I'm in the design stage of making a 5C collet closer for my 12x36 lathe. I would like to make my own adapter but am not to sure how to go about it. A few of the questions I have are.
1. Hold long should the adapter be? I was thinking at least 2" but I would also like to be able to go to the max of the 5C collet range.
2. Should I make the 5C piece say 4" long and then fit it to my spindle via hand lapping?
3. Would adding witness marks to have it always in the same spot be necessary?
4. I'm thinking it would be best to leave the 5MT taper long while I drill, bore, and grind the 5C taper. Then cut the adapter to final size on the bandsaw and clean up with files and stone.
5. What is the best material to use? (1045, SS, 1014)
6. Should I heat treat it if steel?
7. Finally do I have to have a shoulder on the outside of the adapter, if so why?
My idea is kind of layed out here in my questions. I was leaning towards some 1045 high carbon steel. I was thinking of roughing out the adapter with a cutting tool and then heat treating it in oil and recheck the 5MT and do a final grind of the 5C with the tool post grinder. Should the outside corners of the 5C taper have a radius or leave it square?
I'm not a machinist, but just a hobbiest and would like this item that I plan to use quite a bit to be of quality and last me a while. Thank you in advance for any and all help given.
Jeremiah
1. Hold long should the adapter be? I was thinking at least 2" but I would also like to be able to go to the max of the 5C collet range.
2. Should I make the 5C piece say 4" long and then fit it to my spindle via hand lapping?
3. Would adding witness marks to have it always in the same spot be necessary?
4. I'm thinking it would be best to leave the 5MT taper long while I drill, bore, and grind the 5C taper. Then cut the adapter to final size on the bandsaw and clean up with files and stone.
5. What is the best material to use? (1045, SS, 1014)
6. Should I heat treat it if steel?
7. Finally do I have to have a shoulder on the outside of the adapter, if so why?
My idea is kind of layed out here in my questions. I was leaning towards some 1045 high carbon steel. I was thinking of roughing out the adapter with a cutting tool and then heat treating it in oil and recheck the 5MT and do a final grind of the 5C with the tool post grinder. Should the outside corners of the 5C taper have a radius or leave it square?
I'm not a machinist, but just a hobbiest and would like this item that I plan to use quite a bit to be of quality and last me a while. Thank you in advance for any and all help given.
Jeremiah