This collet chuck, adapted from a drill-press attachment, is inexpensive but effective for turning miniatures on the lathe. To make the chuck, purchase a drill-press attachment called a collet chuck with heavy collar (Sears part No. 9-24672). The holding collar that fastens the device to the drill press is not needed on the lathe. You’ll also need an adapter pin with a male No. 33 Jacobs taper on one end and a Morse taper on the other end to fit your lathe spindle.

Fit the chuck to the lathe, then tighten the collet on a short length of 1/2-in. dowel, and you’re ready to turn. A set of bushings that comes with the chuck will let you turn 1/4-in. and 3/8-in. dowels in addition to the nominal 1/2-in.

R.E. Hollenbach, Livermore, Calif.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, April 1985 No. 51

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