A question about Tapers

[mikemac]

A question about Collets

Updated:

Ok, so I'm now looking for a collet set, but whats the difference between the designation of ER16, ER32, etc mean...?

Hi.. I'm hoping someone can set me straight.

My lathe has an MT2 on both the headstock and tailstock.
I hear alot about how great it is to have a collet set.

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?NTITEM=B2387M

Its an R8 taper (?). Can it be adapted to my lathe? Or do I have to buy an MT2 set?

Thanks for any clarification. ​

 

[CaptG]

The R8 is way different than the mt2. You need to get the mt2 set.

 

[its_virgil]

you need to get the Beall collet chuck that fits the threads on the nose of the headstock on your lathe, or another brand that accepts ER 32 collets. PSI, Woodcraft, Craft Supplies and the Beall Tool Company would be a good starting place. I consider the screw on chuck to be a better choice for what we do than the MT2 chucks.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Hi.. I'm hoping someone can set me straight.

My lathe has an MT2 on both the headstock and tailstock.
I hear alot about how great it is to have a collet set.

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?NTITEM=B2387M

Its an R8 taper (?). Can it be adapted to my lathe? Or do I have to buy an MT2 set?

Thanks for any clarification.

 

[oldcaptainrusty]

What Don said.:good::good::good:

 

[mikemac]

Thanks all.. now if it only wasn't $105 from Lee Valley

 

[CaptG]

I agree, what Don said, much better than the MT2, sorry I did not think of that.

 

[KenV]

I agree with Don -- here is some more of the story. There are collets that are designed to fit into the taper and they pull tight with a draw bar that threads thru the headstock into the bottom (back) of the taper and tightens with a nut at the hand wheel. these collets are about $12 each, plus the draw bar. They have 3 fingers and come in increments of 1/16 inch.

The collet holders noted above use more fingers, and by fastening to the threading avoid the drawbar. The threaded connection is a more positive and considtent mouning and handles sizes out to 3/4 inch vs about 1/2 inch.

Both forms are metal machining technologies adapted our lathes --

Collets and turning are old technology by teh way -- WW collet lathes were the thing for clock and watch makers in the middle and later 1800s -- and are still made today.

 

[its_virgil]

Maybe you should look elsewhere:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCDOWEL.html
http://www.bealltool.com/products/turning/colletchuck.php
The chuck itself is only $79 at Lee Valley. Buy collets elsewhere such as ebay. I bought a complete set of 18 collets for the same price that others charge for the 5 collet set. Check places like The Little Machine Shop, Enco, McMaster-Carr, or MSC Direct.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Thanks all.. now if it only wasn't $105 from Lee Valley