Hey wait a second.... why haven't I built a 3/8's end mill holder for my lathe?!
That would make my life a little easier!
Thanks for the idea!
Several options:
By the way, a 5/8" end mill is honking big end mill for a Sherline lathe. What are you doing that requires that large a cutter? That tool is almost as large as the spindle and will generate a lot of cutting force so I'm just curious.
- Buy a blank end mill holder from Sherline, bore it and tap the side for a set screw.
- Bore an existing end mill holder.
- Make an endmill holder on your lathe.
- Buy a Beall Tools ER-32 chuck and hold it with a 5/8" collet. This is the most accurate and flexible of your options.
Good Lord, because I'm living in the stone age!The real question is, why don't you own a Beall ER-32 chuck?
Gentlemen, if you buy a Beall chuck, be sure you tell them that it will go on a Sherline lathe/mill. They also sell one to fit a Taig and the spindle register is different for a Taig. Beall will know which one you need.
Buy decent ER collets because it makes a difference. The kit comes with 5 ER collets that are fine for the lathe but if you need better accuracy on the mill for tool holding then Techniks collets are much better. They cost more but they will pay you back in lower run out, finer finishes and greater accuracy.
Of all the tools I've made or have for the Sherline lathe, the two most useful are a rear mounted tool post and a graver tool rest. To me, both are indispensable for a Sherline owner. There are many tools to make but the rear mounted parting tool is a MUST HAVE.
Mikey, can you point me to a technics collet set that compatible with the mill?
Thanks in advance, i appreciate all the advice you've shared and direction you've given to noobs.