Mill collet question

[outsider347]

well, my new Griz mill arrived, Got it all de-greased, level & ready to go.

I d like to buy a set of collets (R8) and wondering what you would suggest & where to buy them

Thanks Gents

 

[joe_m]

I got mine from tools4cheap and I'm happy with them - $60 for the basic set.
http://www.tools4cheap.net/proddetail.php?prod=r8collets

Later I picked up a square and hex collet block set but I don't remember where from.

EDIT: I've got a set of r8 end-mill holders too but I don't use them much, if at all. I get good enough results with the collets.

 

[outsider347]

Joe
dumb question

What is a square and hex collet block?

 

[Big Mike]

I got mine from Little Machine Shop here: http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2605
6 collets, 1/8" to 3/4". $33.95 plus shipping. Very satisfied with them.

Mike

 

[joe_m]

Joe
dumb question

What is a square and hex collet block?

Not a dumb question at all because I confused myself too - I started answering your reply for r8 collets and then added something about my 5C collets (for the lathe)

But just to finish the thought:
They look like this:
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3190

They hold 5C collets and you hold stuff in them and then you can hold it in your vise or clamp it to your table and make 4 or 6 sided matching cuts. So if you want to mil a perfect square on the end of a rod you could put it in the square holder and make a cut, turn the holder a 1/4 turn and make another cut and so on.

But of course you were asking about r8 and once again I veered off course. Sorry! :whistle:

 

[outsider347]

Thanks Joe
I learned something new...Again!!

 

[Ray C]

Also keep in-mind that collets themselves come with square and hex orifices -not just round. -And they ain't cheap either...

Joe
dumb question

What is a square and hex collet block?

 

[outsider347]

Re:MORE Mill collet question

Thanks for the responses gents

More Questions:

1) Collets
I assume that you all use the collets to hold the tool/end mill or any other tool that needs to be used.

2) Tool holders
Is this a better way to hold tooling?

3) R40 collets with a R8 adaptor holder
I see that this method is a bit more expensive
So, is this a better wat yet to hold tooling


Sorry about the "noob" questions here
Looks like many options , just trying to make smarter purchases
Thanks

 

[stevecmo]

Re: MORE Mill collet question

Thanks for the responses gents

More Questions:

1) Collets
I assume that you all use the collets to hold the tool/end mill or any other tool that needs to be used.

Correct

2) Tool holders
Is this a better way to hold tooling?

I assume you are talking about an end mill holder? If so yes, it is technically better. If you use an end mill with a flat on the side the end mill holder has a set screw (or two) that will lock against this flat. This will eliminate any possibility of the end mill turning in the holder. Having said that, many of us use end mills directly in a collet with good success. It just depends on how good the collet/end mill, spindle taper is, how tight the draw bar is, etc., etc.

3) R40 collets with a R8 adaptor holder
I see that this method is a bit more expensive
So, is this a better wat yet to hold tooling

When you say R40 collets I assume you are talking about ER-40 collets? If so, they are not necessarily better. The biggest advantage (on a mill) is convenience. You don't have to loosen the draw bar to change tools/end mills - you just unscrew the collet closure nut.


Sorry about the "noob" questions here
Looks like many options , just trying to make smarter purchases
Thanks

Hope that helps.

 

[outsider347]

Steve

thanks for taking the time to respond
huge help!!