Turners Select Spindle Adapter Review

I found myself needing/wanting to use my baby Nova G3 chuck on Big Blue, mainly because I prefer using my big lathe instead of my 1950s craftsman.  So I ordered the turners select spindle adapter for $21.95 from Craft Supplies USA.  

As soon as the shipment arrived, I threw it on the lathe to try out my new toy.  Unfortunately, it didnt fit...  I was rather surprised to find that the thread relief (section that goes over smooth section of lathe spindle) was too small.  The adapter would not fully seat on the lathe spindle.  This greatly reduces the odds of the adapter running true, and could damage the spindle if you were to use the adapter and experience a catch while turning.  Not a gamble I wanted to take. 

showing thread relief of spindle adapter

I called Craft Supplies USA to inquire about the dimensions of this adapter and explained my situation. The rep was very helpful and informed me that these spindle adapters are an exact copy of the Vicmarc adapters and that the thread relief should fit all wood lathes.  He also confirmed that my adapter was not inconsistent with others they have in stock.

I find it interesting that there wouldnt be more clearance in the thread relief area, but it looks like theres not too much I can do unless I want to pay double and chance that the Vicmarc adapter would work.  I thanked the man for his time and went to the machine shop.  A friend of mine was happy to open up the problem area to 1.505" which fixed the problem and gives me a spindle adapter that will actually work!

My overall opinion of this product is this:

I think for the price, its a good item.  Once I had my issue fixed, it hasnt offered to give me any trouble.  The adapter runs true on my lathe and works just fine.  

That being said, there really isnt any reason to not open up the thread relief on these items. Removing even .01" (double what I removed from mine) isnt going to compromise the strength of the part and it will greatly increase compatibility.  

If I had to do it all over again, Id probably still buy the same adapter and modify it as needed.  Id be in a real mess though without a machine shop to work with.

I was not compensated for this review, as Craft Supplies USA has no idea who I am.  I ordered the product and paid for it myself.  The views expressed are mine alone.

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