[LeeWay]

I was wondering if it would be okay to mount a collet in a chuck.
I have a small 4" chuck and I would like to use a collet to fixture my brass rod. I use two sizes. 9/16" and 3/8". The chuck can leave dimples in the brass, which really isn't that bad, but would like to do better.
I only have a .87" opening in the chuck now. I did open my smaller 3" chuck before quite a bit. I might be able to open this one to 1" without getting into the scrolls.
Does anyone know if this would be acceptable and if so, what size collet might slip into that size chuck?
Thanks.

[Geof]

Make a split bushing out of steel.

Have a small flange on each end so that the chuck jaws fit between the flanges to stop it sliding out of the chuck when you push the rod through.

Bore the hole for the rod about .005" oversize because when you cut the split it will probably close up a little.

[LeeWay]

Ahh. Make my own collet holders. Well that makes good sense. Thanks, Geof.

I don't have a slotting tool yet though. I do need to add one or two to my stock though.

[Geof]

....I don't have a slotting tool yet though. ...

I bet you do; you are just using the wrong name, it is called a Hacksaw.

[LeeWay]

You are right.
It doesn't get used much though. It didn't come with instructions and I can't figure out how to crank it up.

[Geof]

You are right.
It doesn't get used much though....

Using one is too much like hard work in these days of power tools such as horizontal or vertical band saws.

One time when I almost started slotting a small bushing holding it by hand on a band saw with my fingers about 1/4" from the blade my foggy old brain did manage to come up with the thought that this was a really stupid idea and I decided to use the hacksaw

[LeeWay]

I do have a bandsaw that gets used most for odd ball stuff.
I have been fairly clever at adapting different ways to cut small parts accurately using fixtures and things. What I use most often are those large needle nose pliers with a 90 degree bend on the tip.
Priceless, especially for tubing and like items.

[Geof]

.... What I use most often are those large needle nose pliers with a 90 degree bend on the tip....

You mean the ones with good quality hardened steels jaws? So you hit the blade and Oh s**t there goes another blade.

BTDT

[LeeWay]

Oh No! Harbor Freight.

[maz43]

I just finished a job threading 1/4 drill rod. I didn't have any jaws to hold it.
I ended up boring some jaws to chuck up a straight shank ER32 collet holder.
It worked beautifully.

[razr]

collet holders for lathes r the best.

[handlewanker]

Good 'ol Geof, going back to basics for some people is like trying to wipe your backside with riggers gloves on, LOL.

I like the bandsaw idea......so cruel when the blade cuts through the side and the wall grips the blade and flips the bush over.

The hardest part is to get the slot nice and central with the axis of the bush, some people haven't heard of a scribing block and a vee block....sigh.
Ian.

[LeeWay]

Old school is the way to go sometimes. I still have no slotting cutter per se, however I have rigged up a rotary tool with thin diamond cutter to slice stuff lengthwise. It too is a bit tedious, but cuts nicely and not nearly as much arm strength needed as the venerable hacksaw method.