Reverse Chucking a Bowl

Novice woodturners frequently struggle with how to reverse chuck a bowl to finish off the bottom. Mike demonstrates several different ways to accomplish finishing bowl bottoms.
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You can download an article I wrote on making my vacuum chuck and other useful woodturning information available on my website www.mikepeacewoodturning.com/r...

[@cortlandhunt4721]

I use Cole chuck, jam chucking depending on the pice I’m turning. In the process of making vacuum chucks. On an off note Mike did a great article for the AAW American Woodturner this issue. A big 👍.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Cortland!

[@johnbruno8517]

Mike Peace is the man! I love his wood turning videos!

[@randykane474]

New guy here, and I was using those round rubber holders on a mini lathe. Yup, put my first turning into orbit around the shop. The kit came with the angled rubber stoppers but had no instructions, so now with your video I understand.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, the devil is in the details. You can go to the Record Power website and download their chuck jaw instruction manual. I am a bit anal so tracked that down early on.

[@royharkins7066]

I’m new , I’m pushing the envelope, I’ve been warned, I’ve been bitten, I’m loving it, cheers for the vid I just unwrapped my new nova Cole jaws only too find out you don’t like them…….and I can see why😂, my uncle was a lathe operator at Rolls Royce lost him a few months ago, I’m sure he’s been looking after me during my very steep learning curve, I’ve just built me a lathe replicator can’t wait to try it, a fusion of router and lathe that is , ah we’ll just thought I’d say hi and all that … Take risk Take care Roy

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Have fun, stay safe my friend.

[@garylawrence7547]

My favorite is a simple mortise. Done. I’m not selling bowls just giving them away.

[@bluebow68]

Hi,Newbie here..Just ordered an Record sc2 mini chuck for me mini jet...Looking forward to turning from a chuck..Only done a few oens so far..But learned a lot from you..Thank you for your help..Greetings from the U.K.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks and keep having fun!

[@scottstubberud1137]

Mike Peace you make my heart at peace! You are a fantastic teacher and advocate for wood turning!! Great stuff! Understandable and I am not left with many questions!! Keep up the great work! Love all your videos

[@TeddyMesser-su1ov]

Like your video certainly will watch more thank teddy M.

[@jonscoles8793]

Very helpful summary of available options.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Jon!

[@kenkay40]

Another timely video Mike! Thanks for posting.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Ken.

[@casperscuts2627]

Great information Mike, very helpful

[@helentheron]

Very very informative and helpful for a beginner. Thank you. Helen

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

So glad it was helpful! Stay safe.

[@johnnyhugheswoodworking595]

Great video, like you I prefer the vacuum chuck as my first choice, longworth chuck for wormy wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

A lot of good tips in here, Mike. Great job! Phil

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Phil.

[@stevenhansen8641]

Good job Mike Thanks for the time and effort.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I appreciate the comment, Steven.

[@georgebrill3072]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was useful. Thanks for commenting.

[@johnwallace4408]

I like to put a non-skid sanding pad over my chuck. Then I bring up the tailstock. Next I center the bowl, reduce speed, and turn. I sand the nub off. Great video Mike! SAFE TURNING, John

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

That works. Thanks for sharing, John.

[@diydarkmatter]

lol im not what kind yet mike just got my first real lathe have not even took it out of the box yet . just to cold but im sure i will be looking for this video again this spring lol great video mike as always i enjoyed watching you work and your company .

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks and hopin for a warm shop for you.

[@glencrandall7051]

Nice video, Mike. I was already familiar with all of the checking methods you presented but the review was very useful. However you did answer a question I had about my Nova Cole Jaw set up. I never knew why they sent longer screws. Now I know that they can be used to install a regular set of jaws on the face of the Cole jaws. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy your tips. Even those I may already know.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Glen. I appreciate your support.

[@stephenhopkins2449]

Great comparison Mike! About 4 years ago an olive wood bowl came off my Cole jaws and quickly removed one of my front teeth! I now always use a trend face shield and a vacuum chuck when ever possible. I recently purchased a Powermatic 4224 that came equipped with a built in vacuum that works extremely well.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Ouch! Your were not wearing a faceshield?

[@stephenhopkins2449]

Mike Peace Woodturning That was the last day I only wore safety glasses

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Stay safe my friend. I will use your story to remind new Turner's of the importance of face shields.

[@billy19461]

Loved the video!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your continuing support, Billy.

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Good video, Mike!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Rick. You ever use cole jaws?

[@craigbailey5060]

I found another way to reverse that you might want to try. It is close to the jam chuck but you have a flat piece of wood with a 45% circle cut out that has 4 screws to secure it. If you leave 1 screw half way in you can open the jig to insert the bowl with foam padding on both sides. Close the jig to the pre-drill screw holes for a tight fit. Try it out some time. The cut out circle (like when you are making a bowl from a single broad) can changed out with larger or small circles and the 45% angle cut allows you to hold multiple size bowls. It is a DIY donut chuck.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, soundsl like you are describing what are called donut chucks. It is similar to this miniature donut chuck I use for making a 1 piece coffee scoops. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6HGp5Knibxnd7s I prefer a vacuum chuck or cole jaws. YMMV

[@stephenmcfadyen1385]

Hi Mike, Steve from Australia, I have been following you for some time but have not commented until now, I experiment with Cole Jaws, Ron Browns phenolic plates and jam chucks, all of which suit different purposes, often to save time and trouble I mortise the bottom of my bowl and decorate them with grooves and texturing and leave them in place.All of the things you show are great and I have just made a doughnut chuck but haven't used it yet, not sure I trust it. Tanks for your great presentations Kind Regards Steve

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Stephen! Good luck with your donut chuck.

[@eliolsson1731]

I usually push a tennis ball into my super Nova and put the bowl up to that and bring the tail stock up. Seems to work pretty good. Thanks for sharing!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good idea. I have old tennis balls.

[@AB-pf4if]

Hi Mike been watching your tube for some time. Don't pick up much new info but use it mainly as a sounding board for my technique in what I say or do. One thing I have to offer is an alternative technique to holding a piece to finish the bottom. After limited success with Cole plates etc I came up with what I call my megajaws. It is simply taking the Cole plate idea a!taking it one step further. I first get a plate of flat 1/4 to 1/2 aluminum ( depending on the diameter for the strength needed) 8 to 12 inches square. The squareness is important. I then cut this to 4 smaller equal squares. I then drill holes in the corner of each using a Chuck jaw to mark the holes. I then cut pieces of 2 inch lumber and screw that on the aluminum plate, rounding the outer edges for safety now I can use 6mm bolts to mount the plates on the lathe. Caution speed maximum 400 RPM. With this device I can cut a ring in the wood to match the diameter of the piece which gives me even pressure continually around the whole perimeter. I have a digital hand out for this if you send your e-address to [e-mail] I will send it to you. Or I believe it is still available on WOW.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks. Traveling now. Hope to do a video on wooden jaws in the future

[@MultiVoff]

If you use the Multistar Duplex chuck, there is no need for a big tennon to be turned away in the end. The bottom side may be finished by the first turning. The Multistar needs a groove or tennon of only 2-3 mm which may be a natural part of the bottom side.

[@cigarsmoka9741]

Great video Mike. I’ve only used Nova cole jaws with aftermarket “grips” and it’s ok although the recommended top turning speed is considerably less than I like for finishing cuts even on small bowls. Sometimes it can be a bear to get the bowl to turn true as well, which shows with any decorative cuts or texturing if you look closely. I have a vacuum pump for stabilizing woods and after seeing your preferred method as well as some of the comments, I think it’s time to make a vacuum chuck! Thanks for the vid. - Jay

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks. I have a video as well as an article on my website on making a vacuum chuck.

[@TurnedByStuart]

Very interesting thanks Mike. It's one of those things I can't quite bring myself to try as yet and tend to go for a recess rather than the tenon but this encourages me to give it a go.Thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Even with a recess, I like to rollover the edge so it does not look like a recess. To me it just looks more refined. If you like recesses there is no reason to change.

[@TurnedByStuart]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning It's not that I particularly like recesses, it's just that as a new turner they seem easier to get to a finished item rather than sorting the tenon out afterwards. Your vid has addressed that thanks Mike and I want to give it a go with either the jamchuck and tailstock in support or maybe invest in a longworth type chuck. Great tip about rounding off the recess though :). Stuart

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Lots of good ways to do it. Thanks for watching, Stuart.

[@donbomer5630]

A very timely video Mike. And extremely informative, as always. I have Cole Jaws but haven't used them yet. Also, I recently ordered the Hold Fast - Universal Vacuum Adapter Kit. I'll be ready for some serious turnin' soon.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I think you will like the Vac Chuck. I don't use a lamp rod Chuck adapter but use a rotary adapter that easily plugs into the handwheel.

[@donbomer5630]

I can do that with my Delta Midi but don't have my new Laguna 18/36 installed yet. Hopefully it will do the same.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

There are plans out on the internet to make a rotary adapter. It is so much easier with one that has just pops in and out without threading to a chuck because it makes it easy to make more vacuum chucks of different sizes. Craft Supply sells one at a reasonable price but I don't see Laguna on the list. It may be worth a call.

[@tompuskar4426]

Nice overview Mike. I think you should have mentioned, however, that using the various jaws limits the speed at which you can turn the bowl to under 600 RPM in most cases. I prefer the vacuum chucking system since it allows you to speed thing up a bit. Also very quick to setup once you have a collection of vacuum chucks.

[@donaldtrabeauxjr5323]

Thanks for sharing

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Hope it helps inspire your turning.

[@monophoto1]

Another very good video Re Cole Jaws (aka 'button jaws' among the Brits), some manufacturers supply only rubber pins with straight sides. There are times when the standard pins aren't long enough. One trip to the hardware store can yield everything you need to make longer pins. Pick kup some cap screws that match the threading in the jaws (which is often metric), and then wander into the plumbing department to select some clear vinyl tubing. It's sold by the foot, and you only need one foot each of two diameters - one that has an ID that will slip over the shank of the cap screws, and the second that has an ID that will slip over the cap of the screws and that is also the same, or very slightly smaller, than the OD of the smaller tubing. Cut short lengths of the smaller tubing and slip them over the shanks of the screws. Cut slightly longer lengths of the larger tubing to add a second layer of vinyl over the screw shanks that also covers the caps. It will be easier to slip the larger tubing over the smaller tubing if you heat it with a heat gun.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks so much, Louie, for that. Do you think there is enough interest for a more complete video on "button" jaws with additional content on customizing the buttons and more?

[@monophoto1]

Cole jaws are probably the first thing that newbies try for finishing the bottom of bowls, so I think that this could be a fertile subject.

[@kenkay40]

@@monophoto1 +1 for that. An in depth look at the various ways to set up and use Cole jaws would be a good topic to cover

[@danhealy7341]

Thanks for the information Mike. I have been using cole jaws on my midi lathe. I did however purchase replacement bumpers from Nova that resemble those on your cole jaws. These replacements hold firmly without a great deal of pressure and help to keep the bowl flat against the face of the jaws.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, those profiled bumpers sure are better than the round ones. Seem kind of pricy as an accessory kit.

[@danhealy7341]

It was $24.00 from Amazon for a set of the profile bumpers and tall round bumpers. Pricey for what they actually are but they do work well.

[@csle1962]

Cool!

[@aprilthompson2853]

I prefer to use a recess if possible. That way the bottom of the bowl is done before turning it over to do the top. I have the mini cole jaws for my midi lathe but I've only used them once.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Even with a recess, I like to rollover the edge so it does not look like a recess. To me it just looks more refined. If you like recesses there is no reason to change. With a vacuum chuck I have little use for cole jaws but if the bowl had a void or hole, I am much more confident in using these "remounting jaws" with their profiled rubber buffers.

[@victorrussell6284]

Good video Mike. I’ve used a longworth chuck and Cole jaws and don’t like either of them, the work never seems to run true. My next project is to make a Donut Chuck as I feel it’s going to be much more secure and hopefully I’ll be able to adjust the workpiece to run true. Maybe it will also work with things like modest size vases.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Definitely more secure. Make extra donuts each with a different size hole.

[@DKWalser]

When I took a class from Dale Nish at Craft Supplies USA, he showed us a relatively easy way of finding good blank for jam chucking a bowl: use 3/4" MDF. It's relatively cheap and stable. Cut an appropriately sized disk for the swing of your lathe and mount that to a face plate. Mount the MDF disk on the lathe and drill a 3/8" hole in the center -- all the way through the MDF. Then, you can use the disk to make jam chucks for several different sized bowls. Just don't go too deep when making a chuck, or you'll ruin the integrity of the disk. (If that's an issue, you can either double up the thickness or back the MDF up with a disk of plywood.) When you've finished turning the bottom of the bowl, you can use the hole drilled in the center of the disk to remove the bowl from the chuck.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing. I probably should have included mdf. Yes, cheap and readily available. I do hate mdf dust, though. Fortunately I rely on my vacuum Chuck.

[@kimr5841]

I assume you cover it in another video, but how do you get that beautiful pattern around the upper rim of the bowl?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Checkout my Playlist of texturing videos.

[@halosesh08]

Hi Mike, Great video. how did you do the diagonal lines on the first bowl you showed? is it a special chisel? Also, my lathe will only turn on 1500rpm which i use for everything- do you think this is to dangerous for cole jaws? thanks

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Watch this vido on spiraling tool kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXuYqZp7fbiogLc. Most manufacturers recommend not turning faster than 600 to 800 on Cole jaws. A lathe with only one speed of 1500 is not safe for bowl turning. Period! Watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp3UaGuajMmqfpY

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

as a newbie its interesting to see the different methods of reverse holding a bowl, I have a Record Coronet Herald so I will probably for the time being go for the mega or mini chuck they sell for reverse holding but I do have a vacuum pump that i used to use to install air conditioning units a few years back so I might have a look at how to use that method as the pump still holds a vacuum well, just need to figure out how to build the rubber moulds to hold the wood on. thanks for the detailed explanations.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing. I have an article on my website on my DIY vacuum chuck. I also have a video on vacuum chucking.

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

Thank you I’ll take a look.

[@BobBlarneystone]

Thanks for instruction. Have you used the 'cole, jumbo, reversing' jaws for eccentric turning?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I have not had a reason to. I may consider it for an upcoming project involving a rectangular piece.

[@rayevans9408]

Not a first time visitor but a timely subject. I have not tried the jam chuck method but have a col,e jaw set. The rubber pieces leave a lot to be desired and I have thrown several jaws out until I got the hold right. I like the hold downs you used. Where can I get them? Thanks for the instructional videos.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Teknatool and Record Power both sell them as a kit although it came with the larger cole jaws from Record Power.

[@ronkiskowoodart9680]

Good infuo!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@bcrigg9388]

Good day Mr. Peace! I own one a OneWay Talon & OneWay Stronghold 4jaw chucks. I want to move up to the Jumbo Jaws. I love the square Record Power “grippers” that you demonstrated. What are the part number of these square grippers Sir? I want to see if they would fit on my OneWay Mega Jaws. Thank You Sir!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

They are called Angular Buffer Stops. I do not see them on the record power website by themselves. You might contact Record Power. I would expect they would fit. www.recordpower.co.uk/product/remounting-jaws-mega--up-to-295-mm-bowl-with-angular-buffer-stops

[@bcrigg9388]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Thank You Sir for your Prompt & Informative response!

[@johnfitzpatrickjr3852]

Hi Mike - could you show how to reverse Chuck using (2) 4-jaw chucks. I’ve got an mounting adapter for my tailstock that will enable me to do so. What is the procedure to reverse using this method. Thanks Mike for all you're informative videos. John F.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

That is a new one for me. Never saw two chucks used and do not know why one would do so.

[@dbull46]

Hello Mike Thank you for another very informative video. Please may I ask what the outside diamitter is on the larger record power remount jaws when they are closed. I have an Axminster midi size lathe and the distance from the centre point of the drive centre to the bed of the lathe is 150mm. Was wondering if they will fit. Many thanks. Dave

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

The documentation asys they will clear the bed on a 12" lathe.

[@dbull46]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Mike, thanks for getting back to me. I did see in the manual about the 12" swing but it doesn't say what the diameter would be when the Chuck is at its max opening not when it's closed, rarely will they be fully closed when in use. Many thanks. Dave

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

@@dbull46 Ok, I will try to remember to measure next time I am in the shop.

[@dbull46]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Thanks Mike Very much appreciated Dave :)

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

The max width of the jaws open are 12 1/4" so would accomodate a 156mm center to lathe bed. So should fit most 12" midi lathes. You may have to limit your expansion to clear if it is exactly 150mm. You might try measuring to see if there is a bit more clearance.

[@deweyjohnson5993]

Mike, Where did you obtain the square grippers for the cole jaws?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

They came with my Record Power mega jaws. I had to do some searching but found that Woodcraft may sell them but they are out of stock. www.woodcraft.com/products/record-power-angle-stops-for-remount-jaws-62838. I finally found them on Amazaon but not available www.amazon.com/RIKON-Power-Tools-78-838-Remount/dp/B01D35YPMM . It is possible your local WC has some in stock. You might try calling Craft Suppllies. You could also buy direct from the Record Power www.recordpower.co.uk/product/angular-buffer-stops-for-remount-jaws

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I found this set from Nova www.amazon.com/dp/B07HBPFKTQ/?ref=idea_lv_dp_

[@billgalster1674]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning ko it

[@kengunnell6398]

Can you add the grippers to your Amazon page?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I added the Nova ones which are black since I could not find the Record Power ones being sold on Amazon. The green rubber of the Record Power are less likely to marr the wood than the black rubber Nova ones. You might want to order from Craft Supplies or Woodcraft.

[@kengunnell6398]

Many thanks Mike. There seems to be an interest from others on this product. I am an experienced turner but get good tips and reminders from you. I will buy thru your amazon page. Thanks a bunch for being so responsive.I really do not expect such helpfulness but really appreciate it. Your videos are great and to the point which I so greatly appreciate. Thank you Ken Gunnell

[@leksey7870]

Comfortable large clamp!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks. Good to hear from you Aleksey.

[@shakeandrattle]

I made a Longworth chuck, but it is not exactly true. I am brand new to bowl turning. I just got my Nova G3 chuck for Christmas.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Chucks make a lot of projects faster and easier. I am sure you will enjoy your G3. I have one. Safe turning.

[@curtisbrock4868]

Did you serve in the military?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

LTC, USARMY Retired

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Curtis.