Question about small capacity 5c collets

[Chengdave2003]

I recently purchased a set of 5c collets from 5/64" - 1 1/8" by 64ths for use in a collet chuck for my lathe and a spin indexer for my mill. Looking at the collets, I'm trying to figure out when you would use the smaller collets, such as 3/64", 1/16", etc.

Dave

 

[stevehuckss396]

I recently purchased a set of 5c collets from 5/64" - 1 1/8" by 64ths for use in a collet chuck for my lathe and a spin indexer for my mill. Looking at the collets, I'm trying to figure out when you would use the smaller collets, such as 3/64", 1/16", etc.

Dave

I will soon be using a 3/32 collet to hold some valves by there stems. You never know when you might need a collet that small.

 

[Blogwitch]

Dave,

It might seem obvious, but for holding the same sized diameter rod.

I use the imperial and small sized metric collets, mainly for making small studs, and yes, when using very sharp HSS tooling, you can turn and thread very small diameters if needed, mainly for B.A. sized studs. Not for single point threading, but for use with dies, but even single pointing wouldn't be out of the question if needed.

So I expect that you, eventually, will require those small sizes, even though at this time, it doesn't seem feasible to yourself.


Bogs

 

[kustomkb]

I've been saving up for the same set.

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

You will soon be glad you have them.

I just used my 1/16th inch collet to make a "D" reamer yesterday. (at work)

 

[Chengdave2003]

I'm not really into model engines, although there is a fascination by them for me. I do make and sell motorcycle parts (mostly for Harley S&S and Keihin carbs). I'm very much an amateur machinist that has only recently started using collets.

Thank you both for your replies. Of course I knew there was a reason...I just didn't realize what it was! Actually makes a lot of sense now....

I don't have the 3/64" collet, but was planning on getting it anyway just to finish that set. I figured (as y'all did) that I would eventually find a use for it!

Dave

 

[Chengdave2003]

I wish I could say that I have a quality set, but it's made in China or Taiwan. I have to say I LOVE using them though...especially in the collet chuck...

I've been saving up for the same set.

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

You will soon be glad you have them.

I just used my 1/16th inch collet to make a "D" reamer yesterday. (at work)

 

[Blogwitch]

I get a very 'safe' feeling when working around my collet chuck when making small parts. There are no nasty sticky out bits very close to your fingers that you get with a normal chuck.

I reckon about 40% to 50% of my lathe work is now done with a collet chuck.

Bogs

 

[bearcar1]

Dave, most jaw chucks are not able to close down that far accurately, thus having the capability to do so with a collet allows the operator to turn small diameter stock easily. Another benefit of using a collet is it allows for close in to the headstock work without fear of the toolpost hitting what would normally be a large chuck.

BC1
Jim

 

[Chengdave2003]

I'm now such a fan of the 5c collet (and the tools they go in) that I want as complete a collection as I can get. I also have some square and expandable collets, but not any hex or metric collets. Lucky for me when I ordered the vertical collet rack for 72 collets, they inadavertently sent me an extra rack (minus the sides). I cut a couple pieces of small thin angle iron and mounted the extra rack above the bottom rack so I have a lot of room for collets. It's very secure and (so far) doesn't seem to want to fall over.

I just couldn't figure out what one would do with such small capacity collets. The smallest I've chucked up is probably 1/8". But if I'd thought, folks that like miniature things (like engines) would need to turn some darned small parts. I'm going to have to try just to see what it's like!

Dave

 

[shred]

FWIW, not having a complete set of tiny 5C collets (the preferable option), an,d having a full set of ER-16, I chuck my 3/4" shank ER-16 toolholder in the 3/4" collet and use that for tiny bits. Obviously there's twice the possible error, but TIR isn't bad.

 

[Chengdave2003]

I've seen tool holders for the ER32... Is there any added flexibility or other advantage to having those collets also?

 

[1hand]

Dave I think them two racks go together with the sides to make the one rack.

 

[Chengdave2003]

I had to go out to make sure, but although I could have come up with a joiner piece, it's not made to go that way. I had ordered a 72 collet rack and it came but with an extra rack. I think there was a disgruntled Chinese worker involved...

Here's the rack I've got. Picture another identical rack, but without the sides mounted on top with shop made brackets and you'd have my setup.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=949587&PMAKA=239-9040

Dave

Dave I think them two racks go together with the sides to make the one rack.

 

[1hand]

I see what your saying. When I got mine I was wondering how the hell this suppose to go together. It ends up being a double top.

I may be wrong but its the only way I could see making it work. Don't matter now, I made a built in above my lathe for them now. I agree I wouldn't be with out my 5c's now that I have them.

Matt

 

[Chengdave2003]

Now that makes sense, more so because it's a vertical rack!. I've got over 72 collets now so having it set up the way I've got it works for me.

I absolutely love your set-up! It's a beautiful thing...

I see what your saying. When I got mine I was wondering how the hell this suppose to go together. It ends up being a double top.

I may be wrong but its the only way I could see making it work. Don't matter now, I made a built in above my lathe for them now. I agree I wouldn't be with out my 5c's now that I have them.

Matt

 

[Blogwitch]

Dave,

Don't worry about getting hex collets. Hex bar will fit nicely into a round collet as long as you make sure that the corners of the bar are not sitting in the collet slots. I have never had one move yet, and I have turned some real tough hex bar.

Because I have a little trouble with my right arm, I have set up a 3/8" air driver to do all the screwing/unscrewing for me on the collet chuck. If you have piped air in your shop, this does solve the PITA job of all the screwing required to change a collet. I then use the normal key for tweaking up onto the job.

Again, because of me having to use my left arm, I have set the collets up within easy reach when I am sitting at the lathe.

Imperial in the top collet rack, then the next rack, metric, followed by square (and they are a very tight fit to size if you ever get any), then under those are the specials.

I also use 5C a lot on the mill and surface grinder as well, there are all sorts of holders you can get for them, but some are not really needed unless you have a specific call for them. You can usually get away with a spindexer and a collet block set.

Bogs

 

[Chengdave2003]

Very nice setup!!!! And a clean shop...I recently had foot surgery that requires me to remain in a wheelchair/crutches for about 2-3 months and precludes me from going out to the shop. I'd love to go out and give my shop a once-over to put things in order....

Thank you for the heads up on the hex collets. They are much more expensive than the round ones. I have six square collets, and want to finish up that set. With a complete set of Imperial collets (by 64ths), is it still handy to have the metric collets?

My collet chuck is also Chinese/Taiwanese and I recently broke the indexing key. Using the wrench made for it was going to be a problem as the collet just wanted to spin. I did the same thing you did with the socket extension, except I just so happened to have a broken one. The square for the key on mine is a bit smaller than 1/2" so I had to do some emergency grinding to get my extension to fit. I removed the broken key and used a small screwdriver in the collet chuck (to keep it from turning) and the extension and pneumatic ratchet to remove the collet. I made a new key, and plan to mill the flats (verses rough grinding) on the socket extension as, like you're saying, it can be quite handy tightening up the collet chuck.

Dave

 

[mu38&Bg#]

Bogs, I like the arrangement for the quick change tool holders. I was going to make a shelf above my lathe, but that looks like a better solution.

 

[shred]

Bogs, I like the arrangement for the quick change tool holders. I was going to make a shelf above my lathe, but that looks like a better solution.

Bog's QC rack is excellent.. You can see all the tools at a glance, they fit closely together and pop in and out easily. I made myself a set a while back and have now run out of pins, so must make more. Highly recommended. The full details are over here: http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=1029.0

 

[Blogwitch]

Pat,

The only problem I have is that I have very little ceiling support, so I can't use a pendant balance for the chucks, but it has enough strength to support my power driver.

I was lucky and was given about half a dozen pendant hangers many years ago, but to buy one that will support a large chuck will cost big bucks.

I have recently been given a car wheelchair lift that should be able to do the job, but I am torn whether to use it on the lathe for chucks or mill for vices.


Thanks for the plug Shred, you saved me having to search for the post.

I now have got to make another one as I will be making a load of lightweight and skinny toolholders soon. I use a lot of 1/4" & 3/8" tooling plus small boring bars, and there is no need to have full height toolholders to mount them. I should be able to get 4 skinny holders out of the material used to make 2 normal ones.


John