Collet setup

[pkastagehand]

Anyone ever order and used one of these collet setups from Tallgrass Tools?

Copied from their website:
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1013 - ER-32 Collet Adapter Kit - $37
5013 - Complete & Assembled - $160

This adapter permits use of ER-32 series collets on lathes with 1-1/2" threaded spindles. The ER series collet is a parallel closing design available from most industrial suppliers. Front closing collets permit full utilization of the through hole in the spindle without reduction by the drawbar. Collets not included.
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end of copied material

I noticed an older thread where someone was looking for a magazine article about a collet setup and I remembered having seen this one at NAMES a year ago. This seems much easier than the 5c units I've seen. But I've never used any ER-32 series collets. Are they OK? Good holding power? Accuracy?

[Doug E]

I use ER 16 collets in my mill. I am very satisfied with the ER series of collets. In fact, I couldn't be happier in that application. The advantage of the ER series of collets is
that they work with all diameters of parts between their
max and minimum range of collet, so with a set of ER 32,
you can hold anthing between about .08" to .75". 5C collets, on the other hand only hold the size of which they are made to hold, with in a thou or so.

The down side of the ER series is that they do not hold stock as large as the 5C does. If you are not concerned with trying to hold larger stock than the ER series holds, it would be my hands down choice, better, and MUCH cheaper!

Just my $.02 worth.

[pkastagehand]

Thanks for the info. I may just go that route. It looks faster and easier than making most of the 5c units I've seen.

Paul