10 Best Wood Lathe Chuck Types 2026 in the United States

The Nova 23108 Supernova 2 Premier Pro-Tek Chuck Bundle is designed for wood lathe enthusiasts, making it a solid choice for those looking to enhance their turning projects. One of the key strengths of this chuck is its versatility, as it comes with multiple jaw sizes, including Pro-Tek 2" jaws and bowl jaws of 4" and 5", allowing users to tackle a wide range of turning tasks. The chuck's mounting system, featuring a 1-1/4" x 8tpi insert, simplifies the setup process, making it user-friendly, even for beginners. Additionally, the rust-resistant nickel plating ensures durability, contributing to long-term performance.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. At 9.35 pounds, the chuck is relatively heavy, which might be cumbersome for users who prefer lightweight tools. While the intuitive clockwise tightening is beneficial, some users may still find it challenging to navigate the initial setup or jaw changes without prior experience.

The Nova 23108 Supernova 2 Chuck Bundle stands out for its comprehensive features and ease of use, making it particularly suitable for hobbyists and serious woodturners alike. Potential users should weigh the chuck's weight and setup complexity against its advantages.

The Sherline Wood Lathe Chuck is designed for turning 3.5-inch diameter parts and has a 17-inch distance between centers. It includes additional accessories and a 48-page manual, which is helpful for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers. The adjustable handwheels, which can be reset to zero, help reduce input errors and are calibrated in .001-inch increments for precise work.

This chuck is made by Sherline, a well-known brand, and it comes with a one-year warranty, providing some peace of mind regarding durability and support. The chuck uses a ¾-16 UNC thread size, making it compatible with many lathes.

This lathe chuck is suitable for those looking for a precise and reliable tool for small to medium-sized projects.

The JET Lathe Chuck Set (1" x 8 TPI) is designed mainly for JET lathes and other models with the same spindle thread, making it a good choice if you own one of these or a compatible lathe. It features a nickel-plated, stainless steel construction which helps resist rust and promises durability for regular woodturning tasks. The set includes five interchangeable jaw sets allowing a wide range of gripping sizes—from small to larger wood pieces—making it versatile for various projects. The jaws are self-centering and adjusted with a stainless steel T-handle, which makes it relatively easy to use and ensures precision when holding workpieces.

The mounting system matches the 1" x 8 TPI standard spindle thread, common in many JET lathes but less so outside this brand or size, which might limit compatibility for some users. The chuck and jaws come neatly packed in a hard plastic case with foam, which is convenient for storage and protection. With a jaw capacity ranging roughly from 5mm to over 100mm depending on the jaw type, it covers many typical woodturning needs. However, the warranty is only 90 days, which is shorter than some competitors offer, so keep that in mind if long-term coverage is important to you. Also, weighing 11 pounds, it feels sturdy but might add some weight to your setup.

This chuck set is ideal for hobbyists or woodturners using JET lathes who want a versatile, durable chuck with multiple jaw options and easy adjustment. Its solid build and range of jaws make it a flexible tool, though its compatibility and warranty might not fit everyone’s needs.