PSI Woodworking CSC3000C Barracuda Wood Lathe Key Chuck System

Reviews of PSI Woodworking CSC3000C Barracuda Wood Lathe Key Chuck System

1.) Good chuck for the money
Reviewed by: Bernie Bernbaum Tustin, CA USA
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I've had this chuck for over a year now and have used it quite a bit. I find it easy to use and reliable. You get a fairly complete set of jaws as part of the standard package - I added the large flat jaws but wish they were even bigger.

Someone asked about the screws holding the jaws on - I also worried about losing one or more in the shavings when I was changing the jaws so I contacted PSI and asked them about buying some more. The sent me eight screws free. If you're having problems (like with the allen wrench), contact them. I've always found them extremely responsive.

2.) PSI barracuda chuck
Reviewed by: score usa
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an excellent value. i have used this lathe chuck to turn everything from small vessels to larger bowls. it does everything that i have asked of it. that and the same chuck is sold by PSI on thier website for $20 more +shipping is an instant discount by purchasing through Amazon.

3.) Good solid chuck for the money
Reviewed by: Woodcarve1 Wichita,KS USA
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This is a good chuck that does everything they say it does. Even though it may not be quite as smooth operating as a ONEWAY chuck, it is much more reasonably priced. And it is there that you get the biggest bang for your buck and it will do everything a Oneway will do.
George

4.) Barracuda Wood Lathe Chuck
Reviewed by: Jim Boyett Santa Rosa, CA
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I have this chuck installed on an old Shopsmith with an adapter. It runs true and is very easy to adjust the jaws of the chuck. So far, I have absolutely no complaints. It works fine and having the extra sets of jaws make it very versatile.

5.) I have several brands, this is my favorite
Reviewed by: Ben Ellison
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This is the easiest to use and centers better than all the ones I have, I love it.

6.) Wonderful Tool
Reviewed by: Rex Breaux Bridge, Lao People's Democratic Republic
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Received my barracuda 2 Chuck and it's GREAT!! Does'nt have a back pate but that has nothing to do with it's performance,It works like it's supposed to.GREAT Product at a GREAT Price.Don't know how Amozon can do it But their prices Beat a lot of sellers.Have been a loyal Amazon Costomer and look forward to my next Purchase,as for this Chuck For the Price it can't be BEAT!! You can spend much more and get much LESS,so go ahead and order one of these(CSC3000C)and you won't be Dissapointed!!With all the extrasJaws you get in the kit plus the Case to keep it in it's too good to pass up this bargan,I love Mine and plan on using it a lot....Happy Turning....until we meet again....Rykaman....My rating is a definite (5) STARS!!!!!

7.) very good chuck
Reviewed by: Wood Guy NC
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This is an excellent tool. It's my first lathe chuck, but I can't imagine any other one being easier to use or more functional.

8.) A wood chuck to lust for
Reviewed by: Learner Athens, GA
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I received the Barracuda chuck promptly in excellent condition, all parts accounted for. Installation was simple and the directions straightforward. I have used this item for several different operations and have been duly impressed with its performance.

9.) nice
Reviewed by: J. Bridgford Missouri
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I'm glad I bought this, it meet nearly every need I could imagine. The quality is very high.

10.) Great Chuck
Reviewed by: G. Albertson Midwest
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This is a great chuck! Saves me a lot of time and is very easy to use. I don't know how I got along before I bought it.

11.) Barracuda Wood Lathe Key Chuck System
Reviewed by: Farmer Tack's Wife Bellevue, Michigan
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Sure makes lathe work - turning bowls, etc. - much easier

12.) Excellent Value
Reviewed by: Dogcatcher Republic of Texas
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For the price it is a good buy. You get the jaws and the chuck at a reasonable price. The quality is top notch for the what it costs.

13.) Wood Lathe Chuck
Reviewed by: PaulGx Alabama
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Good tool, and complete from the start haven't had to order additional jaws to do the turning that I do.

14.) Great Chuck
Reviewed by: Roger
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This is a great chuck for the money. I am impressed by the quality of all the pieces. It will help me do good things on the lathe. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a chuck system like this.

15.) Barracuda Wood lathe chuck
Reviewed by: Paul W. Mitchell Central Kentucky
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Real great little attachment.... Wish I had known about this item 20 years ago.... BUT, probably didn't exist back then.... Operation straight to the point and easy to use.... Very helpful in turning small parts like chess pieces and such

16.) Best overall chuck
Reviewed by: Glassinwood eastern ocean
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This is the chuck I turn to (sorry) most often and I think works the best. It's lots cheaper than the Nova and works as well or better. For those that find the jumbo jaws too small, get the Bill Grumbine video and then make the compression chuck he shows you...you'll never use the jumbo jaws again.

17.) PSI CSC3000C Barracuda Wood Lathe Chuck
Reviewed by: Lynn E. Claussen Fairfax, VA
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This is an excellent product and quite reasonalby priced compared to other similar products. I have used it a number of times and it is solid and well built.

18.) CHuck Review
Reviewed by: P. Robertson Red Lodge, MT
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It works great on the lathe. One can do many more things with this chuck.

19.) PSI Woodworking CSC3000C Barracuda Wood Lathe Key Chuck System
Reviewed by: Turner in North Carolina Goldsboro, NC
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Great chuck! I use my lath to turn pens and was using a drill press to bore holes in my blanks. When this baby showed up my quality and waste improved considerably. Must have for any lathe owner! Nice drill chuck wouldnt hurt either. Recomendation: BUY IT NOW

20.) There's probably no better value
Reviewed by: Early 70s techie 45 miles NW of Detroit
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This chuck is outstanding. It is designed and built very well. It looks great, comes with several sets of jaws for added versatility, runs true and performs as promised. I've looked at chucks from a wide range of competitors and can't imagine my having made a better choice for any reason. What more could one ask? I also purchased the companion jumbo flat jaws with which I'm equally pleased. No faults with either product.

21.) Barracuda Lathe Chuck
Reviewed by: JoJo an old Nam Vet
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Have had this for about a year now, and I haven't had any problems. I use it on my Jet mini lathe, and I have had really good results with the chuck. I would recommend it to anyone. -Peace-

22.) Instructions
Reviewed by: J. Stone
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The lack of instruction for the use of the screw chuck needs dire attention because at the time of this review I have still not figured out how to use the screw chuck with this system. I still don't understand how to mount the screw chuck to the body. Any assistance would be appreciated. Otherwise, I really like the Barracuda 2 jaw chuck system.

23.) Fits My Needs
Reviewed by: Bruce Mccorkle Marysville, WA USA
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Just upgraded to a Delta 46-715 and needed a bigger chuck. This system fit the bill, both cost and for my useage. I have a mini PSI chuck for a jet mini Lathe and have had great result. Saw a mag. review afterwords that comfirmed my choice.

24.) GREAT TOOL
Reviewed by: S. GUZMAN AZ,U.S,A
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I FOUNDED VERY EASY TO USE AND FELT COMFORTABLE WITH IT, COULDN'T DO WITH OUT IT.

25.) smooth chuck system
Reviewed by: tiburonefan redding ca
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very smooth operating chuck system, even added the jumbo flat jaws to mine, makes turning a snap. I too had the problem with the hex head screws, the wrench they sent was a 3.0mm, and the screws are actually a 5.0 mm. If anyone knows how to find replacement screws, please post. hard to find in any hardware store. All-in-all, best bang for the buck.

26.) A solid intro level lathe accessory
Reviewed by: Mark A. DeGreef Mitchellville, Iowa USA
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In the May 2007 issue of Wood magazine there is a short evaluation of this chuck. I have found the artical to be supported by my own experience. I have turned several bowls and boxes using the Barracuda2 system with complete success. The real plus for this system is the set of different jaws that come with the chuck, the versatility of the system allows for a wide range skill development. I also purchased the jumbo jaws at the same time, and this attachment was worth the added cost. It is the cost that makes this system the value that it is. The cost of what I purchase would not have covered the price of a higher price chuck and the jaws that came with it alone. This system does have limitations, but as my skills develope I can chose to up grade if I want, and still have a solid chuck system for basic turning.

27.) the single most useful lathe accessory I've bought
Reviewed by: Woodturner and Furniture maker Springfield, MO United States
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I bought this chuck just about a year ago. I have used it weekly since then and today bought the jumbo bowl jaws for it.

The good:
1. Price. It's much cheaper than the high end products from Oneway, Vicmarc, etc.
2. Machining is adequate. No runout. Jaws hold well.
3. Accessory jaws (flat bowl jaws, dovetail jaws, etc.) are available from PSI and are very affordable.

The bad:
1. It does occasionally require retightening while turning.
2. The key chuck is touchy and needs to be fully inserted to turn. I haven't had any problems with it not working and once you're used to it it won't bother you.

Other reviews have complained that this product isn't as good as Oneway's, Vicmarc's, etc. It's not meant to be. This is the entry level product in the 4-jaw chuck field, meant for us poorer folk to have access to what I now consider a vital bit of turning equipment.

For the price this chuck is top notch. If you're a beginner/intermediate turner looking for a first chuck, look right here.

28.) Barracuda CSC3000C lathe chuck
Reviewed by: KRD Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
Rating:

Well made and well priced. It was a very complete system with all the different jaws. I especially liked the 1"-8tpi with the adapter for smaller lathes with 3/4"-16 tpi because I'm sure I'll have to upgrade to a heavier lathe in the future, and I didn't want to have to purchase a new chuck. I added the Cole Jaws, and there's almost nothing I can't chuck on the lathe. The only complaint was that the carrying case wasn't designed to hold the chuck key and the allen wrench properly - a very minor issue.

29.) Great Chuck
Reviewed by: Kevin B. Wells Nicholson, GA USA
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This chuck is great. I was surprised when it arrived. It is well packed in a hard plastic case with a 1" cushion. The allen wrench fit (as opposed to earlier reviews). Each piece was individually wrapped as well. The range of plates included makes this an outstanding buy. I have used all of them in various projects and been very pleased with the performance. I recommend this to anyone looking for a new chuck.

October 2009: For 2 years now I have used this chuck exclusively. Not one time has it ever needed re-tightning once it was set. The only issue I have ever run into is there is a small margin of error between the large and medium jaws in which neither can grab the work (large is too big when fully tightened and medium is too small when fully expanded). Though I'v only run into this a half dozen times and now that I am aware of it I'm just careful not to turn chuck blocks into that range.
The open back does allow dust to get into the gears but one hit with the air hose and it cleans out quite well. I'v never had any item break (all original parts still function) and I run this chuck about 25-30 hours every week.
Like any good quality tool, if you take care of it, it will last you many years.

30.) I agree with Dan Arnold
Reviewed by: shmavey wyoming
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I agree with Dan Arnold. Mine has an open back but I see why they did it. If they put a cover on the back it would leave holes (key hole) to fill full of dust. I wish it was sealed with a sealed hex key instead of an open gear key. I am very happy with is as my first chuck. I have not used any others so I cannot compare. Jaws all attach with ease and a great machined fit. No vibration from chuck, very balanced. I did have to tighten it up a few times the first time I used the wood worm. but I got it mounted finally in a way that kept it tight. Mine was NOT exactly as shown in the picture.

31.) Great chuck and jaws set
Reviewed by: B. Meyers Wheaton, IL USA
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I have been using this chuck for 9 months on my Jet 708376 JWL-1220 12-inch X 2-inch Wood Lathe and it works great. It comes with a screw chuck and several sets of jaws to hold your piece firmly to the lathe. The check key is easy to use to tighten the jaws. Changing the jaws is easy, but it makes me wish I had another dedicated chuck body per jaws set to speed my turning.. Perhaps someday I'll buy a second set.

32.) So, So
Reviewed by: frogman SC
Rating:

This was my second CSC3000. The newest version is less desirable than my original one bought 2-3 yrs. ago. The chuck body seems more open and collects dust quickly. I finish a lot of stuff on the lathe. It works OK and the jaw set is fine for 10" and smaller dia. The chuck has trouble holding larger or very unbalanced loads. All in all it's OK for the money but not as good as the Oneway. I bought this from Amazon for about $10 less than it sells from PSI direct and got free shipping. DUH!! PSI, anybody home?

33.) CSC3000
Reviewed by: Hawk Jordan
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Nice finish, I like the look better than the gold model. Good grip on wood, however, I would rather have dovetail jaws as the design of the PSI supplied jaws produce lines on wood.

34.) Good Product
Reviewed by: Jackson Dog massachusetts
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Pretty good product. You can change out chucks pretty fast, but not real fast. It does take a little bit of time to change the chucks out.

35.) Good system for the woodturner.
Reviewed by: Andy
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Recently purchased this PSI chuck. Just getting started into woodturning but knew enough from other people getting a chuck like this would be very handy. And it is! The jaw system is very strong and holds the pieces of wood well. Also comes with plenty of various jaws that make it ideal for many different types of projects. The one problem I had was the screw that comes with this chuck is fairly small and broke on me, but I was turning a bowl that may have been a bit big for the system, so it was not a manufacture defect. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good chuck for a decent price.

36.) Wood Turners delight...
Reviewed by: Skip Phoenix
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When it arrived, I couldn't wait to use it!!

It was fantastic, and a great addition/help to my wood turning shop.

37.) CSC3000C CHUCK
Reviewed by: John W. Stevens Chillicothe, Ohio
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The chuck seems to work fine, but the hex wrench that came as part of the kit does not fit the screws that holds the various parts of the lathe chuck adaptors at all. An sae 1/8th inch hex key will remove and replace the flat head screws but they are a very poor fit and over time will probably round out screws. Quality control is very poor in this area.
Thank you John W. Stevens

38.) Not quite what I expected
Reviewed by: ColoradoHermit Canon City, Colorado USA
Rating:

This is a good little chuck but I'm still a bit disappointed in it. First thing I noticed when I took it out of the case is it doesn't have a back on it. I was a machinist for over 20 years and I have NEVER seen a chuck without a back plate on it. There are three drilled and tapped holes on the back for a plate, but no cover plate. This leaves the gear inside exposed to get clogged up with dust and chips.
Another thing about this chuck is the way that the chuck key fits into the ring gear inside it. I have never seen one like this before either. You have to be sure that the tip of the chuck key is fully inserted into a hole on the inside of the chuck before trying to tighten or loosen it. If its not then the teeth on the end of the chuck key slip out of the teeth on the ring gear and could damage them. I have posted pictures of this with the product description.
After clamping a work piece in the chuck you need to stop and re-tighten it a few times as your working on it. It has a tendency to loosen as its being run. And be careful when stopping the lathe. My chuck has screwed itself off of the spindle a couple of times after I turn the lathe off.
But, over all and compared to the more expensive chucks that are about a $100 more than this one, it's still a pretty good deal and a fairly good chuck for the price.
After uploading the pictures of the one that I got I have notice that it is NOT the one shown in the product picture. The one shown and that I thought I was ordering has sealed inserts for the square end of the chuck key. Like a normal chuck does. NOT at all like this Abortion that I got that is all open.
Is anybody else's chuck like this abortion of one that I got or did you get the one shown? Please let me know.

39.) Chuck Key Slips
Reviewed by: grumpy old man Florida
Rating:

It's ok for the money but not great. The chuck key slips off the teeth in the chuck when you try to tighten the jaws. You need to be exactly on them and apply downward pressure as you tighten. It holds ok but seems to loosen up and the wood flys out occasionally. Old adage, you get what you pay for. If I were to buy another one,it would be a Oneway.

40.) chuck for lathe
Reviewed by: bestframeman NC, USA
Rating:

The chuck is doing what I thought it would do. Not as smooth as others I have used but for the money it is ok. The one draw back is you can only get a jumbo jaw to fit this chuck for 8 inch wide. Other jumbo jaws will not fit this chuck. Therefor it you will be turning bowls larger than 8 inch diameter, I would not get this chuck. I know I will have to buy, in the future, another chuck that will take a larger jumbo jaw. I'm just getting into bowl turning and did not want to spend a lot of money until I know I'm going to stick with this for awhile.

41.) Helpful
Reviewed by: Grandpa Davey's Woodworking Shop Huntsville, Al
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I like it, but the "Screw Chcuk" accessory broke off into my second project. Could be metal fatuge, but broke is broke. Other than that, it is a heavy duty addition that I use often.

42.) Good and Bad
Reviewed by: Darrell W. Campbell
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Overall I am happy with the chuck. It holds bowls well and is pretty easy to use. Unfortunately the screw chuck broke on its second use which is disappointing. The instructions could be better--you have to use intuitive trial and error too much. I would recommend this chuck for beginners (like me) because of its cost. Don't trust the screw chuck if you buy it.

43.) buy a better one
Reviewed by: Clyde
Rating:

Nice unit if you don't plan to use it very long. I wore mine out in 2 years .The gears are cheap.

Features of PSI Woodworking CSC3000C Barracuda Wood Lathe Key Chuck System

1.) Includes four (4) Self-Centering Jaw sets to hold Round and Square Stock for turning, pre-threaded for 1x8tpi, and has an adapter for 3/4x16tpi. spindles;
2.) Includes #1 Step Jaws for dowels: 3/32-to-1-3/8-Inch, Holes: 11/16-to-2-3/8-Inch;
3.) Includes #2 Round Jaws, for dowels: 7/8-to-1-1/2-Inch Holes: 1-1/4-to-2-Inch;
4.) Includes #3 Round Jaws, external grip 3-1/16-to-4-3/8-Inch;
5.) Includes Pin jaws which hold inside holes 1-to-2-1/4-Inch, and a screw chuck;

Package Height x Length x Width: 14.8 in. x 14.8 in. x 10.5 in.
Package Weight: 8.55 lbs.