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Thread: Collets

  1. #1
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    Default Collets

    What is the best type of collet to use as i noticed that there quite a few different types in the ER collets ? Would the ER 40 be a good choice to invest in

  2. #2
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    Depends on what maximum holding size you want, ER40 will hold up to 25mm, ER32 up to 20mm and ER25 up to 16mm.

    The price you pay for the extra 5mm in the ER40 is a much bigger chuck and more expense, both for the collets and the chuck(s).

    I have 2 sets of ER25 and I now wish I had gone for the ER32 sets, but I don't think I would go for the ER40.

  3. #3
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    I mentioned this in a post to Rod M the other day about collet chucks for his shiny new mill. I have ER 32's along with others for my mill but I did purchase an ER40 chuck and an 1" and a 25mm collet to suit for the corresponding sized cutters I sometimes use. I did not buy a complete set of ER40 collets because most of my cutters can be accommodated in the ER32 chuck.

    If I was starting from scratch and wanted to buy a collet set for my lathe I would consider the ER40 simply because of the increased holding range they offer. Space isn't an issue on my Hercus lathe. It certainly is on both my little mills.

    I don't know if you intend using a collet chuck in a mill or lathe but if it is for a mill then having more than one chuck is real handy. I have six. A mixture of 25s and 32s along with an Autolock. As Greq Q once said, having cutters set up in chucks as "go to" tools is a real convenience. One of those conveniences is maintaining the exact position of the cutter, something pretty troublesome if you are limited to one chuck.

    Just my thoughts...

    BT

    ps. I also have ER 11, 16, and 20 sets. Cheap as chips from CTC. Then I have some Schaublin and Rego Fix collets, not so cheap as chips.

  4. #4
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    Ueee is offline Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Machinist, Messmaker
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    Default

    Hi Dave,
    I have an ER40 and an ER25. I need more chucks as i only have one of each and for repetitive work its a real pain. I would go for an ER40 only for larger work, and a 25/20 for smaller work. Holding a 6mm tool in the 40 you will soon find the nut gets in the way of your view of the cut. Buy from CTC or similar- the H&F ones are way too expensive and probably come out of the same factory.
    1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.

  5. #5
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    Yes I agree, ER32 is best on size and price.

    Very useful and CTC Tools can't be beat.

    Once you start using a good collet system like the ER series you realise just how accurate and excellent they really are.

    Rob

  6. #6
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    It depends on where you want to use them.
    Lathe? Mill?
    Then size of work? Size of cutters?

    I do have ER11, ER16, ER32, ER40. They all have their place to go. Either on the lathe, the mill, the cylindrical grinder or the T&C grinder.


    Nick

  7. #7
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    Hi there,

    I have a 45 size mill and I bought a complete ER32 collet set as I figured it would (mostly) suit my needs based on my envisaged work and mill size. As mentioned, budget tool suppliers sell these at quite reasonable prices so I also bough an ER40 collet chuck in case I need to use an end mill or cutter between 20 - 25mm. That way I only need to buy single ER40 cutters as required. I also bought a MT5 - MT4 adapter which then allows me to use my collet set in the lathe.

    I should add that in hindsight, some tooling purchases that I have made have been found to be a waste of money but my ER32 set was definately the right choice for me. I'm yet to use the ER40 but they are so cheap that it can sit and wait to be used and I don't mind. If space is an issue (i.e. headroom in your mill) then I find that the extra 5mm capacity of the ER40 comes at a big price as they are a fair bit larger. Something to consider.

    Cheers,

    Simon

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