3MT (2MT on all 6") collets are the only ones that fit directly into the spindle nose. The 3AT, 3C and a few other rarer ones all have a closer adapter that goes into the spindle taper and then the collet goes into it.
OK Robert , yes as usual I didn't do the research . I think Dan has a 12" Atlas , Joel has this set up for sale https://www.mymachineshop.net/product_p/10075.htm
I think the sleeve is the way to go , that's what I believe Dan was asking .
OK Robert , yes as usual I didn't do the research . I think Dan has a 12" Atlas , Joel has this set up for sale https://www.mymachineshop.net/product_p/10075.htm
I think the sleeve is the way to go , that's what I believe Dan was asking .
Yes I have the 12" and I have been looking at Joel's setups. With the price of the one you have linked to plus buying the milling attachment I would consider a used mini mill.
I was looking for a bench top mill and a lathe. The mill showed up first. Then a week or so later I found my 12x36 craftsman lathe. The lathe came with the milling attachment. I have set it up on my lathe but have never used it. The bench top mill is just easier to use and I think more versatile then the lathe milling attachment.
I went with er32 collets. I have an R8 shank chuck for the mill and a MT2 shank chuck for the lathe. I can use the MT2 chuck in either the tail stock or the head stock. I keep debating on whether to buy an er32 chuck from Beall http://www.bealltool.com/products/turning/colletchuck.php or make one. Will probably buy one.
Here is my collet set up it is not optimum , the best is a draw tube and a collet sleeve . The little turret (capstan lathe) pictured in my older post is set up with a lever collet closer and bar feed .
Anyhow , I went a little overboard with the draw bar . The bar is a hardened stud for a mill and the tighten up nut has a captive washer that is free to turn and the brass thumb wheel is bigger than it needs to be . The spacer is 12L14 , all this stuff I got from McMaster Carr .
I got a complete set of collets from the Bay . IMG_0030 by mark westi, on Flickr IMG_0033 by mark westi, on Flickr
The 3AT and the 3C are about the same size range. There are two differences between the two types of collets. T he threads in the draw tubes are physically the same but the 3AT threads are specified in a common fraction whereas the 3C is specified in decimal fractions. I borrowed a 3C tap and ran it into a 3AT draw tube and although it was a snug fit, I do not think that it removed any metal. Both types of collets screw into the draw tube OK. The other difference js that the closer angles are substantially different. I am not certain and don't want to look it up tonight but something like 12 degrees and 15 degrees. So they are not interchangeable. I don't know whether this is a typical problem but the 3C collets seemed usually to not want to release without bumping on the hand wheel when the draw tube was unscrewed.
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