Chuck / Mandrel options for a Elektra HDM 1000 with M20x1.5 thread?

[GSteer]

Afternoon all,

I'm new to the whole pen turning enterprise and have recently acquired an older Elektra HDM 1000 lathe that was unneeded by it's previous owner. Bear with me and slap me around the lugholes if my terminology is wrong!

I've been watching a lot of videos with some further reading and I understand the basic setup is Chuck -> Mandrel -> Tailstock (with or without a mandrel saver) and my current question is in regards to my options for chucks/mandrels.

The Elektra has a M20x15 thread on the headstock, no morse taper option, and I've only found two options that would appear to work to get a chuck mounted that would then take a parallel mandrel:

1- Record Power SC4 Professional Geared Scroll Chuck Package with one of their Thread Adaptors M20x1.5 RH.

2- VersaChuck from ToolPost with a plain bored backplate which I'd need to then get threaded to M20x15.

I'm presuming with what I've read that I'll need a parallel/universal mandrel which I could mount in a chuck. I've only found one that would appear to work, all of the others I've seen appear to me MT fits which won't work with the chuck options I'm looking at above.

Planet Universal Pen Mandrel, Parallel Shank (PM0)

Does anyone have any other suggestions apart from the above? I'd prefer to spend more on better equipment if I can reuse it in the future but I don't really want to outlay a lot on items that would only work on the above lathe.

 

[Woody]

Just buy a mandrel bar to fit in the chuck also Axminster Evolution SK114 Axminster Evolution SK114 Woodturning Chuck - Woodturners Chucks - Woodturners Chucks - Woodturning - Woodturning & Crafts | Axminster Tools & Machinery comes with a M22 x 1.5 thread

 

[bellringer]

There I the option of using a taper adapter that Axminster make I would go with the versa chuck I have had record chucks and have now also got a versa and the versa Is much nicer
What you need is (Axminster codes)
Code 400019
Code 410161
With a versa chuck with Axminster compatible jaw carriers

 

[bellringer]

And for the versa chuck I would buy the backplate for the sorby inserts and the sorby insert

 

[Woody]

I typed the wrong size in my other post they make a direct fit M20 x1.5 Chuck so no need for inserts and to be honest the evolution chuck is the best chuck I have ever used and it is all made with stainless steel

 

[bellringer]

I typed the wrong size in my other post they make a direct fit M20 x1.5 Chuck so no need for inserts and to be honest the evolution chuck is the best chuck I have ever used and it is all made with stainless steel

When I look in the Axminster catalogue early there was no m20 thread mentioned

 

[Twister]

this is another option that would give u a morse taper
once u choose your chuck

Axminster Morse Taper Carriers - Chuck Accessories - Woodturners Chucks - Woodturning - Woodturning & Crafts | Axminster Tools & Machinery

Steve

 

[Woody]

When I look in the Axminster catalogue early there was no m20 thread mentioned

Its only on the Evolution chuck on the drop down menue thread code T33

 

[GSteer]

So the list of options expands, chuck options currently are:

1- Record Power SC4 Professional Geared Scroll Chuck + a M20x1.5 insert adaptor which can be swapped out for a different adaptor later
2- VersaChuck + Sorby Patriot threaded backplate + 20x1.5 mounting bush which can be swapped out for a different adaptor later
3- Axminster Evolution SK114 Chuck with T33 20x1.5 thread - can't tell if this is via an adaptor or if the chuck is permanently threaded for this

The following are then the current suggestions for providing a mandrel mounting point:

1- Haven't figured this one out yet (!) - guessing a parallel mandrel would just mount right in?
2- Axminster Compatible Mounting Jaws + Axminster Type C 100mm Dovetail Jaws + Axminster Morse Taper Carrier
3- Axminster Type C 100mm Dovetail Jaws + Axminster Morse Taper Carrier

What are the concerns, if any, of the amount of play introduced with the number of adaptors/bushings involved?

Looking at the VersaChuck option there's a fair number of components: Mounting Bush -> Backplate -> Chuck -> Jaw Sliders -> Jaws -> MT Carrier

 

[bellringer]

The versa chuck is great I would have no cause about the amount of adapters the versa Is the most versatile as you can use anyones jaws and any thread the evolution would be directed threaded

 

[Woody]

Another consideration is how long do you intend to keep that lathe because although I prefer the axy chuck it is a rare thread on your lathe so when you upgrade you will have to get a new chuck with the versa chuck all you would have to do is buy a new backplate

 

[GSteer]

That's one of my main considerations Woody. It was a freebie, a very nice freebie, and if I do end up continuing long term then I may end up replacing it, or it may fail, it is from 1986 afterall. Out of the three options so far I'd prefer the adaptable ones if there are no significant downsides.

 

[bellringer]

That's one of my main considerations Woody. It was a freebie, a very nice freebie, and if I do end up continuing long term then I may end up replacing it, or it may fail, it is from 1986 afterall. Out of the three options so far I'd prefer the adaptable ones if there are no significant downsides.

There should be no down sides

 

[GSteer]

There should be no down sides

That's positive then. The general feeling is that the VersaChuck is better quality than the Record Power or just more configurable ? I did send a query to the Record Power people last week asking for some details on their equipment but never received a response which never bodes well.

 

[bellringer]

That's positive then. The general feeling is that the VersaChuck is better quality than the Record Power or just more configurable ? I did send a query to the Record Power people last week asking for some details on their equipment but never received a response which never bodes well.

Record Power are quality chucks I have two which I used with my old machine but I mainly use the versa chuck as its better I also don't like record they charge a lot for there stuff

 

[kjmc1957]

Whats the possibility of having a machine shop bore out the spindle?