Thread: More ER32 Collets

I bought my 19pc ER32 set (1 - 20mm) for CTC tools in Hong Kong.
ER32 COLLET SET (19 PCS) #A07 | CTC Tools

The down side is their high shipping charges but I reckon they are definitely a cut above the standard Chinese collets.

If you have lost of spare cash they also sell a precision ER32 set (0.008mm) for about 2.5X more.

I also have the 21 - 25 mm extended ER32 set but they came from another supplier. an d I don't think are currently available.

I have a precision set of ER16s from CTC as well.

I first started using the Vermec ER25 Collet Chuck when Enzo started marketing them & have the Vermec ER32 as well. Both are excellent. Initially I purchased individual collets then purchased full sets of Asian origin. Much cheaper even if you only use half of them. There are a number of suppliers who market a full set of ER
32 Collets for < $100 AUD.

I have talked with Enzo on a number of occasions about the cost of collets and suggested that they market a set, collet body, collet nut and a specific range of collets, which both Vermec & Vicmarc now do.

I believe there are two run-out specifications for the ER series collets - 0.01mm & 0.005mm (Ultra precision).

Hi Bob & Moby,

Thank you for your replies and information. Both the CTC & Vermec options look to have merit over the options I was considering. My current collet set up requires a threaded insert between collet adaptor and spindle so a new Vermec collet adaptor offers the opportunity to eliminate the threaded insert and in doing so gain 25 or so mm of bed length, which can be handy on a mini lathe. Moreover, like Vicmarc, it seems Vermec manufactures here in Australia and I'm all for supporting local manufacturing industry, even more so when they produce quality products.

It's not clear from the Vermec website whether the collets are also produced here? Moby, do you know?

Cheers
Salv

I know Vermec certainly make the collet bodies for their chucks, but I believe the nuts and collets are externally sourced as most manufacturers do these days. Enzo & Yvonne manufacture very good gear imo and are first preference for me.

I just viewed the Vermec site again and at A$160.00 - A$173.00 for the body, nut and a full set of collets I would not even entertain shopping on ebay etc. My initial purchase was something like $130 for the body and nut plus $28 per collet, then I found a full set at CTC for around $100 inc postage. A full set purchasing individual collets would have cost well in excess of $450.

Enzo & I had a long chat in NZ at Terry Scott's house after the NZ symposium where we discussed making their ER series collet chucks a more viable option for wood turners.

I could not live without mine now. For small spindle turners and pen makers I believe they are an essential bit of kit as they open up so many options and certainly improve precision. With a set of "transfer punches" all sorts of closed end mandrels are possible.

Just a heads up that CTC has a sale with 10% discount until Nov 30.

Bob & MB, thanks again for your replies. Your advice has been most helpful and appreciated.

Moby, I'm with you - I need little convincing not to bother searching ebay when Vermec offers a complete set @ $160 for ER25 or $173 for ER32. Even if the collets are externally sourced, I'd like to think Vermec applies at least a reasonable level of QA rigour as opposed to a random ebay supplier where QA is likely to be a matter of pot luck. I'll be placing an order with Vermec today.

For the turning I do, the collet chuck sees as much use as the scroll chuck and a full set of collets will only make the collet chuck even more useful.

Bob, thanks for the CTC heads up. CTC looks like a good option should I need better accuracy (ie. the precision set) for metal lathe work than the Vermec collets can provide. At this stage, the Vermec option is worth a shot.....

Cheers
Salv