Smithy Midas 1220 XL - Manual (Page 61)

Figure11.21 With the slot for the #1 jaw in the 12:00 position, the slot for the #2 jaw is at 8:00
and the slot for the #3 jaw is at 4:00.
Collets and Collet Attachments
To hold small-diameter work, whether bar stock fed through the hole in the spindle or
small pieces of semi finished parts, collet attachments are preferable to standard chucks
(Figure 11.22) for several reasons:
• They have much faster release and grip actions.
• They center the work automatically and accurately
• They grip even small pieces and pieces with a short hold firmly.
Figure 11.22 Collet attachments are best for small-diameter work.
• They are housed within the spindle nose for maximum tool clearance, making it
possible to machine, thread, or cut off close to the spindle.
While chucks are universal tools that hold a range of stock sizes and shapes, collets are
special tools. There is a collet for every size and shape of workpiece.
Made with extreme accuracy, hardened, and ground, standard split collets are slotted so
their jaw ends compress inwardly to grip the workpiece. This is done by pulling the
collet jaw's externally tapered shoulder into a matching taper-bored adapter sleeve. The
adapter sleeve connects the lathe spindles MT5 taper to the collets MT3 taper. A drawbar
holds the collet in place.
Slot #1
Slot #2
Slot #3
11-11 Or Visit www.smithy.com
Setting Up with Centers, Collets, and Chucks