Big Chuck

Rob-Portrait351Holy cow, I finally did it. After a few years of making do with some pretty archaic workarounds, I finally closed my eyes, held my breath and made the big purchase. What I am talking about? I bought a Oneway Stronghold four-jaw chuck for my lathe. And not only that, but I got the extra #3 jaws as well.

It was far more money than I wanted to spend, and to be truthful, I could have purchased a less expensive version and likely have been well satisfied – but let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier with the purchase.  (I have my late father’s voice echoing in my head: “Buy the best you can afford and you’ll only cry once!”) Well, I have to tell you, I am not crying at all. This tool works like a Swiss watch, and frankly, it is just cool to look at.

Now I know that this sort of indulgence is not for everyone; my heritage is Scottish, after all. But if you are looking for permission from someone to go out and get that new woodworking widget – consider this it!

I don’t know about you, but I am planning to spend even more time in my shop this summer and I think the new chuck will be ready for a rest by the time the snow flies. But too bad! That is just the time for holiday gifts.

More turned bowls … my family just can’t wait!

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal

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