hello everyone. new too woodturning. bought a king canada  mega lathe( not sure where mega comes into play lol) but price was right brand new still had grease on it for 150 canadian. finally got all set up and wife decided she like too turn. ok well bought another lathe again great deal still in grease and package wrap for 400 canadian and its a craftex. im in the market for a better chuck and of course money is not unlimited like most i have a budget. ive read and seen reviews of 2 chucks. Nova 3G and PSI CSC2000C Barracuda. because i have a budget both these items are listed on amazon. my question is can i get some feed back on these 2 chucks and also for a beginner if you have any other better suggestions i welcome the replys. really like too get something that is self centering. thanks everyone

I also have the G3 Nova Ken and fairly new to wood turning and love the chuck. Holds everything I have turned so far including 10 inch bowls and lots of peppermills. Made a set of plywood Cole jaws for it and they work well too.

Welcome to the forum, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and level of support and helpful information found here.

Your profile doesn't indicate where you live - another great source of information and assistance can be a local wood turning group.  Often members are quite willing to share experience with different lathes, tools, and techniques.  Some groups also offer classes and demonstrations.  I don't know the specifics of it, but I understand there is a listing somewhere on the web site of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), identifying all local turning groups affiliated with the AAW.

Be very attentive to bowl blanks from dead trees.  As wood dries it develops shrinkage cracks, including undrr the bark.  During periods of higher humidity the wood can absorb moisture and expand, making the cracks less noticeable.  Check the wood constantly for cracks.  After such an experience with a standing dead tree I won't take the risk of wood flying apart on the lathe.  And at minimum wear an impact rated full face shield and stay out of the "line of fire" a chunk of wood would travel.  Reed Gray aka Robo Hippy has a YouTube video on this.

Hey Ken, I sent you a PM, with some info for a G3 chuck

Cheers
James

I agree that the G3 is probably more what you want than the PSI chuck.  The best thing about the G3 is that if you decide you want a larger chuck the Supernova II will hold all the jaws you have for the G3.  If you watch Woodcraft's sales, they will often put Supernova II chucks on sale with 4 different sets of jaws.