- Joined
- Dec 24, 2020
- Messages
- 1,041
How the collet fits the spindle is one thing, but how the end mill fits the collet is another. I'm guessing poor collet to spindle fit will somewhat decrease the amount of pressure it can apply to the end mill, but it may not be drastic. I'd be more worried about how the end mill to collet fit is. You might take a look at that...can't hurt.
I have a mix of collets and I've got to say the nice looking, new imports are a looser fit than the old, worn Hardinge collets I've got. I have to really crank the draw bar quite a bit to get to the point the end mill won't fall out under its own weight with the imports (fairly heavy solid carbide 3/4" end mill). If they start out on the loose side I'm not convinced they grip as well as they could. I've been meaning to buy replacements for a couple of reasons...dropping and chipping a tooth on an expensive carbide end mill because the collet isn't snug gets old quick! That's if it doesn't trash a part....arrgh.
I have a mix of collets and I've got to say the nice looking, new imports are a looser fit than the old, worn Hardinge collets I've got. I have to really crank the draw bar quite a bit to get to the point the end mill won't fall out under its own weight with the imports (fairly heavy solid carbide 3/4" end mill). If they start out on the loose side I'm not convinced they grip as well as they could. I've been meaning to buy replacements for a couple of reasons...dropping and chipping a tooth on an expensive carbide end mill because the collet isn't snug gets old quick! That's if it doesn't trash a part....arrgh.