- Joined
- Jan 22, 2014
- Messages
- 578
I purchased a 15 piece, ER25/R8 collet set for my mill sometime back when they were on sale ($89) and have used it several times now. When I decided to look into using it on the lathe too, I found that I could buy an MT3 ER adapter for the tails stock, and an MT4 for the spindle for a pretty reasonable price. The problem is they don’t sell anything that allows for longer stock/parts to pass through the spindle. I also couldn’t find any ER chuck adapters for the G0602’s unusual spindle thread size (1 ¾” X 8 tpi). So rather than take the time making the spindle mount, I decided to buy a spare 3-jaw chuck adapter plate from Grizzly (about $35) and make the ER 25 mating plate myself.
I went to my local metal store and found a nice 5”D X 6”L remnant of 6061 aluminum for about $25. I trued it up, I turned the ER Nut stub 4mm oversize and parted off my piece leaving another 4” or so for another adapter someday if needed. I then matched up the register on the back side and drilled & tapped the mounting bolt holes. Once it was mounted correctly and true on the Grizzly adapter, I drilled and bored the 8 degree taper for the collets and then turned the M32 X 1.5 thread.
I also purchased an extra ER25 nut and a 3-point wrench on Ebay for another $20 to make this a permanent fixture to add to my collection, rather than rob the backing plate off my 3-jaw chuck when I want to use it. Having the ability to use the collet set on either the mill or lathe doubles my ability to take advantage of the purchase.
I went to my local metal store and found a nice 5”D X 6”L remnant of 6061 aluminum for about $25. I trued it up, I turned the ER Nut stub 4mm oversize and parted off my piece leaving another 4” or so for another adapter someday if needed. I then matched up the register on the back side and drilled & tapped the mounting bolt holes. Once it was mounted correctly and true on the Grizzly adapter, I drilled and bored the 8 degree taper for the collets and then turned the M32 X 1.5 thread.
I also purchased an extra ER25 nut and a 3-point wrench on Ebay for another $20 to make this a permanent fixture to add to my collection, rather than rob the backing plate off my 3-jaw chuck when I want to use it. Having the ability to use the collet set on either the mill or lathe doubles my ability to take advantage of the purchase.