Shars 5" ER40 Zero Set Fine Adjustment Collet Chuck

This is my ER40 collet chuck.

Hex-ER40-Collet-Block.jpg

Under $30. I use it my adjustable 3-jaw chuck. They also make a square block that can be used in a 4-jaw chuck. I recently ran some parts that had milling and drilling ops. Turn the part, take the part still in the holder and run the second ops on the mill.
 
What is the source of the above hex/square holders? I have an adjustable 4 jaw currently on my lathe. I may be interested in a square block. I've considered making my own since I didn't know they existed.
 
So, I picked one up along with the D1-4 backplate. They don't offer it pre setup. The backplate they recommend is 202-7048.

Packaging was good, no significant damage in spite of signs of rough handling.

I unpacked and cleaned up both parts. So far, pretty good. 2 things I don't like. It doesn't come with a spanner for the nut. That's like selling a 3jaw without the key. I have one that came with the lathe that fits it though. The second is that the threads have chips and lubricant in them. Mildly annoying, but given the price I guess I'll live. :)

I mounted the backplate on the lathe and got the pins set up. It sits nicely on the spindle. It needs to be turned to fit into the chuck. Looks like about 0.1" diameter reduction. That should make it as concentric as possible with my spindle, which is probably the point. Assuming I don't screw it up. :)

Indicating on the OD of the mating surface shows about 2 thou runout. Doesn't really matter I suppose since I have to turn it anyway. I just wanted to see where I was starting from. The face was within 0.0005.

Looking at the chuck, there are 4 set screws around the OD that thread into the mating surface. So I suspect I want to make sure there is a little play in there. Perhaps 10 thou? There are also 4 threaded holes in the front that look like you can use them to adjust the alignment that direction as well, though it did not include screws for those holes. I guess I'll add them if needed. Should the front end of the ER40 taper be accurate enough to adjust that?

I'm reading up on turning cast iron, but hope to have it mounted and indicated over the weekend.
 
On my ER40 Set-Tru that I machined, I gave myself a total of 10 thousandth adjustment room for TIR adjustment. As far as the other face adjustment screws, haven't seen those before, I would first see how it works without using them. Have not seen any ER chuck that comes with a nut wrench unless it is a complete kit, also people often switch out the stock nut to a bearing or higher quality which will most likely use a different wrench. Thread quality, well it is at a price point. I purchased a direct mount ER-40 chuck a couple of ears ago, the TIR was quite bad as well as the fit and finish. But if this new one works, it saves a lot of time and money turning your own. Looking forward to see how yours turns out.
 
I agree on the thread chips, it's made to a price and part of the price for me is cleaning up the chips. Not a big deal. After cleaning the threads are cut well and the nut spins on/off with ease.

I made an HSS tool for cast iron and it cut nicely. I turned it down to leave 10 thou for adjustment.

The adjustment phase was about like indicating a part in a 4 jaw. After playing with the adjustment, I have under 0.0005 indicating on the taper. With a collet and an endmill and a nice straight drill bit, I get right on 0.0005. I expect I could get it better, but I will save that for after I get a 1 tenth DTI. Due to the test materials, I could only test right next to the collet.

Overall I'm quite happy with the chuck and would recommend it.
 
Consider anyone who already purchased their Shars collet chuck lucky. I've been trying to find one for days with no luck. Looks like they've all been bought up and the only one's available are now selling on eBay for $1,400 give or take... nope, that's not a typo. Pretty sad, isn't it?

There are some knock offs on eBay but no idea if they're any good or not. I could buy one, then machine it to make it true but was hoping someone here might have a source or a better idea?

Thanks
 
I emailed about the price. That is ridiculous.
 
Consider making your own Set-Tru ER40 collet chuck system. I prefer an ER40 collet chuck with more projection from the spindle nose than the Shars unit. This is why I like more stickout: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1cKjPB

I've posted plans and full details for making your own Set-Tru ER40 collet chuck here - just click on each photo for a complete description:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1PtHsq

As for sourcing the various components, here is where I got my materials - you may have other/better sources.
The collet chuck part can be ordered here: https://tinyurl.com/y8kx5frg
The Bison D1-4 Camloc back plate is available here: https://tinyurl.com/yd6mtyum
And the steel here: https://tinyurl.com/yd6mefg5

It's a fun project, and I am more than pleased with the repeatability of the Bison Camlock mount and the quality of the ER40 collet chuck. The only other thing I have done is moved to a REGO-FIX ER40 collet nut which has improved concentricity (repeatable TIR) considerably (relative to any of the six other brands I've tried). That REGO-FIX ER40 nut is available here: https://tinyurl.com/ybocxulp
 
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