Jet or Excelsior and which chuck?

[italdesign]

Hi Guys,

I am trying decide whether or not to buy a Jet Mini lathe or the Excelsior that Rockler sells. Does anyone have any experience with the Excelsior?

If I end up purchasing the Jet, what type of chuck would be suffecient for shaping stummels? Would either one of these be suffecient:

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5185

Thank you for your help.

[smokindawg]

I have and use a Delta Midi and for the price I paid it was a very good investment. Jet is a good lathe, but the Delta in my opinion is just as good and is about half the price.

As for working stummels, it's more the jaws than the chuck, but I use a nova chuck on my Delta.

Whatever chuck you decide on, just make sure it takes a single key rather than the two bars like mine, as it's easier to lock a stummel into the chuck with one hand while holding it with the other. If that makes sense.

[KurtHuhn]

On the other hand, prefer the tommy bars, since I can really crank that sucker closed. With a keyed chuck, you can't get the same clamping power. And once you've used it for a while, using one hand to work the bars comes naturally.

Penn State Woodworking sells an affordable line of chucks that I've heard good things about:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CUG3418C.html
And these jaws will make your life easier when gripping blocks of wood:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCALJAWS.html

No matter lathe you get, be sure that the spindle threads will match your chosen chuck before you buy it.

[wdteipen]

Thanks for the link Kurt. Some great lathe accessories at a bargain price. I have my wishlist.