WEN LA4444 4-Inch 4-Jaw Self-Centering Chuck Set with 1-Inch x 8TPI Thread

I bought this chuck before I even tried turning wood. It’s been 6 months and it works great still.Just so everyone knows… you can use NOVA chuck accessories on this chuck. I bought some Cole jaws specifically made for NOVA on this WEN LA4444 Chuck and they fit perfectly. Since all NOVA Chuck attachments will fit all of their chucks it means they will all fit this WEN LA4444 Chuck.The picture is WITH 8” Cole jaws that were made for NOVA chucks.

Ordered this to replace my original that came with the lathe. Much easier to use.

The price is right for this piece and good chuck for a beginner on a lathe. I am new to turning wood and knew that I eventually wanted to get a chuck with jaws so that I can clamp different size and styles of pieces. I read reviews and watched a few videos and although I wanted the type that uses a key to loosen/tighten, I gave this a go and happy that I did. As others have mentioned, it's a two handed process and you'll learn to utilize your tailstock to help align/mount piece. Once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad. The screw mount plate is a nice addition and have utilized for a few pieces and adds functionality and flexibility. I would like to find and purchase larger and smaller sets of jaws for additional use.All in all this is a well made piece and priced right. Would purchase again.

The chuck was of good value. Its lets me you've out bowls with no problem.

This is a decently designed chuck for all around wood lathe use. Although keyed lathe chucks can be easier to use, this design works just as well. Incidentally, for those concerned about being able to acquire additional jaw sets, this chuck is compatible with Nova chuck accessories. The current selection of 3.75" jaw sets available from WEN do have the right screw pattern and will fit, but the holes for the mounting screws will need to be drilled and countersunk for 6mm screws.The biggest concern that I have with this chuck is that there is no set screw to lock it onto the headstock spindle. As such you will want to use caution if you habitually use the handwheel to slow the lathe when stopping to check progress, etc. With a set of 8" flat jaws attached, the inertia from all that mass can be enough to unseat the chuck from the spindle and send the whole assembly flying across the shop. Don't ask me how I know!!! I intend to drill and tap the shank of this chuck and install a set screw to stop that problem.---------Update 05-21-2024:Just a quick follow up.Shortly after writing this review I drilled and tapped the collar of the chuck so I could install a set screw to prevent the chuck from unseating itself when using flat jaws to clamp a bowl rim. In case someone else wishes to attempt this, let me highlight a few things I learned while doing it. First, although the collar itself is not hardened, the threads themselves were definitely harder than the rest of the collar (presumably due to cold working of the steel during the threading process). Also, due to the thickness of the steel you need to be very careful while tapping (I used an M6x1.0 tap, and there were a number of times I felt the tap begin to flex). Be sure to use lots of tapping oil and back the tap out at very frequent intervals, especially if you feel things beginning to bind. Things turned out well, and now I don't need to worry about the chuck unseating itself at a bad time.

Buen producto

I am a novice using a wood lathe, I ordered this Chuck, it works very well and I have used it to make several wood projects.

didn`t grab well