Nova has come out with a new quick-change chuck system for woodworking lathes. The new system promises simpler, quicker, and frustration-free jaw changes.
Woodturners will sometimes work with very different sized workpieces. Sometimes a single project will require multiple clamping options. Typically, this means removing one set of jaws and attaching another set, which often involves removing and reinstalling a bunch of screws.
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The new Nova Infinity chuck is not quite tool-free, but it’s close. Jaws pop in without the use of tools, and are unlocked with a push of a plunger. Pins are built into the chuck-tightening hex wrench to help facilitate this.
There are a couple of different purchasing options:
- Nova Infinity chuck (SKU 8010)
- Nova Infinity chuck kit with #3 bowl jaw set (SKU 8012)
- Nova Infinity chuck kit with M33 threads and #3 bowl jaw set (SKU 8013)
- Nova Infinity chuck upgrade kit for SuperNova2 and Nova G3 chucks (SKU 8100)
There are also going to be retrofit kits so that you can make existing chuck accessory jaws compatible with the new Infinity chuck. The retrofit kit consists of little adapters that screw into the bottom of your non-quick-change chuck jaws.
Nova has already released a bunch of new accessory jaws to fit the Infinity quick-change chuck, including bowl-jaws, sawtooth jaws, and smooth column jaws.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(via Nova)
Demo Videos(via Nova on YouTube)
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First Thoughts
This isn’t the only quick-change on the market, but it nonetheless looks to be an appealing offering. Easy Wood Tools is the other brand that makes a quick-change chuck ($399 via Amazon) that I would consider trying. There might be other brands worth looking into, but EWT was the first to come to mind.
It’s hard to pick the design apart sight unseen, but there doesn’t look to be any glaring red flags.
My woodturning is typically limited to smaller rectangular blanks 1-1/2″ wide or smaller, so I don’t know how much of a nuisance it is screw down and unscrew accessory jaws all day. But in regard to other tools, I can’t think of a time when I prefered a non-quick-change accessory holder over a quick-change one. I know that on my small Sherline, the quick-change tool post is a huge convenience.
The Nova Infinity jaws look to be a decent development, but for any expert woodturners out there – please correct me if I’m wrong.
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