Sometimes you need make parts from bar stock which usually comes in standard sizes.
Collet Chucks and holders give you a quick way to fasten your part to the lathe that holds it tight ,keeping it precisely centred, while leaving minimal markings on the material.
VHS has a 5C Collet Chuck and a set of collet holders for materials ranging in size from 1/8", 3/16", 1/4" all the way up to 1".
Ask in VHS Slack machine-shop channel if you’d like training on the large engine lathe, our mini-lathe or manual mill.
In this example we are making 1/8" bushings from 1/4" brass bar stock.
Final result: Two experimental brass bushings
The quick-change 5C Collet Chuck mounted on the lathe
1/4" Brass round bar stock inserted into a 1/4" collet
1/4" Brass stock inserted into 1/4" collet. Note that stock can extend out the back
There are two adjustments to be made to attach your collet to the holder. Top is to draw the holder into the chuck. Side is to secure the holder in place once the holder is positioned.
These are all the 5C collets that VHS currently has.
There are no protruding jaws which means more space to get closer to your work and less chance of crashes while machining.
Brass is fun to machine leaving that nice shine!
Prepping with a centre drill
Drill
Drilled, then turned to 1/8" before parting off with a hack saw.
After parting this was placed into a 1/8" chuck to clean up and face the other end.
