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Comments On Apr 04, 2023:I am very pleased with the quality of my newly-purchased VM120 chuck. Compared to one of my other chucks, it is very well-made. The jaws are tight so I can rely on it to hold my work tightly. It is also quite heavy but that's a benefit. Eliminating down-time due to a poor quality chuck is essential so I am in process of adding to my Vicmarc products. Thank you.
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Comments On Sep 22, 2018:My first experience with a Vicmarc chuck was at the Craft Supplies 5-day workshop (woodturning 101 class), taught by Kirk DeHeer. I do have a Super Nova chuck at home and had been using that for months prior to the class but once I used the Vicmarc I was hooked and ordered the VM120 when I returned home. Now don't get me wrong, the Super Nova is a good chuck but is outshined by the Vicmarc. What's the difference between the two you might ask (aside from the price);
1. The jaws on the Vicmarc are incredibly robust, machined to a smooth finish.
2. The dovetails on the jaws are true dovetails, no rounded corners just lots of metal where you need it to hold your project.
3. The worm drive on the chuck body is smooth and the action is repeatable. If you have to remove the bowl and rechuck with the Vicmarc you stand a much better chance of getting the bowl back to a true center compared to the Super Nova (ask me how I know).
3. The jaw sizing just makes sense, Take a look at the catalog and you'll see a nice chart that tells you what the expansion and contraction range is for each set of Vicmarc jaws, and in inches! Nova, get with the program!
So, reminding yourself that you get what you pay for (or my favorite, buy once, cry once) get a Vicmarc chuck and you won't be sorry. Oh, and I do have a Super Nova chuck for sale...
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Comments On Sep 17, 2018:This is the last chuck I will ever own unless I buy a backup. It will either be a Vicmarc 120 or 150 though. This Chuck is stout and perfectly machined.
It feels like it could handle a bomb blast and still have the tenon right between its teeth.
You will love this chuck.
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Comments On Mar 09, 2018:Like many turners I started with the cheaper chucks while I was improving my skills. Looking back I really wish I would have gone with Vicmarc. My Nova chucks are okay, I like my Record Power chucks better, but my Vicmarc chucks are the best. Spend the extra money on a better chuck and you will be pleased.
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Comments On Dec 29, 2017:Holds pieces very secure. Easy to use and versatile.
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Comments On Jul 06, 2017:I don't know why I waited so long to get a Vicmarc. This thing is unbelievable! I've used other brand chucks for years, this has no comparison.
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Comments On Aug 26, 2016:I did quite a bit of homework prior to purchasing my Vicmarc VM120 Chuck w/ Jaws. After taking two different classes at Craft Supply I was sold on this particular chuck. It is easy to use and has a nice even bite when holding onto tenons or other stock. It is a high quality item and you definitely get what you pay for. I'll probably purchase a second one so that I won't have to keep changing jaws for smaller items or different applications.
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Comments On Dec 17, 2015:Very satisfied with the chuck so far. It is very heavy, and well machined. It was a big upgrade from my generic chuck.
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Comments On Dec 01, 2015:The chuck is great.
The T-wrench that comes with it is not - it is just a plain allen wrench (L-shape) with a molded plastic handle. The plastic half of the handle broke off when I dropped it on the shop floor.
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Comments On May 18, 2015:I have been using this chuck and all of the jaw sets for several years and have nothing but praise. The Allen wrench tightening method is superior to the gear type of other chucks. The chuck is always well balanced even with heavy, uneven loads.
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Comments On Apr 01, 2015:I love this chuck, after using another brand which I was never happy with I did some research and decided on the Vicmarc for my new Powermatic, I knew after my first turn with it I was impressed with it. It's a little costly but you get what you pay for.
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Comments On Nov 24, 2013:I have used a Vicmarc VM120 for quite some time. I have also used the Teknatool Supernova2, and the standard Grizzly chuck. The VM120 is in a class by itself. It is built like a tank, and it is perfectly balanced as well. If you want a chuck that you can use for a lifetime, and then pass it on to countless future generations, this is the chuck for you!
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Comments On Oct 03, 2013:I have used different styles of chucks from a few different manufacturers and the VM120 is the best! It's precision machining is evident from the very first piece secured within the jaws. The jaws move smoothly and it will hold your work without concern. I am looking to add to my chuck collection, and choosing a manufacturer will be the easiest decision.
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Comments On Jan 21, 2013:I do turn some large bowls and like the heavy weight of this chuck. it makes life easy for holding some irrigular shapes and since the jaws are so large I hardly need the faceplates any more. It was an expensive item and was not possible to find in the UK so the shipping and the cost is much higher than the cost in the US but it's worth every penny that I have paid for it.
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Comments On Jan 09, 2013:I have ben thoroughly impressed with the Vicmarc 120 Chuck. Solid, precision engineering with superior holding power on dry/wet and soft or hard wood. Tightening the jaws is smooth and solid with very secure grip. 5" jaws are adequate for most medium to big jobs and tool accessories are easy to use and fit well. Overall, this is a great first chuck for any woodturner and I would recommend it highly!
Dave from AZ
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