Well…I goofed up. I by accident purchased an 8mm McFly bit instead of a 1/4" one for my 65mm VFD Spindle. That was two months ago. And I just discovered it when I went to use the bit for the first time.
Sales at Carbide 3d says: Although we don’t sell an 8mm collet, any 8mm ER-16 collet sourced online (amazon/mcmaster-carr/amana) should work with your spindle kit.
This seems to be easier said than done as most decent collets seem to be imperial, not metric. Maybe I’m missing something (or just don’t know enough) about collets. Amazon’s collets, though the “right size” seem like they are crap. All the rest show imperial sizes.
I purchased my spares from Maritool. I have the ER-11, with the 8mm and 5/16th collets and work great. Make sure you get the right size collet nut, I have the 65mm version 1 spindle from C3D, the newer model has the ER-16 as Will points out above.
All that I care is that I get one that works with the 65mm vfd spindle and the 8mm McFly. If possible. I hate to be an idiot, but I feel like one tonight… could someone give me a specific link to that?
Do you have the ER-11 or ER-16? Scroll down the list and pick the applicable collet. If it were me I would get the corresponding collet nut for each collet you get so you don’t have to swap them out of the collet nut each time you change bit diameter.
Ok, ER-16 it is. Select the 8MM collet off the ER-16 list. It should be a standard thread/dimension to fit your spindle. They do have the exact specs on the website for the collet nuts as well.
This was the only one that matched what Will posted above for dimensions.
I know it is expensive, but Maritool, PreciseBits, or other reputable CNC / machine shop supply companies is where you should go for reliable, quality pieces and parts.
I had PrecistBits collets and collet nuts when I was running a DeWalt router on my first SO3, and they were great.
I have a mix of PreciseBits and Maritool collets and nuts for my current SO3 XXL ER11 spindle, and I just recently ordered 11 ER20 collets and collet nuts for my new ER20 spindle.
I did try the Amazon ones years ago, and what I got was difficulty getting the collet nut to thread onto my spindle. I got slightly wider cuts when using small bits (0.0315", 0.0394", 0.0472") and broke the really small ones (0.0120", 0.0150", 0.0177") after a minute or two of running conservative feeds and DOCs.
It will save frustration and possibly even save scrapped projects, and your sanity when you can’t figure out why others are cutting neat stuff, and you can’t stop breaking bits or your dimensions are off no matter how much you calibrate.
Stick with a known brand as mentioned in the thread. Makes no sense to use potentially lower grade products on your expensive spindle. My research on the subject is there was a reason they were that inexpensive.
Usual preface, I’m with PreciseBits so while I try to only post general information take everything I say with the understanding that I have a bias.
As others have said. Don’t cheap out on the collet. It can be even worse than usual when you are dealing with these larger mass, large head tools. Especially if they are sticking out a decent length. You can beat up the spindle bearings if you have too much runout.
As Will said I don’t have a horse in this race as we don’t currently carry metric collets. Probably okay with Maritool. But if you want good ones with a measured spec for the collet you get, they would be. Regofix, Pioneer, Haimer, maybe Techniks UP grade (don’t know after they were bought out).
Won’t belabor the point more… again… But if you want more info on this let me know or see:
Poor nuts or use can also cause issues that are exacerbated by large mass, or long tooling. Again if you want more info let me know or:
I first have to say “wow”! I called Precise Bits and the wealth of information I received in a 5 minute call… (edit: ok…I stand corrected. It may have been more like a 15 or 20 minute call. But time flies when you’re having fun! It was an extremely enjoyable call as well!)
All that to say…it gave me confidence in finding the right collet, gave the right search…everything! Awesome company! I will definitely be purchasing from them in the future.
The final solution though came from Malik at Carbide 3d in sales. I talked through the situation with him and he said he would talk to the engineers about it. Shortly thereafter he sent me the exact link to what I needed.
Ended up getting another collet while I was at it!!
Always love problems that end in an excellent solution AND learning a lot along the way. And knowing that this community is always here to support!
I was also astonished when I read this
They’ve forgotten far more than I’ll ever hope to learn about all things CNC (and they’ve always been happy to share what they remember )
(edit: ok…I stand corrected. It may have been more like a 15 or 20 minute call. But time flies when you’re having fun! It was an extremely enjoyable call as well!)
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