r/turning • u/ittthelp • 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?

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/BlueEmu 2d ago

Yes, that’s what it means and it should work for 2x2 blanks.

1

u/ittthelp 2d ago

Thanks! Just curious, are they called 2" jaws because they can hold a 2" square piece of wood or is there some other reason?

1

u/BlueEmu 1d ago

Yes, a 2" mortise. For a tenon, which is what you need to make the box you want to do, it's 45mm. Note that the description (1 1/14 in inches) is a typo. It's actually roughly 1-3/4".
That only leaves a 1/8" shoulder on a 2" blank, so just make sure the piece is carefully centered when cutting the tenon. And/or leave part of the blank square near the tenon.