Collet Chuck

[Wolfdancer]

Where is the best place to get a pen turning collet Chuck? And what is the best brand to get?

 

[gerryr]

I don't know the best place to buy it, but Beall is the best because it uses ER-32 collets which can be had up to 3/4". The Axminster is well made but only goes to 1/2" because it uses ER-20 collets.

 

[Wolfdancer]

Thanks Gerry

I went to craft supplys and found the one you refereed me to. It was $157.00

 

[ldb2000]

Hi Rodney
I have the PSI and have no complaints with it , it also uses the ER 32 collets and can be had for under $100.00

 

[Randy_]

If you are planning to use the collet chuck to hold a pen mandrel and have a "B" mandrel from Berea, you will need to purchase a 5/16" collet as that particular size is "NOT" included with either the Beall or the PSI kits.

And a little tip for you. Some folks have trouble with the collet chucks jamming on the spindle and being difficult to remove. You can reduce this problem significantly by making a little washer to slip over the nose of the spindle that will sit between the shoulder on the spindle and the back surface of the collet. I cut mine out of the top of a margerine tub or a Cool-Whip container.

 

[PaulDoug]

I have the Beall and love it. The only one I don't recomment is the one sold by Woodcraft. I have it also and the best thing it did for me was convience to go ahead and get the Beall. I have heard good things about the one PSI sales. Didn't fit my lathe.

 

[Sylvanite]

I am happy with the Beall chuck and collets from 800Watt (eBay). As best I can tell, the biggest difference between it and the PSI chuck is that the Beall comes with wrenches to tighten whereas the PSI has a knurled surface and tightens by hand.

Hand tightening would be convenient, but there are times I need the extra torque wrenches provide to snug down tight.

Regards,
Eric

 

[dalemcginnis]

I am happy with the Beall chuck and collets from 800Watt (eBay). As best I can tell, the biggest difference between it and the PSI chuck is that the Beall comes with wrenches to tighten whereas the PSI has a knurled surface and tightens by hand.

Hand tightening would be convenient, but there are times I need the extra torque wrenches provide to snug down tight.

Regards,
Eric

Actually the PSI does have wenches for when you need that extra torque. Though most of the time I find hand tightening it is enough.