Is this supposed to be a key for a r8 collet?

[D.sebens]

Looking up the spindle I see this. Is that supposed to be a key? Also what’s the procedure for repairing that?

 

[Janderso]

Many of us have replaced these
Yes, that's it. Some guys never replace them. Just leave them out.
Hope this helps....

 

[Winegrower]

Caution: Apparently, the quill nut on a Bridgeport is right hand but on my clone it's left hand. Or the other way around, can't remember. Caused a bit of confusion.

 

[mmcmdl]

Take it out and leave it out .

 

[D.sebens]

Thanks guys!

 

[pdentrem]

Out and never missed. As long as you keep every clean and not covered in grease etc should never have an issue with the key missing.
Pierre

 

[Aukai]

It will be difficult to remove being deformed, and on mine I had to dress the hole to smooth it out, I also remove mine permanently. I was told it's a guide, not an anti spin devise.

 

[Dabbler]

I'm on the keep the key movement.

 

[suitcase]

I think it is an anti spin device for tightening and loosening the draw bar. If you get the draw bar bound in the collet how else would you hold the collet to turn the draw bar.

 

[extropic]

I've got a buddy who chronically failed to wear his seat belt.
A couple of weeks ago he was in a head on collision.
For the next month or so he will have a rod sticking out about 6" on both sides of his right ankle and those are connected to two rods anchored with a screw into his shin.
I have no idea, at this time, how difficult the rehab will be or about the long term prognosis.
Some people think they know better about all sorts of things.
If you think you know better than the fellows responsible for the R8 spindle design . . .