r/turning 2d ago

newbie Blanks and chucks questions

Just a few questions, I'm new to turning. I've ordered this Nova chuck set. I want to make small boxes like this, this seems like an easy method.

  • Could I use 2x2 blanks like these with 2" jaws or do you have to use 3x3 blanks? I don't know if the 2" jaws will be able to close enough to hold a tenon after rounding a 2x2.

  • Could I use the pin jaws to hold 2x2 blanks if the 2" jaws don't work? I can't tell if the interior of the pin jaws are meant to hold a tenon or not and I'm not sure how far they can expand. I don't want to cut mortises into the pieces I make.

I think the 2" jaws will work, this page says "Tenon Diameter: Min Cylinder 45mm (1 1/14), Max Cylinder 65mm (2 9/19). Min Square 40mm (1 9/16), Max Square 50mm (2”)." Does that mean it can hold onto tenons between 1 1/14" and 2 9/19" in diameter?

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u/jclark58 Moderator 1d ago

https://www.teknatool.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Min-Max-Ranges-Jaw-Table-inch.pdf

This shows the 50mm (2”) jaws on a Nova G3 will hold a round tenon from 1.654” to 2.520”

100mm (4”) jaws cover 3.07” to 3.898”

Pin jaws are .394” to 1.220”

Not sure where the 1 1/14” (1.07”) came from as that’s plain wrong. 45mm is 1.77” which is close to the 1.654” listed on the other table. 

Here’s a primer on tenon size and shape I did a long time ago. In most cases you’re better off with a tenon much closer to the minimum size than the maximum size but tenon diameter is just a small part of work holding, tenon shape and a shoulder to register against the tops of the jaws are also very important. 

https://imgur.com/a/Oi5tBPu