Is the Record Power SC4 Woodturning Chuck for You?

I unbox a Record Power SC4 woodturning chuck and evaluate it. I do a direct comparison to a Teknatool SuperNova2 woodturning chuck since both are quite similar and have interchangeable jaws. I review the different chucks and provides information on the interchangeability of the jaws for people considering second (or more) chucks.

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[tompalmer]

excellent information i got a g3 my first and only chuck but have been looking at the g2 for larger projects nice to know the jaws are interchangeable

[TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Hi Mike, Thanks for the review, very interesting, all the best Harry

[jimrobb]

Thanks Mike great review. Clear and informative.

I bought a SC4 some months ago and have found it as good as the Super Nova 2 that I have had for years. They are both great chucks
Being able to interchange jaws with my Nova greatly increases flexibility and set-up in my workshop.

To nip up and also remove the chuck from the lathe spindle is easily accomplished by use of the large end of the spanner provided engaged in the sockets used to expand or close the jaws.
However to perform chuck removal using the small end of the spanner in the threaded insert hole does give rise to spanner slippage issues I have found.

I only ever just NIP the chuck up. No hero moves required. And have never had a chuck come loose in operation.

I also enjoy the grip provided by the standard jaw and the fact that NO DOVETAIL IS REQUIRED for fit. Thanks for drawing attention to that feature.

I have on many occasions pointed that out fact to fellow woodturners who have had issue with their work holding.

Thanks again

[jackwebb]

Thanks for the review. I have a Nova G3 and two SN2 chucks but knowing that the jaw sets from several manufacturers will fit may be something to look into should I find the need for an additional jaw set or a different chuck to fill a need. Good information. Thanks.

[Bramsshed]

Hi Mike, I found this review very helpful  as I am considering getting a new chuck, I checked out the prices this side of the pond which is about £130. Think I'll be getting this any time soon !  Thanks Mike,    Cheers  Bram

[rogerdirkx.]

Mike, I understand there is no grub screw on the SC4 for reverse turning. Should that be a concern for the chuck coming off? Thanks Roger D.

[ArtGodard]

Thank you for the review. I would like to purchase the SC4 but I have a question about the inserts. I have an old PM90 lathe that is 1 1/2” x 8 (38mm x 8). I have a Nova G3 that threads straight on without any insert. My question is if the record power uses the same exterior thread as the Nova on inserts? I contacted Record Power and asked them what the threads on their inserts were but I cannot seem to ask the right questions for them to tell me the pitch on the exterior of the inserts. Any help would be most appreciated.

[mikelee]

Nice review.  It is good to know the 35mm bowl jaws are different from the Nova.  It looks like the 75mm jaws are the same though.

[turnerhugh]

Suggestion for a future video : Please explain how to best use the indexing plate on the back of the chuck.
Thanks

[todds]

The review is certainly appreciated. I've been kicking around the idea of getting one of these myself. Really like the Teknatool chucks and jaws and have the midi and Supernova 2 chucks that I really like, but the largest majority of turners in my club firmly believe in the Vicmarc chucks. They are great but I have a hard time spending that kind of money.

[bobostrowski]

Hi Mike, Great review! I've been subscribed for a while now and have enjoyed all of your videos. They're clear, concise, and very informative. You're one of my favorites on YouTube.

The Record Power chuck looks very interesting to me. I have a Nova G3 and don't really like it at all. There is a TON of play in the jaw slides. At a minimum, on each slide when the jaws are attached there is no less than 1/16" of wobble. This has been an issue when turning a small finial, pen blank, or what ever. I cannot rely on the piece being truly centered. My OneWay Talon has virtually no play at all in the slides, so I end up using it more often even though I like the Nova jaws better. WoodCraft has the Record Power S3 for $150 which is not a bad price at all. I may just give it a try. Thanks for posting this! I never would have known if the chuck existed or not until I saw this.

[jimrobb]

Thanks very much for your reply. I agree the hawk beak provides a super grip.
And as you point out, used with a parallel tenon.

Enjoying all your Youtube video's.

[icespeckledhens]

Thanks for the very good appraisal of the SC4 chuck.
Does the SC4 have a locking screw for use when the lathe is spinning in reverse and would it damage the spindle at all?
Thanks
James

[johnhorsfall]

Hi Mike. I have only ever bought and use Teknatool chucks in my workshop but have had on occasion use record and some very bad cheaper Chinese chucks.When record first stated selling chucks they sold re branded Teknatool chucks and I find the the new type they are selling are a knock out of the Teknatool design.The thing I find with Teknatool chucks is that the jaws made in the early seventies fit the most up to date chucks they make .I have a midi chuck made way back when (1970s) which takes all the modem jaws and if I had the inclination I could set it up with the new clip on style. This midi chuck is still working very well after 40yrs of hard labor. It was from the first production of the four jaw chucks, at that time they were not putting there brand on them( Nova ) that show how close it is to being one of the first four jaw chucks made by Teknatool, it is now my dedicated Cole jaw chuck. I have found that most chucks I have used are in some way a copy of the Teknatool product as Teknatool invented the four jaw chuck way back when. The only thing that I don't like about the Teknatool product is that it is now made in china instead of New Zealand or the USA. Great un boxing Mike I very much enjoy your videos you have a lot of knowledge and thank you for shearing it I get a lot out of it and you have taught me a lot. Sorry for being so long winded hahaha :o)

[jeffoldham]

mike will the jaws on your g3 interchange with the sc3 chuck, , , just a quick note to your viewers, , i had a teknatool infinity chuck that was about 2 yrs old and one of the pins that release the jaws would not release, , called teknatool and it was replaced within one week and they paid postage both ways, , , superb customer service!!!!

[Lee-qpgf]

Hi Mike, just wondering if the profile of the Hawk Beak will work as well on a very shallow tenon.
Nice review
Lee

[czellner]

Hi Mike, Thanks for the review. Did I understand you to say that the Teknatool, Sorby Patriot and Record Power jaws are all usable on my Super Nova 2? If so, that is really good to know. Personally, I am very happy with my SN2 although it does seem backwards to turn the key counterclockwise to tighten down on something. Thanks again, Charlie

[MikePeaceWoodturning]

There are two different 1 1/4x8 inserts. Be aware that only the 2132 Thread Adaptor 1-1/4” x 8 TPI UNS-RHhas a threaded hole and insert screw to secure the chuck when in reverse. The other one, 2162, does not and I understand that model is being discontinued.

[seniorchiefharris]

Thanks Mike for a great review of the Record chucks and jaws! I've been looking at them since Craftsupply started carrying them as they seem to be nicely made and finished. One question though, does the insert that comes with the chuck have a set screw to allow reverse turning? Thanks again for all of your videos and sharing your expertise! Safe turning always!

[turnerhugh]

Just saw this on sale at woodcraft so thanks for the review.