Collet Nut Question

[KeithG]

Hello Guys,
About a month ago I replaced the collet nut on my 5hp Colombo spindle. The bits had started slipping so I figured 2 years was long enough to justify a new one. Got the new one in from my regular bit supplier, Carolina Specialty Tools, and went to work. It seems as though we're breaking bits at warp speed now! Could I have gotten a 'bad' collet nut or is there something else I need to know ? I love my little import CaMaster but the bits are getting expensive as they pile up. Oh yeah, the bit doesn't slip anymore, it just breaks! :D

[pescado_loco]

Check the runout on the cutting tool & the perpindicularity of the tool using the old & new nut. You may have gotten a bad nut. There could be a small burr that is causing the collet to miss align.

[KeithG]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[james mcgrew]

kieth i purchase some collet nut a while back that near destroyed the threads on my columbo, threw it away quick

jim

[Joey Jarrard]

Jim is correct if you get them from someone that gets them overseas the tolerances are not that great.
I can get you some that we sell from techniks. for 30 bucks. also you may want to think about your collets how old are they should be replaced every 6 mo I say it depends on how much use some 6-8 mo some 1 year. if it has been worn then a collet can allow chatter this will snap a bit faster than anything.

I think as a collet and nut as the tires and wheels on your car. you have a very expensive car if you put bad tires and warped wheels on it your high performance baby will drive like crap. same with a cnc like your tires is the only part of your car that hits the road. your collet nut and tool are the only thing to touch your material.

One more point is to make sure you torque the nut to the right specs.