chuck and collet ordering....

[BarryB]

Hey folks, it's time for me to order a chuck and collet set.  Do you have any recommendations?  My spindle is ER25, max RPM of 18000, and it's 2 HP.  I'll be primarily cutting wood and light metal, precision sculpture out of both mediums.  The design of my mill is in the link below, so maybe that helps with a recommendation?  This part of the decision seems confusing to me, there are so many options.

[Chaoticone]

Where is the link?

Brett

[BarryB]

Sorry, was the next link in the forum.  Here's a direct link:

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12938.0.html

[RICH]

Why not just purchase ER25 collets for your spindle?

RICH

[BarryB]

Don't they have to be matched for the chuck?  There's so many different styles for those...

[RICH]

There are different types of holders, but if the spindle is tapered to accept the ER25 collets then separately purchased ER25 collets will fit it.  I do assume that you have the locking collar that goes with your spindle.
The Emco mill i had at one time had an adapter for the collets. I later purchased a holder for the collets which had a #2  MT shank so i could use the collets in my Atlas mill. Just make sure it is an ER25 as there a whole bunch of other collets like 16, 32, and 40. In that sense the collet is matched to the chuck / spindle.
RICH

[BarryB]

I just got this response from a guy that has the same type spindle.  So this is an easier choice than I thought;)

It looks like you have the nut already, and you only need the collets and
spanners. Just order ER25 collets and spanner to suit the ER25 nut.
You won't need all the collets that are available, I would order 3 to start
with. 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8". you will fijnd that you will use the 1/4" collet
most of the time.

[RICH]

Good for you. I went through the same kind of wondering with that other mill a long time ago.
Now you can move on.
RICH