Best power lathe accessories according to redditors

We found 140 Reddit comments discussing the best power lathe accessories. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Top Reddit comments about Power Lathe Accessories:

u/c51bot · 16 pointsr/turning

This happens to all lathes where the head stock rotates, including the 1624. It is really easy to fix, just loosen the headstock, realign the points and tighten it again. Nova even sells a tool to simplify the process if you want.

u/tigermaple · 11 pointsr/turning

No! no nonononono nooooo... hard pass!

This design (The "1440", it's 14" swing, not 24") has reared its ugly head under countless different paint schemes and brands over the years and I can't for the life of me figure out why. It is like the hydra of wood lathes, discontinued by one vendor only to have it pop up two new places.

It's so bad that even Harbor Freight discontinued their version of it, and still offers two other lathes that are much better buys for around the same money.

Why is it bad? (copy from a few previous comments):

>Notable quirks about this lathe: The spindle is not hollow, drive center doesn't have a Morse taper but rather unscrews from the solid spindle (need two wrenches like undoing a router collet). Also the spindle threads are 3/4" × 10TPI, so you'll need this adaptor to use any standard faceplates and chucks.

>The 1440 currently sold as Harbor Freight is actually one of the most poorly designed lathes ever built and it baffles me that it keeps coming back again and again in different paint/brands. It features a solid spindle with a nonstandard thread to keep you from using commonly available lathe accessories like Morse taper drive centers and jacobs chucks, a tool rest base prone to snapping, flimsy sheet metal square tube ways, and a low speed of 930 RPM- waaaay too fast to turn anything approaching 14" diameter, especially as a beginner.

https://www.reddit.com/r/turning/comments/4chpyk/help_with_identifying_lathe_please_and_thank_you/

eta: one more:https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/43b0nl/request_can_anyone_identify_this_lathe_looks_like/

u/Sniper1154 · 10 pointsr/woodworking

Don't buy crappy bits. I purchased this (what I thought at the time) beautiful Skil bit set and they were just all doo-doo. Nothing against Skil, but when you slap in a Freud or CMT you can really tell a difference. Also, the longevity of the more expensive bits more than pays for itself. I used the Skil bits once and they were noticeably dull. I've been using the same Freud chamfer bit for almost a year now and it still slices through all types of wood like gravy.

Also, the router is an awesome tool and even more versatile when you start incorporating jigs. A set of setup gauges is invaluable when setting the plunge depth.

I also thought this was a really cool video to get a set of shims (or whatever you want to call them) for perfectly setup dados and rabbets.

u/GamerByt3 · 5 pointsr/turning

Hey /u/whatsreal I agree with jclark, This is a metal lathe chuck. the name of the product is misleading. the jaws you see here are for biting down on metal. Here's a video on centering it.

Look at the jaws on This Nova Chuck. This is what a woodturning chuck's jaws should look like. Notice the broad surface area meant to grip wood. This difference is largely that if you try to grip wood with metal jaws the small surface area means the jaws dig deep into the wood, and wood is inconsistant in it's organic fibers and some will compress more than others throwing your piece off center. Metal is much more dense so it does not suffer this issue. The wide surface area of a wood jaw means that the pressure is spread over a greater area.

One of the great things about Nova chucks are that you can change jaws to many, many different styles. I'm not familiar with the grizzly chuck but you may be able to get wood jaws for it, though from the picture it does not look promising.

Personally I'd return the chuck and spend more on a Nova G3, which is what I have. The thing about buying a chuck is you only have to buy once and it'll last you a lifetime. If you plan on turning a lot using a chuck the hours of frustration and micro adjustments you'll have to make with a poor quality chuck really start to add up. After a while you'll go buy the more expensive chuck anyway.

Everything you do with a chuck can be done without one, albeit with a little more creativity and effort. A chuck should be something that makes things easier. Don't buy a cheap chuck for the sake of having a chuck. Think about what you're going to use it for and if it's really going to be a QOL change.

u/ninetynein · 4 pointsr/PenTurning

Pen turning is an excellent hobby! For making pens, some things you'll need might include:

  • pen blanks, a pen kit, and bushings for that specific kit

  • a way to drill the blank to glue in the inserts. If you don't have a drill press, then you can drill on your lathe with a chuck, a face plate, and a way to hold the blanks like some pen jaws. If you do have a drill press, then to ensure that you're drilling vertically, some people use a pen vice

  • Once the blank is drilled and the insert is glued in, you need to to trim it with a barrel trimmer

  • then you put it on your lathe by putting the bushings on either side of the blanks, and sliding the whole thing on a mandrel

  • Then you turn it, finish it, and assemble it. Some people use a pen press

    Note: Of course there are a million ways to do everything. I don't promote any of the links, they're just examples to show what the tools look like.
u/diecastbeatdown · 4 pointsr/woodworking

here is a set that i use, i also have a 1-2-3 block - http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-9810-Brass-Gauges-Piece/dp/B0012JGAC0

they are used for quick measurement. setting distance between blade and fence on many tools is a common use. it just simply gives you a known size to measure from.

u/Killdrith · 3 pointsr/woodworking

I use:
http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-CSC3000C-Barracuda-System/dp/B000KIACTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374242706&sr=8-1&keywords=barracuda+lathe+chuck

^ that system, and it's wonderful for being able to quickly change to many useful chuck grips.. and the grips are all wonderful.. but the bite is pretty bad.

I have some veneer around though, so I'll try that!

u/Polar_Ted · 3 pointsr/woodworking

You also need the Nova 1x8 threaded insert

You have stepped out on a slope. It is extremely slippery.

If you want to make pens I highly recommend a set of Nova Pen Plus Jaws

Do you plan to use a pen mandrel or turn between centers? I prefer centers myself.

Check out www.penturners.org for loads of info on pen turning.


u/Kurtdog24 · 3 pointsr/turning

Buy one of these PSI Woodworking LA341018 Headstock Spindle Adapter (3/4-Inch x 10tpi to 1-Inch x 8 tpi chuck) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KI8CBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YePZBbYTWPDDY. Then you are set up with the most common spindle/tpi size.

u/Zugzub · 3 pointsr/turning

Do a 3/4 10tpi to 1X8 tpi. then get a faceplate.

1X8 is common so it opens you up to other stuff.

PSI woodworking, it will cost you around $34

u/TeamBenny14 · 2 pointsr/turning

The step jaws are the smaller ones, and used to hold smaller pieces. I would recommend against that chuck, as that style is a pain to open or close the jaws and also hold your piece (it usually takes two hands, so you cant easily also hold the piece of wood). For an $40-$70 you can get a better chuck, with more jaws that uses a single chuck key to open/close the jaws. Hope this helps.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000KIACTG/ref=psdc_552514_t4_B01CS30G5K

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CT8N58V/ref=psdc_552514_t1_B01CS30G5K

u/campcoffee · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Funny enough, the first one I bought had broken plastic knobs. Luckily I opened it in the parking lot and exchanged it for a good one. I recommend a set of setup gauges for any dovetail jig. You should be able to get accurate joints using them.

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-9810-Brass-Gauges-Piece/dp/B0012JGAC0/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452478807&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=serup+gaugges

u/cowboy709 · 2 pointsr/turning

I have a similar lathe and have found some great attachments for it

If you don't have this I recommend it:

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-L5818-Headstock-Shopsmith/dp/B000KIEC88

u/briley13 · 2 pointsr/woodworking

This one!
I'll add it to the description, thanks for asking.
NOVA 48232 G3 Reversible Wood Turning Chuck https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074HJ1V6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BOUPAbR2NQMY5

u/Kwiatkowski · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Thanks! Yes I have the hand tool rest turned around backwards, I just put it there out of the way since I didn't need it, I have teh mounts on the part in question set up so that I can remove it without sliding it off so that I don't have to remove the end and wood rest every time I want to use it. It looks like I am missing the lower ring as seen here, currently I am using some nuts as spacers to get the tool to the proper height.

u/Bulldogg658 · 2 pointsr/woodworking

That would be a tool holder holding a cutting tool mounted on a cross slide vice like the other poster said, usually used for metal work. If you wanted to use wood tools by hand you would need a tool rest to mount in a holder. It looks like you may have the holder for that, on the bed, between the vice and tailstock, turned around backwards, its partially hidden by the wood so I can't tell.

u/darkfire1664 · 2 pointsr/turning

I bought this one and it works pretty well, especially for beginner stuff. I can answer questions about it too. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CS30G5K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

u/unitconversion · 2 pointsr/harborfreight

Are you talking about this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-bench-top-wood-lathe-65345.html ? It is variable speed, you just have to stop and change the belt to a different pulley. (though that's not electronic like you said)

The best thing about this lathe is that it's the same lathe a handful of manufacturers sell so you can get parts and accessories pretty easily. For instance I got a bed extension so I can turn table legs on it now.

u/dilespla · 2 pointsr/turning

Don't sweat it, I have the same lathe. It's not some one off oddball, so you can find anything you want for it, just like the Jet mini's and stuff.

I have this chuck, these pen jaws, and this pen mandrel. Oh, and this drill chuck.

The chuck comes with everything you need to get started with bowls and such. All the other stuff I use for pens.



u/AnUnknownSource · 2 pointsr/turning

That chuck is designed for a metal lathe... what you need is something along the lines of this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CS30G5K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483137526&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

Not sure if your chuck can be adapted to fit the 3/4" 16tpi threads on the HF 8x12.

u/loudnoises461 · 2 pointsr/shopsmith

Hey quick question is this the same as the eBay one?

PSI Woodworking L5818 Headstock Spindle Adapter (Shopsmith 5/8-Inch to 1-Inch 8tpi chuck) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KIEC88/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_DUzdAbPCXFYZ3

u/dstutz · 2 pointsr/woodworking

For mere mortals:

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-9800-Gauges/dp/B000EHPEFA - 2.5" long

or

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-9810-Gauges/dp/B0012JGAC0 - 4" long

Not nearly as as many sizes but still useful. I have the 4" and they definitely come in handy and the brass won't harm carbide cutting edges.

Edit: And these are useful for a lot more than just with router setups

u/AWandMaker · 2 pointsr/turning

These are great, depending on the size of the blank: center finder
Works on square or round stock. You draw a line from two angels and where they cross is center.

Edit: this for big round blanks, like logs and stuff.

Hope this helps :-)

u/FockerCRNA · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Center Finder

Drilling the holes straight is another thing, but there's a few tricks. Or get a laser to attach to your drill.



u/jasonduer · 2 pointsr/turning

another question i had if i go with the Harbor freight one would Nova 48232 G3 Reversible Chuck be a good choice for this?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074HJ1V6/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

u/vgSelph · 2 pointsr/turning

I don't have great information for you about your question, but I've got a 3.5 year old, and a 5 month old. I just got my lathe and can confirm that pens are -amazing- as a project that you can do relatively quickly and are fun to make. I've really gotten the bug. I'm also dipping my toes into small bowls, wands (Christmas presents for the niece and nephews), and chopsticks (for my wife's hair).

Generally the things you'd need would be:
Mandrel - I got this one because it had a mandrel saver. I kind of regret it a bit though as now I'm not sure how I'll turn some of the Berea kits that require a thicker mandrel. Anyone else figure out a way around this? Anyway, the one I linked also includes a 7mm bit and five 7 mm bushings.
Bushings - You need bushings sized appropriately for the kit you're making. If you make a bunch of the same style of pen kit, you'll only need one set. I picked out 2 styles of kits to get started and a few variations of pens within those styles.
Drill bits - I'm not experienced enough to know if it's worth buying them from the pen kit manufacturers or not. I did, but for my next order, I'm just going to use some that I have already.
Barrel trimmer - This is what you use to trim your pen blank down square to the brass barrel from your pen kit. You can buy them or make small jigs for something like a disc sander. The drill/chuck mount ones typically have a reamer as well that clears out any excess glue that got into your tubes.
Consumables - This is stuff like CA glue or epoxy to glue in your tubes, sand paper, more CA or some other kind of finish, and more. Lots of people seem to use lots of things.

There's stuff I left out because it seemed like you may already have some tools. A drill press or pen jaws + a jacob's chuck for your lathe is nice for drilling out your blanks, a table/band saw for making your own wood blanks if you so desire, and more. It can seem like a lot, and it kind of is, but there's a million ways to do everything if you've already got some tools.

Anyway, that's all I've got. I'm definitely still new to this myself. Maybe start with things like wands/chopsticks to see how much you enjoy things before you buy stuff for pens. Seriously though, pens are super fun. I love them... too much.

u/Matt2979 · 2 pointsr/turning

Another vote for the G3. You can get the insert type and use it on any lathe by simply swapping the insert to whatever thread count you need. I THINK you need the 1 1/4" 8TPI but you'll need to confirm that (could be 1" 8TPI, but I don't think it is).

u/djjoshuad · 2 pointsr/turning

yes, the same chuck can hold a bowl or a pen or other spindle. you'd just want different jaws for each purpose. The Nova G3 is a favorite here for good reason. it takes just a few minutes to swap out the jaws, and there are a crapload of jaw options available. you should be able to stick with the bowl jaws that (usually) come with the G3 and add a set of spigot jaws like these to help with pens, other spindles, and smaller bowls or boxes.

u/JmuDuke · 1 pointr/turning

I would get the nova G3 30th anniversary bundle if possible. This will come with a set 50mm standard jaws, plus 100mm and pin jaw sets. The pin jaw set would be what you want to use for drilling with the jacobs chuck. 750 rpm is a little fast but is definitely doable. I always start with a smaller bit that has a pilot tip and indent the center of the wood with a skew.
Edit: I always back all the way out every half an inch too so that I know the bit is clear.
Also here is the bundle on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NOVA-G3-Chuck-30th-Annive/dp/B07CT8N58V

u/Sir_thunder88 · 1 pointr/turning

I ordered this one, I have the discontinued small variable speed hf desktop lathe and an old craftsman which both have the 3/4 16tpi so it’ll work for both.

nova 48202 g3

u/whatsreal · 1 pointr/turning

yeah, I picked expensive hobbies (board games, photography, woodworking). Is there any reason not to get this PSI chuck set? Its about the same price.

u/FattyMcNasty · 1 pointr/turning

I don't have a drill press. I have had great success with the Barracuda Wood Lathe Chuck and Drill Chuck. This works very well. Still need to tap it out slowly to prevent build up inside the tube.

u/early_dismissal · 1 pointr/woodworking
u/Wnrwnrchkndnr · 1 pointr/turning

I have the exact lathe and just purchased the G-3 for it. Haven't used it yet, but don't forget to get the insert/adapter if you don't have one yet. You have to have it for it to fit your lathe.

u/riffraff98 · 1 pointr/woodworking

Yup. This one..

Left about a 3-4mm tenon on the bottom - started with the screw chuck from the kit in a 9mm hole. I was worried that the jaws wouldn't hold on that well, but I ended up having to use the chuck to hold the bowl while I removed the screw drive with a crescent wrench. I'm very pleased with it so far.

u/texanmason · 1 pointr/turning

I haven't bought the chuck yet.

Would this work instead of Nova's unthreaded adapter? (I don't have a machinist friend). Looks like I would put this on the 3/4" 10 TPI spindle, then put the Nova adapter on that, then the chuck. Essentially, an adapter for an adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LA341018-Headstock-Spindle/dp/B000KI8CBQ

Thanks for the recommendation on the Oneways. They are a little more expensive than the Nova so if I can't swing it with an adapter, then I will go with Oneway.

u/badwhiskey63 · 1 pointr/woodworking

Okay I'm confused. A faceplate is a separate device from a chuck, and won't be used to attach your chuck to your lathe. Do the four jaws on that chuck move in unison to clamp onto the workpiece (self centering) or are they operated independently? If they are independent, that is not a woodworking chuck. It is for metal work. Even if it is self centering, four individual points of contact is not good for woodworking. You want something like this. Can you return it?

u/penkster · 1 pointr/shopsmith

I ended up using basically a big pair of lock jaws and giving it a TUG to get the adapter off. It wasn't that jammed.
One of these: ( PSI Woodworking L5818 Headstock Spindle Adapter (Shopsmith 5/8-Inch to 1-Inch 8tpi chuck) )
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIEC88

u/number_e1even · 1 pointr/turning

IMHO, it's worth it to spend the extra $24.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074HJ1V6/

Can also get it with a threaded adapter instead of dedicated threads, in case you ever upgrade to a full size lathe.

The Nova jaws will work with both the Nova and Record chucks. Any other chuck will be proprietary to that brand. So, plan accordingly for upgrades and accessories.

u/Silound · 1 pointr/turning

That chuck is not self-centering, nor does it appear to support accessory jaws, which is bad. Those fixed jaw chucks can only grip the stock with a small surface area compared to dedicated woodturning chucks. I would say that's not what you want to buy.

If you're looking for a good entry level chuck, the Nova G3 chuck is available right now on Amazon for only $89, which is an absolute steal for that chuck. This is the version for the Nova lathe, so it comes with a 1"x8tpi thread. You can ignore the part about it being for Nova only, it will work fine on any lathe with a 1"x8tpi spindle.

Also, chucks are nice, but they're not a mandatory item for turning! Everything a chuck can do can be done with a waste block, some glue, and a friction/jam chuck. It takes more time, and slightly more material (part-off waste), but it's how many people learned before chucks were commonly available for cheap.

u/bobasaurus · 1 pointr/woodworking

I have this chuck:

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-CSC3000C-Barracuda-System/dp/B000KIACTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330920493&sr=8-1

It's maybe a little cheaper than the super nova if you count the jaws included, and it works great. Quite a bit pricier than your lathe (and mine), though. Allows you to do lots of cool shit.

I'm not sure if any of the threaded inserts available for it will match the OP's spindle, though.

u/sschering · 1 pointr/turning

I have a Nova G3 and love it.. grips like iron.
Woodcraft has them on sale right now.

Also on Amazon for $140 including the 1 x 8tpi adapter and 2" jaw set

u/killernewfie · 1 pointr/turning

Why not get this
https://www.amazon.com/48111-1-Inch-Direct-Precision-Turning/dp/B0064JJ4NK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=nova+midi+chuck&qid=1551323980&s=gateway&sr=8-1
You can get a bunch of different jaws for it and they'll fit larger nova chucks if you ever need a larger nova chuck. I still use my midi chuck on my nova saturn when I'm doing small work.

u/wassmatta · 1 pointr/woodworking

You can expand the spindle capacity on the HF using a bed extension like this one. I also started with the HF and then upgraded to a Nova 1644 to get a bit more power and swing. The biggest drawback for a beginner is the limited speed range. It would be a near perfect machine if it had lower rpms.

u/cjhest1983 · 1 pointr/woodturning

I'm sure you could probably make a jig similar to the one he uses if you got a smooth bore insert for the chuck like this one, insert a 5/8" rod, and clamp the other end into a bench vise. It wouldn't have the same articulation, but it would certainly be more stable with less of a chance of damaging the lid. Hope to see pics when you're done!

u/DumpsterDave · 1 pointr/woodworking

What speeds is it capable of? I'd be most worried about the headstock and tailstock getting out of alingment. It's hard to tell from the picture how well it will hold togething having only a single rail. My guess is that the base of the tailstock relies on the top of the stand to stop it from torquing. You may want to look into a Headstock Alignment pin. The one linked is for 2MT (most common), but they can also be found in 1MT. This will help ensure that the headstock and tailstock are aligned which will reduce the wobble or vibration.

u/zpodsix · 1 pointr/turning

So just hauled my grandfather's lathe home and was anxious to start making wood chips and dust. Found a roughly straight oak log and went to town after de-barking.

Lathe I used. More info shows that it is a 12x42. After finishing the piece I noticed that the tailstock is seized up and not sure how to go about in repairing. I dosed with PB blaster and will let it sit for a day. I'm sure the friction and heat helped the bearing /s ... stupid I know.

Minus heating up the tailstock, the wood borer'd oak, and the dull chisels everything went well. I am looking at this set and this chuck, would these be good for beginner use? Looking for some feedback.

u/Kdubs200 · 1 pointr/turning

Okay thank you. Is this what you got? http://www.amazon.com/WOODLATHE-CHUCK-WOODWORM-SCREW-INSERT/dp/B003CECDZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370021571&sr=8-1&keywords=nova+g3

I am not going to be purchasing a new chuck and adapter for a few weeks, but if you could chime back and give your input on how the chuck and adapter works for you, that'd be great!