ER collet chuck for Versa-mil

[Timewarp]

I just got back from a short visit to Mark Hockett's shop in western Washington. He coached me on some cnc basics and let me run some parts on the Fadal. We went on a tour of some really nice small shops in the area and kept me up till 2:00am every night.
Mark has a very nice cnc lathe (Haas TL-1). He made a custom collet chuck for me while I was there. Thanks Mark!
I have had a Versa-Mil Milling attachment for a lathe for quite a while. It's pretty big, and I have not tried it out yet. It came with a horizontal arbor but nothing else. I contacted Versa-mil, they had endmill holders, but no collet chuck. I thought a collet chuck would be a way better choice then multiple endmill holders. This is where Mark comes in.
The versa-mil had a weird taper and threaded end. No problem. We also made soft jaws to hold the part. I was really impressed, and now I have a new toy.

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When I got home I blued the taper and installed it. Full contact and almost 1/2 thou runout .

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Thanks again Mark, I had a great time and learned a lot.
Paul L

[lakeside53]

I hate hearing about the TL-1. Every time I do, I want one...

[Mark Hockett]

Andy,
Timewarp and I drove by your place Thursday night but it was too late to stop, we were returning from Duval.

[lakeside53]

lol... I can say I never drive past your place without stopping in Damn ferrys ..It's like another planet.