One of the most useful tools a woodturner can employ is the chuck. While lathe chucks are not strictly necessary, they do make turning, especially bowl turning, MUCH easier. The problem with lathe chucks has always been that they are so expensive. The Barracuda 2 chuck solves that problem. It offers excellent utility and versatility at a very agreeable price.
The Barracuda 2 will fit any lathe with a 3/4”-16tpi or 1”-8tpi spindle. It includes four sets of jaws and a chuck screw to handle a variety of gripping applications. It operates with one hand so you can hold your workpiece with the other.
| Jaw Set |
Internal Chucking Capacity |
External Chucking Capacity |
| Pin Jaws |
1" to 2-3/8" |
NA |
| #1 Step Jaws |
7/8" to 2-3/8" |
3/8" to 1-3/4" |
| #2 Jaws |
2" to 3-3/8" |
1-3/4" to 3" |
| #3 Jaws |
3-3/8" to 4-7/8" |
2-7/8" to 4-5/8" |
To be clear, the Barracuda 2 chuck will never fully replace a premium chuck like a Oneway or Nova. Premium chucks offer many more jaw sets, fit many more lathes and can hold much heavier workpieces. That said, the Barracuda 2 is a great chuck at a great price.
