Hi Folks - It looks like I’ve screwed up my spindle collet/clamping nut. I’ll admit up front I’ve been using this for quite a while, but I wasn’t even aware until researching this mess the proper technique to engage the collet in the nut before inserting the new mill. I’ve just never had an issue, but my luck seems to have run out. Right now it’s completely jammed to the point I’m not even sure I can get anything to move without trying some larger wrenches with more leverage. Of course I’m afraid I’m just going to do more damage. Carbide support said they don’t so anything with spindles, so…I’d appreciate any ideas! Thank you!
We have a bit on the ER-collet system at:
https://carbide3d.com/hub/docs/er-collet-basics/
Checking, it seems you are in touch w/ the folks at support, so I will yield to what they work out with you.
Unfortunately they just stated they don’t work on spindles and provided no further advice. Which was a bit of a surprise to me. Perhaps this is a very rare situation, I don’t know.
All you can do is manage to get the nut off, then extract the collet (if it’s not snapped into the nut, or if the nut breaks so that it is not drawn out), then check the threads and see if they need to be repaired (folks have discussed doing that here), and verify that the interior of the shaft is undamaged.
Agree with what @WillAdams suggested. Your best bet is to use a socket and power bar on the nut. Not ideal … but reinstall the spindle on the machine and block the gantry so it cant move, Put the spindle wrench on and rest it against the Z Axis plate. Then slowly apply steady force to the power bar and hopefully the nut should start to move. A liberal spray of WD40 up into the nut might help to lube things up a bit.
Fingers crossed that the spindle threads are not damaged. Get yourself a new collet nut…the old one is likely toast.
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Thanks Jeff - That sounds like a plan worth a shot
I have had similar situations, and I cannot express how helpful lubrication has been in each one. Do not put it off until the last resort.
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thanks Scott - I did get it off with some WD40 and a long bar. Sadly there is some damage to the threads, but I’m thinking I won’t know if it’s still usable until my new collet and nut arrive. really hoping I didn’t lose a very expensive spindle over a stuck nut.
You can get a die for the thread count/pitch and clean it up before you try the new collet nut. I would before I put a new collet nut on.
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@NDVermin Good to hear that you got it off. You can get inexpensive collet nuts on Amazon to try before attempting with a new better quality one. That way you don’t risk damaging the threads on it before you know the spindle is good to go.
As Tim says, run a die over the spindle threads and see if that cleans them up. If you have a local machine shop maybe they can help out…
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That’s a great idea - I will try to track one down and give that a shot!
Towards that end, please see:
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