3-jaw chuck marring work

[Elmojo]

Hi all,
Until I can afford a decent 4-jaw chuck for my bowl turning, I'm stuck with a 3-jaw. This one to be exact: http://grizzly.com/products/5-3-Jaw-Chuck-1-x-8-TPI/H8038
Does anyone know any tricks to using this chuck in such a way as to not put jaw marks on the foot of my finished bowls? It's kinda driving me batty.

 

[Makinsawdust]

There's not a way to keep this from happening that I know of. That's why most folks us jumbo jaws, or a jam chuck to reverse the bowl and turn the foot last.
Rob

 

[DaveO]

How are you chucking??? Often if you chuck in a recess the marks are lost. But with a tenon they will be quite visible. Makinsawdust has the best answer, turn off your chucking method after you turn the bowl.
A very wise turner once told me that the secret to a good turning is to not let folks know how it was turned. I always pick up a turned piece and look to see how it was held...with the best you can't tell.

Dave

 

[William Roscoe]

That's the same chuck I've been "learning with". My problem is I'm using spalted maple and you cannot over tighten the jaws or the wood will split. That being said, I've been dodging bowls flying thru my shop. Someday I'm going to get a chuck with the little angled piece I can put in the recess and spread it out.

 

[striker]

Mike,

Purely a guess here, but is it possible to make/use a split ring between your work piece and the chuck? In other words a sacrificail piece that would spread the load over a larger area on your work piece.

Possibly a laminated piece of hardwood so it would have some integrity and not fly apart.

Stephen

 

[CarvedTones]

I am a software developer, so I am adept at making problems into features...

Carefully reposition the bowl a few times and you will end up with a dental molding effect on the rim. :rotflm:

I saw your other thread and it seems you have the 4 jaw now.

 

[Elmojo]

I am a software developer, so I am adept at making problems into features...

Carefully reposition the bowl a few times and you will end up with a dental molding effect on the rim. :rotflm:
I saw your other thread and it seems you have the 4 jaw now.

I love it! Dental molding :icon_cheers
I don't have the other chuck yet, but all will be well very soon.
I like the split rign idea, though. I may have to try that just for giggles.
Thanks to everyone for the advice.