There are a number of creative woodturnings that can be made with the use of an Eccentric Spiraling Chuck. Since I started carrying the Axminster products I have been intrigued by the Eccentric and Spiraling Chuck that they produce.
Axminster Eccentric Spiraling Chuck
• CNC manufactured in Axminster by Axminster
• For Axminster type C jaws and similar jaw designs
• Fits 8mm deep, 15° dovetail jaws, which adjust to 70mm
• Turn eccentric and spiraled stems, spiral patterns, etc.
In stock
I was inspired to turn a ‘Three Center Spire Box”, originally developed by the late Chris Stott. This inspiration push came from Paul Howard, who sent me some documents and images that he has given me permission to share here. One of the documents was a dimensional drawing of the Spire Box. You can find this box and many of Chris Stott’s design in his book “Turned Boxes, 50 Designs”. I think I bought my copy back in 2004, I think.
Here is a copy of the dimensional drawing of the Three Center Spire Box from Chris’s book. Paul got permission to share this from Chris before he passed away.
Paul Howard created a shop made version of an eccentric chuck that is quite capable. Here is the pdf document.
Paul also sent along a pdf of some instructions on how to turn the Three Center Spire Box, which he calls an Offset Finial Box. In this writeup, Paul goes through the process of making the Offset Finial Box using his shop made Offset Chuck.
In the photo below, Paul share this progress of creating the Offset Finial Box using the Axminster Eccentric Spiraling Chuck.
The process is essentially the same whether you make the Offset Chuck or buy the Axminster Eccentric Spiraling Chuck. However the Axminster version does have the extra capability of creating spiral designs. This chuck was originally designed by Tony Witham and then eventually productized by Axminster into a commercial offering. Below is the instruction that come with the Axminster chuck.
Finally here is my first attempt at making a Three Center Spire Box using the Axminster Eccentric Spiraling Chuck. This box is turned from red cedar, which is a very soft wood. The blank was not long enough for the full design by Chris Stott, so I made some different choices. This is what I love about woodturning – being able to create unique items.
I hope this inspires others to create some unique wood turned treasures. I can’t wait to see what you create. Email me your project photos and I will share them in our newsletter.
Happy turning, Tod.