Need Advice

[rleete]

I have a Seig mini lathe (mine is Homier brand) in the 7x14 size.  I have several chucks, including a 3 jaw (4") and a 5C collet holder.  I like using both, but swapping between them is such a pain in the neck that I often go on to other tasks rather than change out the chuck or make do with what is already on the machine.

I recently discovered that there exists a clever solution, in the form of a 5C collet that is incorporated with an adapter for 3 jaw chucks.  In fact, LMS sells them:

Mount, 5C for 3-Jaw Lathe Chucks, 4" 5479 - LittleMachineShop.com

Now my question is this: is it too much mass hanging off the end of the spindle nose?  I already push this machine's limits at times, so I don't want to get to the point where I need to replace spindle bearings (or more) because I have this big lump hanging out over the bed.

I am not concerned with bed length, as I have never made a part that comes close to that length.  I am only worried about so much mass so far away from the spindle nose.  Anyone else use one of these?  Any issues?

[rleete]

Okay, never mind this.

I just measured the stack up. Using this adapter puts the face of the 3-jaw over 7.5 inches from the face of the spindle. So, hanging more than 8" from the headstock, and using up more than half of the bed. I'm guessing that's a pretty bad idea.

Damn. I wish there was a simple cam lock setup for mini lathes.

[rubes]

I think your next best option is an ER40 collet check, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/HHIP-3901-5033-Co...K2RM0&th=1
Not a cheap option since you now have to buy a good set of ER40 collets.

Oh duh...nevermind...that does nothing to allow you to change from collets to a 3jaw. my brain is litteraly fried...was out in the 95 degree heat all day today.

[rleete]

I often thought about that option, but at that point I already had collet blocks and most of the 5C collets, so it is kinda pointless.

I am really wondering why a D1 style camlock nose isn't more prevalent. I found a PM machine that has it, but that is a $5k gunsmithing lathe, not one of the smaller benchtop types.

[rubes]

yep...VHS or Betamax...Millwaukee or DeWalt...Ginger or Maryann.
I chose to go with that ER40 collet for my small lathe despite already having a large compliment of 5C for my Hardinge, and R8 for my mill. At least I wont need a collet for a project, and find that it is tied up on a setup on another machine...hahaha.

[rubes]

If I recall...there was someone on here asking for dimensions for D1 mounts. I think he was making one for his small lathe? wonder if it was ever finished?