Thread: Collet chuck question

I have got one of the cheap collet chucks (ER25) from HKEbay. Its really good for many jobs, mine has no runout, seems to run very true, I love it.

One of the best investments you can make for pen turning IMHO.

I have a couple of different collet ER25 collet chucks.

Started out with the MT2 version ex China/HK and although it did/does a good job, ie no runout etc, it has one limitation.

Because it is mounted inside the spindle with an MT2 mandrel the depth to which the work piece can be inserted is limited to just a bit longer than the ER25 collet.

I then purchased a different ER25 collet chuck from Vermec, one that screws on the M30x3.5 spindle thereby giving me much more depth to insert the work piece in.

I now rarely use the MT2 version.

The same applied on my metal lathe, started out with an MT3 version, then imported an M39 backplate from the US and an ER25 chuck from the UK and now have the same facility on the metal lathe.

If I was starting out from scratch and knowing what I know now, I would start with the ER32 collets which can mount up to 20mm diameter work.

One day I will probably change over.

Forget the MT2 mandrel style collet chucks unless you plan to use a draw bar with them. Purchase the Vermec ER25 & ER32 collet chucks, well worth the minimal expense for the chuck and highly recommended. Collets can be expensive but look around for the less precise versions as they are available in various run out tolerances. You don't require the high spec collets for woodturning.

The Vermec threaded body style also allows you to to customize and use other accessories safely i.e. buffing mops, soft sanding disks - a 14mm bolt with the head removed makes a good mandrel for SCA angle grinder sanding disk accessories etc.

I presume you don't have access to a metal lathe , but self centering chucks are notorious for minor runout , but if you do go for collets in your lathe ,you shouldn't need to remake the pin chucks ,simply hold the machined section that fits the tube in the appropriate collet ,and turn the section you now hold in the chuck true to the turned section, should only be a small amount to trim off, then hold the new turned section in the appropriate collet and all should be true for your pen turning Even on my small metal lathe with a cheap 3 jaw self centering chuck, I had to grind the jaws true for it to be really useful , hope that helps cheers ~ John

Folks,

Thank you for yout collective advice and experience as ever !

It looks like my birthday pressie this year will be the Vermec Collet Chuck! Not turning much at present, have started building a Cedar strip kayak and this is taking all of my free time at present !

Regards,
Cam

P.S. Am playing with a bit of box turning - does anybody have a Sorby Chattertool that they don't want ?