>Thom Sturgill wrote: I am not sure that I would classify that as a collet. It is pretty much the same as the Hosuluk adapter mentioned earlier.
Collet, adapter, call it what you want. We have been calling them collets for 20 years and I have seen references to them called collets in old machining books from the 1930's. Merriam-Webster defines "collet" as a metal band, collar, ferrule, or flange, a casing or socket for holding a tool (as a drill bit), first use: 1528.
To avoid confusion, perhaps this can be called "Metal Device To Hold Round-Shafted Lathe Tools Securely In Handles By Means Of Set Screws For Quick Change And Adjustability". On second thought...
Whatever the name, the point here is it is excellent for lathe tools, especially the smaller diameter Thompson spindle and detail gouges which tend to be too long. (IMHO)
Some advantages are:
- A long tool can be sunk deep into a hole in the body of the handle, exposing only the length needed for smaller spindle pieces. This greatly improves the stability and ease of handling the tool, especially when used one-handed as many of us have found is best for many cuts.
- The tool can be removed in seconds for sharpening. While not as important as for large-diameter steel in long handles, removing the tool is still my favorite way to sharpen. When a tool extension from the handle is short it can sometimes be difficult to hold properly in some jigs.
- As the tool length is reduced by sharpening, this collet permits positioning the tool to give the same extension length. A consistent length helps with fine control. Adjusting the extension length is difficult (i.e. impossible) with some other methods, for example if the tool is epoxied into the handle.
- The amount of extension can be changed for different applications, for example, lengthened when working further from the tool rest, say at the bottom of a cove. Note that in this case it is usually better to switch to a larger diameter and sturdier gouge.
- Since the tool can be removed in seconds, when it gets dull it can be swapped in seconds with another identical sharp tool. I usually keep several of each of my most-used sizes sharp and ready to go. I HATE to stop in the middle of a piece and resharpen.
- Since many tools have a similar shaft diameter, different types of tools can share the same handle. For example, I have a variety of small Hunter tools that fit a single handle. This really saves on tool rack space!
- Since some tools vary slightly in diameter, the hole in the collet can be sized to fit the largest without compromising the use. Holding with set screws in this case is a big advantage in this case over the type of slotted, tapered collet typically used to hold end mills and other tools that must rotate absolutely concentric for metal working.
- They can be made in different diameters to better fit the tool. (One size does not fit all) Since I make these myself I can make the diameter of the body appropriate for the tool and handle size. Most of those I've seen available for sale were about 1" in diameter which is great for 5/8" or 3/4" tools but unnecessary and undesirable for smaller sizes such as 1/4". A smaller diameter makes a small tool easier to grasp and so easier to control, especially when used one-handed as mentioned earlier. I can understand WHY they make them all the same diameter but that doesn't mean it's the best.
Of course you get some of the same advantages with one of the many commercial handles you can buy today which hold the tool in much the same way. However, I like wood handles. I dislike the feel of handles made from metal and plastic. This type of collet allows making a comfortable, custom handle from wood very quickly.
I turn these on a metal-working lathe fairly quickly, but I think they can be made on a wood-turning lathe using the tools we all have, although it would take longer. I have made lots of small things from brass and aluminum on my Jet 16-42 using Thompson tools - finials, multi-axis turnings, finger tops, etc. It is important to use the right metal - for example, there is a type of brass that machines better than others. I think I'll try making one of these collets that way and see how it goes.
JKJ
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