Lathe Collet Adapter Vs Collet Chuck

I'll throw in another option: ER32 collet chuck.
I have one of these with full collet set (1/32 increment inch based, also come in 1mm metric increments), even thouth my lathe can handle the 5c collets in the spindle via an adapter. The ER32 collets are cheaper and a given collet can span a range of diameters, whereas the 5c collets like a snug fit.

The 5c do have the advantage of ability to use internal stops and possibly bar feed while running (with appropriate setup).
 
I only run 5C but have been told that 2 J are the stoutest, followed by 5C and finally ER. The tradeoff for the range of fit is that ER are easier to introduce deflection. Whether that is significant for most types of work, I don't know, but given the popularity it must not often be an issue. Maybe others with experience can compare the choices relative to runout and deflection. Dave
 
I just like the satisfying "POP" when I work the lever closer on the Takisawa. The other styles, humph.
 
Good point...I should have added a few details. The lathe is a Logan 5610H which has a 14" swing with a short bed (about 28" between centers) which is surprisingly stout. I doubted the factory spec weight of 1,600lbs until I saw it in person.

Right now I have the apron off to replace the hand wheel pinion shaft which was damaged in a loading incident (not my fault) so I haven't spent any time checking for bed wear, but the ways look perfect and the rest of the machine is extremely tight and everything is smooth.

I did put a good tenths test indicator on the spindle (threaded 2-1/4 x 8) and it essentially shows zero radial runout...the needle has only the smallest wiggle that I wouldn't even call a full .0001".

The fact the bed is short might make an adapter more attractive since any kind of chuck will use up a lot more space.

I will say reading the responses makes me laugh....it's like you guys are telling me I need one of each or something :grin:
Looks like a nice lathe. I like the fact that you have a hardened bed and found it for a great price.

Logan is calling this a 6510 (vs 5610), on this site https://www.lathe.com/models.htm

Do you have a collet adapter for 5c? Logan shows them here: https://store.lathe.com/lp-1855.html

I ended up making a manual 5c draw bar for my setup. Not as fast to use, but I'm not in production either. It was a fun project to tackle using a piece of DOM pipe, some aluminum for the hand wheel, McMaster for needle thrust bearing https://www.mcmaster.com/5909K39/

I screwed up a couple of pieces, had to redo some parts, but overall it came together well and works great.
 
Looks like a nice lathe. I like the fact that you have a hardened bed and found it for a great price.

Logan is calling this a 6510 (vs 5610), on this site https://www.lathe.com/models.htm

Do you have a collet adapter for 5c? Logan shows them here: https://store.lathe.com/lp-1855.html

I ended up making a manual 5c draw bar for my setup. Not as fast to use, but I'm not in production either. It was a fun project to tackle using a piece of DOM pipe, some aluminum for the hand wheel, McMaster for needle thrust bearing https://www.mcmaster.com/5909K39/

I screwed up a couple of pieces, had to redo some parts, but overall it came together well and works great.

Good catch...typo! I really do know better :)

I don't have the 5c adapter, but I have them for both of my other lathes so I already have a decent set of 5C collets. I'm pretty sure I can make the spindle thread protector and a manual draw bar without too much trouble.
 
Did Logan have their own proprietary closer ? Does your Logan have a Morse taper in the spindle nose ? Back in the day I had one of these .
I'm not sure that Logan had a proprietary closer, but Logan sells one made to order for the same basic price as the Penn Tool example, and looks very similar. The spindle nose is a 2* taper rather than Morse.

I don't envision using collets all that often, but those closers are super handy....not cheap, but really would make things faster.
 
I bought a PM set-tru 5C chuck in 2016. I like it. The nose of the chuck sticks out some but I don't think that affects rigidity. D1-4 mounting is pretty solid. To release the work and move the stock out for the next part only takes 3 or 4 turns of the chuck key. If you are doing a lot of collet swaps it takes quite a lot of turns but there are ways around that. You can work with your hands right up against the chuck for polishing, etc. The disadvantage of the 5C is the minimal clamping range of each collet. You really need sets with 1/64" steps. Collet chucks are nice because you can grip threads w/o hurting them.

I also have an ER-40 chuck but the bulky collet nut isn't as nice to work with your fingers really close. It takes about the same amount of time as the 5C to change collets. It takes about half the # of collets for a full set as the 5C . As for accuracy, If you are not turning the work around in the chuck it's a non-issue. I prefer using a collet chuck to 3 or 4 jaw chucks.
 
Back
Top