Hex Axle- How to

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by nick_sheets

http://www.amazon.com/5C-Collet-Bloc...&n=228013&s=hi

We seem to have 5C collet at our small school shop and we seem to have the set linked above. How do you use this on the mill or lathe? We have a very very very small shop with 1 mill and a lathe. So this would be very handy!!!!!

What is the tool to the right of the picture?

Thank you!

I've never seen them before, but it looks like those would be used on the mill:
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=36517
(There's a nice picture there that should make a lot of sense if you've had any machining experience)
I don't know for sure, and maybe someone who actually has used these before can give a more educated answer, but my best guess would be that you slide the collet inside the block, insert the piece of hex shaft, and then use the closer ring on the back to tighten the collet around the metal in addition to keeping it from sliding out of the block while in use.*

*again, best guess. If someone knows for sure how to use these, please correct me, because I'm curious as well.