, I have two 1 1/4 chucks, but many people in this hobby can't afford more than one chuck. Anyway, the adapter was a no brainer purchase and was much easier to get the wife's approval.

Still these are all good ideas to keep in mind.

Thanks for the feedback,
Karl

 

[gman2431]

I've mostly used this adapter when demonstrating at recent fairs. This way I don't need to buy the adapters tied to specific chuck manufacturer. The Turners Select adapter works great for this purpose and seems plenty strong enough to be used in the cases mentioned (mounting spindle accessories on smaller lathes or reverse mounting). If anything I'd be more concerned with having one more piece to accidentally spin off if lathe gets put in reverse. Someone with a reversible lathe might want to drill & tap spindle attachments like this one for a set screw when needed for safety.

@gman2431 Many chucks manufactures also sell different adapters in order to mount their chucks on different spindle sizes both small & large. Sure a lighter chuck will spin up faster, but my Jet mini (non vs) doesn't have any problems spinning up my Vicmarc VM120 chuck. I'd be more worried about spinning up a large chunk of unbalanced wood on a small lathe.

@Smitty, I have two 1 1/4 chucks, but many people in this hobby can't afford more than one chuck. Anyway, the adapter was a no brainer purchase and was much easier to get the wife's approval.

Still these are all good ideas to keep in mind.

Thanks for the feedback,
Karl

I was speaking of being worried about spinning a big chunk of wood with an inadequate chuck on a big lathe.

People get the tendency to think that if it fits it works and that leads to trouble.

 

[Karl_TN]

I was speaking of being worried about spinning a big chunk of wood with an inadequate chuck on a big lathe.

People get the tendency to think that if it fits it works and that leads to trouble.

Very true about people's tendency, but you can't stop people from doing stupid things. Anyway, this adapter isn't mean to install a light duty chuck on a bigger lathe, but the other way around. Lets me use a heavy duty accessory on my smaller lathe.

 

[rocky1]

And @Nubsnstubs is working up a nose ring to fit that tailstock adapter to boot.

 

[Nubsnstubs]

I'm guessing not many companies manufacture the 1 to 1 1/4 adapter because that would not leave much material for strength. Still handy though as long as you dont get to agressive.

It's not any worse than the 1 1/4" female to 1 1/2" male adapter. I have 2 SN2 chucks that are threaded 1 1/2", and require an adapter to fit any lathe with a smaller spindle. Up until 2 months ago, I resigned myself to live with the 1 1/2" threaded chucks until Nova made their 30th anniversary edition SN2 with direct thread at 1 1/4" 8 tpi. Problem there is there are no wrench flats. I jumped and bought 2 of them. .................. Jerry (in Tucson)

 

[Smitty]

Jerry, have you had the opportunity to compare the direct threaded 1 1/4 x 8 Supernova Anniversary Edition to the insert type 1 1/4 x 8 Supernova? If so, any difference?

 

[Nubsnstubs]

Jerry, have you had the opportunity to compare the direct threaded 1 1/4 x 8 Supernova Anniversary Edition to the insert type 1 1/4 x 8 Supernova? If so, any difference?

Yes, I have used it. I like the fact that the set screw for locking the chuck onto the spindle has enough depth without being concerned I might strip it as apposed to the insert type set screw. Also, there are two screws for the insert type chucks, one for locking the insert into the chuck, and one for locking the chuck onto the spindle. I haven't had a problem with the insert screw yet, but you never know. Without the insert, I don't ever have to be concerned.

Something to consider, I have two SN2's with inserts. One has 100 mm jaws. The second is 75 mm with insert. Both inserts were installed 2 and 3 years ago. The set screws tightened then and will will never be removed from the chuck unless the insert breaks. The new chuck with direct thread with 50 mm jaws gets used all the time. The other new chuck with the 130mm jaws hasn't been used yet. I've got the larger wood, but I'm on a smaller turning kick right now, and a metal turning thing at the moment.

My opinion is whenever you can get direct threaded tools for your lathe, do so.

I don't know why Teknatool makes 1 1/2" threads anyway as the only wood lathe I've seen with 1 1/2" is an old PM90, and maybe the PM45. All the newer large lathes have the spindle threads at 1 1/4". .................. Jerry (in Tucson)

 

[Smitty]

Jerry, thank's for the response. Do you notice any difference in performance with the direct threaded vs. the insert type?

 

[Nubsnstubs]

Jerry, thank's for the response. Do you notice any difference in performance with the direct threaded vs. the insert type?

Not really, but I did forget to tighten it and went ahead and cinched the set screw. Later I heard a strange noise, and realized what I hadn't done.
SN2 Chucks are good chucks. You lock them onto the spindle, and then lock your turning into the chuck, and turn. If you have a good lathe, I really don't think anyone could notice a difference in the chucks.
For me, someone posted a link on another site that a business called Tyler Tool had the SN2 chuck package on sale for $159 delivered to my house. The package included a 50, 75, and 130 mm jaws, a worm screw, a Allen T Wrench, and set screw with another Allen. The chuck body was etched with Teknatool's 30th Anniversary logo. I didn't realize it was direct thread until I received it. Within 30 minutes after I had it, I ordered the 3rd to last one they had. I let a club member know about the deal, and he ordered the last one Tyler Tool had in stock.
I do a lot of reverse hogging, and I really like the idea of having to tighten only one screw to insure the chuck won't come off the spindle. That might be the only difference that I can see in the two different chucks........... Jerry (in Tucson)