Lathe Collets - 2: The Drawbar and Collet Chuck
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WARNING: Machine tools present a safety hazard. Improper operation can result in severe injury. These topics are for non-laboratory study only and are not to be used in conjunction with the operation of any tool or machine described herein. Never use a machine tool without the supervision of a qualified instructor.
A drawbar like the one shown is a device for actuating the collet system through the spindle of the lathe. Before mounting the collet on the lathe, it is necessary to remove the chuck and attach the collet drawbar. Since there are so many adaptations to the collet system, the drawbar may be slightly different from machine to machine. Studying the method of attachment will make the installation simple.
Some drawbars are bolted to the machine, while others are attached with a threaded wheel at the spindle. Another popular version has a kick out lever that allows for rapid tightening and loosening of the part. Most CNC collet systems use a hydraulic or pneumatic system to open and close the collet.

Another collet mount is the collet chuck. A collet chuck fits directly on the spindle of the lathe just like a 3-jaw chuck or a drawbar chuck. However, instead of using a drawbar to pull the collet inward it has a chuck key mechanism similar to a 3-jaw chuck. It is a slower operation than a draw bar collet system but it is just as precise. It is also far less expensive and easier to set up and tear down.
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label: lathe collet, C5, drawbar, collet chuck, collet variations, machining tricks