From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

When I bought the SB1028F knee mill I bought a modest set of end mill
holders and a fairly decent set of fractional inch size R8 collets all dedicated to that machine. (I have another machine that will use R8,
but its still in the crate.)

Even with that modestly large knee mill I run out of z-height clearance
unless I want to hang a part off the side of the table (which I do when
its the only way). In order to maximize the height before I have to do
that I have made some cylindrical spring collets for non fractional
common drills like #7. This allows my to only subtract from available clearance by the amount the drill sticks out of the column.

I made most of those collets with a 1/2 inch OD. A few are 3/4 OD.
Those are two of my most used R8 collet sizes, but I also use those shop
made cylindrical collets fairly often. Tools I use a lot get left out
on the bench. Often in the collet or tool holder they were last used
used in. This means I have to take a few extra seconds to move the
drill and cylindrical collet every time I need to use that size for
something else. It only takes a few seconds to do that, but it takes a
few seconds more to mentally shift from "the job I am doing" to "oh, I
need to decide where to put that." Its probably inconsequential, and I probably won't ever do anything about it, but if I had made the outside
OD of those cylindrical collets the in between 32nd sizes I never use, I
could just leave them in the collets where they get used. Its not like
I ever use those R8 collets for anything else... because I don't.

Make your cylindrical convenience collets in a less common OD size like
17/32 or 25/32 or any main collet or tool holder size you rarely or
never use.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:116fqfe$g9da$1@dont-email.me...

Make your cylindrical convenience collets in a less common OD size like
17/32 or 25/32 or any main collet or tool holder size you rarely or
never use.
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Thanks, that is a good idea. I've made solid and split cylindrical collets
in the common thread sizes to turn screw shanks and heads concentric with
the thread, or to shorten them with a lead-in for easier assembly. They are small enough to store in the tap and die drawers but your suggestion is a
nice alternative.

I made a 1/8" stub drill bit collet from a short bolt with a setscrew in a
hex flat. It screws into a right angle air grinder spindle hole to drill in very narrow spaces.

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