The Jacobs Spindle Nose Collet Chuck

A brief description of the workings and operation of the Jacobs Collet chuck. I'm not a professional machinist, but I enjoy working on the lathe, and this is my favorite accessory.

[@Arfiezy]

What a polished professional piece of work! (Oh. I was thinking of the VIDEO, but of course the craftsman / crafter / tool master whose hands we see on his lathe obviously conducts everything in the same manner. I consider it an honor to be able to have seen your video.)

[@matthewhelton1725]

Nice KDK Toolpost! The Jacobs Model 91 is a gem. My dad had one for his Sheldon lathe many years ago, and I always appreciated how easy it was to use. Fast-Forward 35-40 years, I now I too have a Model 91 for my lathe. Wonderful chucks.

[@randysiemens5491]

Very well done. I recently bought a set and was looking for more info. You even included the plugs and square collets which I was wondering about. Thanks.

[@jadoncramer6512]

Nice job on the video, just bought an old Logan 11 inch model1955 and it a a full set of these but no other type of chuck. I was kinda bummed but after watching your video, I am happy that this came along with it. Was not quite sure how it all worked. I didn't want to break it. And I did not know about the lock ring.

[@mikelevyonline]

My comment in the video about finding a chuck with a complete set of collets for about $300 is rather dated. I suppose it's still possible to find one for that price if one is constantly on the lookout, but pretty unlikely.

[@codprawn]

Great video. I have an old Colchester Triumph lathe with an L1 spindle. L1 is now very rare in the UK and normal collet chucks are silly money. I have seen quite a few L1 Jacobs collets on Ebay USA for about $200. Ironically the collets themselves ARE easily available in the UK and cheaper so I have just bought a set of collets from the UK and order the chuck from the USA! Best of both worlds. I am a little concerned though - some people say they are not as accurate as a conventional collet due to the rubber flexing slightly when taking a cut. Is that correct?

[@jemijona]

@@codprawn Probably because they don't know how to use it properly.

[@MrJake-yx8ll]

Wonderful video thank you

[@mikelevyonline]

Thanks, hopefully you found it useful.

[@RotaryPilot]

Exceedingly enjoyable and concise.... thanks!!

[@cdnpencil]

Very well done presentation.

[@FretsNirvana]

Really good overview thanks

[@marcibb3167]

Nice chuck great video to, nicely done.

[@clearwatertom]

Nice job Mike

[@bowtiefinn7223]

Great Explanation!

[@mikelevyonline]

Thank you, and thanks for stopping by.

[@rubarb0406]

Mike, Nice job! Hope you are up for a couple of questions. 1) What type of a mounting plate secures the chuck to your lathe? 2) Any chance I could talk you into weighing the chuck and backplate assembly and getting back to me? Dimensions would also be helpful. Thanks.

[@mikelevyonline]

Hi Gordon. Unlike most chucks, the spindle adapter is an integral part of the Jacobs collet chuck-- there is no separate backplate (at least there isn't on my L00 model). I don't have a scale to weigh it, but I would estimate the chuck weighs about 15 lbs.

[@robertmccully2792]

i want one. But do not have the cash or would know what size spindle i have yet.

[@47vulcanride]

Very informative. I have a 91-A6 that came with an old Clausing lathe I bought and was trying to decide whether to keep it or not. Your vid convinced me to keep it. I'm just trying to figure out how to adapt it to my currant lathe which takes a D1-5 style chuck. Any advise? BTW nice lathe!

[@mikelevyonline]

I would advise keeping an eye on craigslist nationally. Occasionally these show up complete with collets for around $300. Or you might get lucky on ebay.

[@clearwatertom]

super job...thank you... :)

[@petervanginneke5182]

Bedankt Peter van g Nederland

[@47vulcanride]

Hi Mike, from your last response I think you might have confused me with someone else. I was wondering if you could tell me how to go about finding an adapter for my 91-A6 Jacobs chuck to fit my D1-5 camlock lathe spindle? Or would one have to make it?

[@mikelevyonline]

Even if you are able to find or make an adapter, you would end up with tooling that is less accurate and less rigid. That is why I suggested you keep your eye out for a reasonably price D1-5 version of the chuck.

[@47vulcanride]

Gotcha, thanks for your advise. Tim