collet chuck

[garrygunParticipant @garrygun]

Hi guys, i have a harrison m300 lathe, what affordable collet chuck would you recomend.

Garry,

[garrygunParticipant @garrygun]

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

From time to time a D mount collet chuck appears for sale, not often but grab it when you can. I have one for my M300. They use EC Series Pratt Burnerd collets. You can still buy backplate mounted collet chucks but ouch

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

 I use a Burnerd Multisize collet chuck on my Harrison.

Phil

Edited By JasonB on 04/10/2013 07:47:52

[jonathan heppelParticipant @jonathanheppel43280]

It depends on the collets you want, and the work you do. Multisize are very good but the ones I've used can't hold short pieces.

The cheapest and probably most accurate collet holder would be a spindle taper adaptor, probably to 5c. You could even make your own soft one. The drawbar is easy, if you're happy with a simple screw type.

You are limited to 27mm/1 1/16" bore with 5c but it is an industry standard and there's loads of stuff like larger step collets, squares and hexagons too. If you buy sets in bar stock sizes plus fill-ins to suit the work you should be fairly well covered. Remember that in emergency you can make collet liners if you don't have the dead size. Be warned that quality varies hugely, so buy carefully.

Then there's the ER series, which being size tolerant may end up a bit cheaper overall, but probably less accurate and versatile. It's worth remembering that ER is primarily a toolholding system in industry, though obviously can hold work also.

[egaParticipant @ega]

My vintage Willson slantbed came with a Burnerd Multisize collet chuck and collets designated MC3 -13 (1.125" – 1.5&quot. These look similar to the EC collets mentioned by KWIL and I was interested to see from the Rotagrip website that EC collets can be used with hexagonal as well as smooth round stock. If you have the money you can also get collets with serrated jaws for gripping black bar, etc.

Depending upon what is meant by "affordable", I would consider a taper-mounted ER40 chuck and collets (range 3-26mm).

[Anonymous]

I use Burnerd EC multisize collets on my M300. The spindle is bored 1.5" so why would you want to limit options by chosing a smaller style of collet?

Regards,

Andrew

[egaParticipant @ega]

Andrew Johnston:

garrygun said "affordable". I imagine you know more about this than I do so what would you suggest?

Incidentally, in my post what was intended to be a right bracket has come out as an emoticon.

[Anonymous]

ega: The comment on limiting options wasn't aimed at you, or anyone else. It's interesting that all those who have posted so far, who have a M300, are using EC collets.

Since I know nothing of the circumstances of the OP I have no idea what he has in mind by 'affordable'. I am sure he is capable of assessing the replies to his post and making a decision based on his circumstances.

Regards,

Andrew

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

You should also think about your other machines as long term affordability would include not having to buy another set for something else. eg 5c will aso fit a spindex if you get one but you can get an ER spindex (at more cost). I have 3c in my Boxford and also have a 3MT dividing head they can be used in.

[jonathan heppelParticipant @jonathanheppel43280]

Fact is, people have a natural though unfortunate tendency do defend what they own regardless of the limitations. The 11mm difference can be circumvented with soft jaws and a scroll chuck.

All systems have strengths and weaknessess so it's back to what work is being done to take advantage of the former and mitigate the latter.

It's worth mentioning that most of the "great" toolroom machines were fitted for spring collets, more often than not 5c

[garrygunParticipant @garrygun]

Thanks guys for your replys , i need these to be fairly accurate also to save time setting up a 4jaw chuck especialy when you have several of same items to turn. as for affordable, im not rich so i would like to buy the right ones first.

cheers garry.

[Author]

Posts