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5C Collets -- good ones vs. bad ones
- Thread starter billooms
- Start date
I have 5C collets from Lyndex, some older Enco (Taiwan), Shar's and used a set from CDCO. Lyndex and Royal are a little better made, but almost a bit too tight in my Bison 5C chuck. I have a bunch of Shar's/Enco's etc. too fill in the holes, they where reasonably priced and are well made, my only gripe is the sizes is not deeply etched into the collet face. It makes it a bit more difficult to read. The CDCO set is inexpensive and works well, my friend purchased the 1/64 set and I have used them on his lathe. My recommendation would be to get the CDCO full 1/64 increment full set for around $200, best bang for the buck. Because the 5C has very limited clamping range, I frequently use the an odd size collet. Example would be holding a thread or something that has been knurled. If you are just looking at a standard 1/16" increment set then maybe spring for a Lyndex or Royal, I started out with that and it was around $140. Then I had to back fill all the other sizes. The Enco are the older Taiwan ones which I feel are better quality than the newer Interstate (now MSC).
All my collets meet the spec of 0.0006" TIR or better, most of my work is done within a few inches of the chuck, as the 5C collet system seems to have a bit more axial wobble (TIR) as one gets further away from the chuck. They are great for small stock, 1" and under, the other day I had to make a washer .240 diameter, .125" cnter and 0.050" thick. Using the 5C collet it was easy work.
All my collets meet the spec of 0.0006" TIR or better, most of my work is done within a few inches of the chuck, as the 5C collet system seems to have a bit more axial wobble (TIR) as one gets further away from the chuck. They are great for small stock, 1" and under, the other day I had to make a washer .240 diameter, .125" cnter and 0.050" thick. Using the 5C collet it was easy work.
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So I have some (Enco) that are not "sprung" open. Any recommendations on correcting this?
Ken
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As mentioned by others, the CDCO was one of the best bang for the money. For around $200 (delivered) you get a nice 65 piece set and with a decent 5C chuck with true-set you can get little TIR.
A precision ground arbor was used to check TIR. The second photo shows the arbor turning with virtually no change on the indicator.
Again, best bang for the buck.
A precision ground arbor was used to check TIR. The second photo shows the arbor turning with virtually no change on the indicator.
Again, best bang for the buck.
I have a 1/32nds set from Mari Tool. They are not cheap at ~$550, but they are very high quality. Max runout is listed at at .0004", but i have yet to see 1 that was even half that. If memory serves all Franks products are made in his Chicago land facility, or imported from Germany.
Orange vise recently did a video about the facillity.
Something to keep in mind is that a 1/32" isn't even really needed. Bar stock usually only comes in 1/16" sizes, and in some ways is more cost effective to buy project specific collets as needed.
Orange vise recently did a video about the facillity.
Something to keep in mind is that a 1/32" isn't even really needed. Bar stock usually only comes in 1/16" sizes, and in some ways is more cost effective to buy project specific collets as needed.
It interesting that Hardinge used to be the gold standard for 5C collects. They only guarantee max 0.001" TIR for their standard collets($65) but also offer "special accuracy" collets ($82) guaranteed to have 0.0002" TIR or less. Hardinge does offer their collets in decimal sizes from 0.016" to 1.030" in 0.001" increments.
I have the full 1/64th set from CDCO, some Lydex, Royal and a few Hardinge. The CDCO are fine for most things but I have found some inconsistencies with the threads on the collets. I also have a few CDCO collets that have run-out greater than advertised. I like the 1/64th set because there are always times when a part has an odd OD and I can usually fine a collet that will work.
I also keep a few machinable E-collets on hand for odd ball parts.
I have the full 1/64th set from CDCO, some Lydex, Royal and a few Hardinge. The CDCO are fine for most things but I have found some inconsistencies with the threads on the collets. I also have a few CDCO collets that have run-out greater than advertised. I like the 1/64th set because there are always times when a part has an odd OD and I can usually fine a collet that will work.
I also keep a few machinable E-collets on hand for odd ball parts.
I have the full 1/64" set from CDCO which I recall going from 1/8" - 1 1/8". I bought the 1/16" - 7/64" ones from CME Tools in the Detroit area. I haven't checked them all out for run out, but all I have checked have been under 0.0008".
I suspect that Hardinge tries to make all of their collets to the "special accuracy" TIR. Quality Control checks kick out the ones that aren't up to snuff which are not scrapped, they're just marketed as "standard collets". That's a common practice for many manufactured items.
Bruce
I suspect that Hardinge tries to make all of their collets to the "special accuracy" TIR. Quality Control checks kick out the ones that aren't up to snuff which are not scrapped, they're just marketed as "standard collets". That's a common practice for many manufactured items.
Bruce
After stripping the threads on my drawbar twice I made 0-1 hardened end pieces. In the process of doing this I noticed the thread size difference.
I now have two separate drawbars with different thread size and all small collets are marked with red dykem so I know what drawbar to use with what collet.
All of my collets are CDOC other than a 1' lyndex. The 14mm, 5/8,1 1/16 and one of two 1/16 have small threads. Wondering if other sets have the same sizing but since I have 2 1/16 collets and one is small thread and one normal then it is probably random.
The small thread 5/8 was probably the one that ruined my drawbar threads in the past as that is a size I use offten.
Not worth a picture but here it is anyway, and upside down even. Merry Christmas.!
I have a D1-4 direct mount Bison 5C collet chuck purchased a while back. Its very well made, typical Bison, but it has 0.001" run-out (measured on the collet face not using collets or pins or anything else that might influence reading). So if whatever collet brand you buy is also out 0.001" for example & they happen to align out of favour, that's collective 0.002". Of course the stars could align & they negate one another with zero runout, the question is can you control it?
If I had to do it again I think I'd invest a few more $ and buy the SetTru system where the chuck is dialed in concentric & it eliminates the chuck side of the equation. Its a different system & back plate adapter.Bison is expensive. I used to be a fan boy when they were reasonably priced but they are just stupid now, at least where I live. Not to dissuade you, but if you consider a 'settable' system might offer advantages, there are other brands, knock-offs & big name that use this feature under their own label.