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- Sep 29, 2014
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What are the advantages of using a collet system in a lathe? Number 1 is Speed when changing parts, #2 would be simplicity as virtually anyone can be trained to operate it, Three is that an operator can't possibly hold the wrong end if the diameters are wildly different, 4 chip and coolant control as a 3 jaw or 4 jaw chuck will turn into a paddlewheel and vaporize coolant and grab chips in a most unpleasant fashion.Seems to me that if that was a good idea, nobody would buy or sell collet holders.
Tom
I am not saying that a collett system is bad merely that it is a production system that is not well suited to hobby type general lathe work. Also just being a collet chuck does not mean that it will not run out.
Putting say a 5C collet in a 3 jaw chuck will gain you very little return, however if that is the only way that the parts may be held then have at it, you will not injure the hard chuck jaws but may well bugger a collett or three.
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