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Ellipse Chuck
Overview

Historical Ellipse Chuck
An Ellipse Chuck is used to make oval parts. It is sometimes called an elliptical chuck or oval chuck.

Ellipse Chuck
Examples of this device in use
- This YouTube video, Holtzapffel No. 2410 Ornamental Turning Lathe with an elliptical (oval) chuck frame turning a Red Mallee shows an ellipse chuck in use.
Usage Notes
- Dale Larson shows how to turn an oval bowl in this YouTube video.
How it works
- David Springett (author of Woodturning Wizardry) describes this device best in this video.
- This YouTube video, Elliptical Turning: An Introduction presented by David Springett is quite good.
- Wes Pilley made one and showed pictures along the way on his Instagram page.
This is not a project that I would recommend for the weekend machinist.
More Information
Books and Papers
- The Rose Engine Lathe, by Norman Tweddle. This book has some great examples of this tool in use.
- Paul Pryibil secured a patent, #94,130 on 24 August 1869 for an "Improvement in Machine for Turning Ovals". The patent can be read here.
Web Sites
- John Edwards' web site, OrnamentalTurning.co.uk, really does a far better job explaining these devices than I could ever do, and there is also a lot of great information there which is worth reading.
- Understanding the historical devices really helps make one far better at understanding and using today's rose engines. The newer designs for devices like a spherical slide still draw much from what was done more than a hundred years ago. And this is why so many books that were written up to 200 years ago are referenced in the Books section.
Presentations
- 3D Printed Ellipse Chuck (YouTube video) by PT.
Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at OTBookOfKnowledge @ Gmail.com. The process of woodturning involves the use of tools, machinery and materials which could cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment. |