Small milling machine wanted

[doug.meller]

Ash,

You can easly make more drawbars. I've got three different ones for different holders etc. and it is not really a bother at all. You can get cheap ER collets from E-bay. I've bought a couple of sets (metric and imperial) which came from Hong Kong. They are fine. I even bought a set of ER50 collets for use in the lathe.

If the right holder comes up, but is a different thread, then provided you can get that thread through your spindle, go for it...
Regards,
Doug

[SimonT]

I can recommend Chronos of Dunstable for collets, clamps etc. It is all imported modern stuff, but a sensible price for reasonable quality.

I would go for a set of ER collets. They each grip a range and having a set will prevent the tempation to wreck one by using the wrong size.

Don't worry over the drawbar size. If something else with a different thread comes your way, you can always knock up an additional drawbar. As long as it goes down the mandrel, there won't be a problem. Look out for some 2mt/3mt sleeves and then you can use things aimed at the Myford market too.

Simon.

[Ashley smith]

Yes I do have a drill chuck for the myford tail stock,so if I got a sleeve is it reasonable to use that? It's just a 2mt no draw bar thread in it? Thanks again


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[SimonT]

Should be fine. Don't buy the same thing twice!

Use a small brass drift to gently tap it out from behind if needed.

Simon.

[Paul30013]

I would second a set of ER32 collets, you can use them to hold drills as well you know! I have an ER system on my mill and I use that more than the drill chuck, lower profile gives more head room and they grip a drill better than a Jacobs 3 jaw chuck as well!

Paul.