4 jaw independent chuck suggestions...

[gt40]

I am thinking about getting an 8" 4 jaw independent chuck to hold larger stock that my 6 jaw bison can't hold. Any budget suggestions? I tried to machine a 3.5" bar and it was too scary with the jaws reversed on the Bison. I still need a steady rest...

 

[350xfire]

I am thinking about getting an 8" 4 jaw independent chuck to hold larger stock that my 6 jaw bison can't hold. Any budget suggestions? I tried to machine a 3.5" bar and it was too scary with the jaws reversed on the Bison. I still need a steady rest...

Why use an independent to do center work? Seems like it would be a PITA to set up 4 jaws for center work every time.

 

[gt40]

Why use an independent to do center work? Seems like it would be a PITA to set up 4 jaws for center work every time.

I have gotten pretty fast on centering my bison 6 jaw and the lathe is d1-4 so I will only use it on rare large stock + I can machine non round stuff or off center stuff

 

[archer6817j]

Budget where's the fun in that. I'd say definitely go with a 4 jaw. As you said, with a little practice you can dial it in less than 3 minutes. We used to have contests. I might have brand suggestions over budget suggestions.

If you are patient ebay is a wonderful resource for chucks. I've bought all of mine on ebay but you have to wait for a nice one. Bison is great. Pratt Burnerd is not well known but really nice. And of course Buck. Outside of that range (either up or down in price) I'd have a hard time thinking of something that "meets needs."

 

[precisionworks]

I also use the 4 jaw when work is too large for the scroll chuck.

Bison cast iron chucks cost less & are more than adequate for home shop use. Their forged steel chucks are awesome, last longer, but cost more.

Joe at Plaza always has lots of new & used chucks, and D1-4 is a super common mount. He currently has dozens of chucks listed, including this one:

543. Pratt Bernard, made in England, D1-4 back, 8" new or as new, very beautiful chuck, $300.00