I was reminded of this excellent concept that I initially noticed Geof post a while back on CNCZone. This thought resurfaced as I was engaging and disengaging my 5C closer from my Tormach lathe.
Softjaws with the right ID profile make a fine 5C collet closer…
I’m already set up with a nice lever activated 5C closer, but if you didn’t have such an arrangement, the soft jaws are a cheap and cheerful way to get some 5C collet work underway.
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Bob is responsible for the development and implementation of the popular G-Wizard CNC Software. Bob is also the founder of CNCCookbook, the largest CNC-related blog on the Internet.
The Tormach pneumatic? Or did you just not get that option?
Brad, if you’re asking about my collet closer its just a manual lever operated.
very nice idea!
another very handy option is this Kalamazoo 5C chuck. http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/66714-1cc-kalamazoo-5c-collet-chuck-5c-manual-collet-chucks.html I chuck mine in my 10″ 3-jaw softjaws for almost zero run-out; very accurate, fast and easy to load with hex T-wrench. very useful on both mill and lathe. can use with dead stop, and Z-position stays put.