What the chuck?

That’s a chuck for a large metal lathe. The jaws are probably independent as well.

I recommend returning it.

-- - Terry

Thanks Terry, that was mt initial thought but wasn’t sure.

-- earthartandfoods.com

Could you post the original ad from Amazon? It seems Shop Fox chucks can come with more than one “layer.” Look at the one on this site and see if there might be a missing part?
http://www.monstermarketplace.com/shop-and-home-improvement-tools/shop-fox-d4054-4-jaw-wood-lathe-chuck-3
Could you post what the outer rim and center hole looks like (from the front with the jaws open)?

-- Chance Four "Not Just a Second Chance"

Here is the link to it… I am on business travel, but can post pictures on Friday.

It doesn’t look like it worked.. Here is the link:
Chuck

-- earthartandfoods.com

Check an E-Bay auction for a similar chuck.
Included in the details is information about those smaller holes on the back of the chuck.
It seems it could be attached to something that does attach to your lathe.
Included in auction information: “Includes (4) Reversible jaws, large chuck key, & (4) mounting bolts” “This is a plain back chuck, but it has (4) 8mm threaded holes on the outer ring in a 145mm dia bolt hole circle…positioned 90 degrees apart.”

Address of the auction:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHOP-FOX-4-JAW-x-6-INDEPENDENT-METAL-LATHE-CHUCK-PLAIN-BACK-D3611-New-/290878942727?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item43b9bc6e07

I hope this information, gathered by a less than beginning lathe owner is helpful. My first thoughts were the item was a wheel from the kiddi train at Mad Max Amusement Park.

-- Chance Four "Not Just a Second Chance"

Hahaha… Thanks nomercadies.. Appreciate your help. I am afraid to mount this to my little lathe; it might tip over. But maybe it can go on the big one. Sure hoped all the necessary parts came with it. I see that it says metal jaw/Chuck… So will definitely return it. Thanks again.

-- earthartandfoods.com

So, now that I am returning this, any suggestions as to an all purpose chuck I should purchase?
Nova 48232 G3 Reversible Wood Turning Chuck
Looks good.
So does this one:
Nova 48111 1-Inch 8TPI Direct Thread Precision Midi Wood Turning Chuck

-- earthartandfoods.com

Look at the Super Nova 2. It uses threaded inserts so you can use it on different lathes

-- If we can't fix it, It ain't broke

Thanks deputy4989.

-- earthartandfoods.com

Yeah… you don’t wanna use that chuck. It’s called a “knuckle buster” for a reason. It’s also for a metal turning lathe, and has no spindle adapter with it.

You want a real honest to goodness woodturners scroll chuck.

The Nova’s are good chucks, you won’t go wrong with any of those. A little instruction wouldn’t go amiss either. It’s a whole lot more fun if someone gives you a hands on lesson. You get a lot further and don’t make mistakes that can hurt you pretty badly.

If you want more choices look at:

Craft Supplies USA
WoodCraft
Penn State Industries
Packard Woodworks
Highland Woodworking
Rocklers

Just to name a few.

You don’t mention what lathe you have… or what you want to turn. You’ll want the appropriate adapter that fits your spindle.

If you’re only buying the one chuck, you’ll want an opening range that will handle several different sizes of jaws, and have several different jaws with it. Many folks have been happy with the Baracuda sets from Penn State.

-- Jim, Georgia, USA

Love the super nova 2 as well.

Hold onto the chuck it may come in handy, wood lathes are just for roughing stock for the metal lathe (evil grin)

Underdog, thank you very much. Will look into it. I’ve been turning for many years but have never used a chuck. Thanks Marcus and darthford.

-- earthartandfoods.com

Well if you get a decent chuck you’re in for a treat. It makes a lot of projects so much more easy and quick.

You can use a faceplate for a lot of projects, but it’s only necessary for some (like overlarge bowls and platters) and a chuck will make projects that don’t need a faceplate so much more pleasurable.

-- Jim, Georgia, USA

Thats a super cheap independent metal working chuck only suitable for cheep Chinese metal lathes and the type. It is not a thing of beauty or precision .Besides an independent chuck ,even a good one is not suitable for woodworking send it back and buy a decent wood turning chuck you will not regret it sorry I can’t advise you any less painfully Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease