- Joined
- Apr 21, 2015
- Messages
- 894
I've been looking at buying a set of 5C collets, collet blocks, spindexer, etc. to complement my small mill setup, and someday my lathe with the addition of a 5C collet chuck. But as I look at the various package deals and individual components I find myself wondering about the horizontal/vertical collet fixtures. I don't recall ever seeing one used in any of the numerous YouTube channels I watch almost religiously.
When would someone use one of those as opposed to a collet block in a vise? What are the advantages and disadvantages either way? Is it even an either/or situation or are they more different in use than I realize?
It seems to me that the collet blocks have inherent indexing functionality that is absent in the fixtures, while the fixtures are more precisely and quickly repeatable than the blocks for runs of identical parts. Does that sound about right? What else?
If it makes sense I'll buy both, as neither are terribly expensive, but if that repeatability is the main benefit I may just skip the fixture.
Thanks!
When would someone use one of those as opposed to a collet block in a vise? What are the advantages and disadvantages either way? Is it even an either/or situation or are they more different in use than I realize?
It seems to me that the collet blocks have inherent indexing functionality that is absent in the fixtures, while the fixtures are more precisely and quickly repeatable than the blocks for runs of identical parts. Does that sound about right? What else?
If it makes sense I'll buy both, as neither are terribly expensive, but if that repeatability is the main benefit I may just skip the fixture.
Thanks!