in with bits that came the model c southbend lathe i bought are some collets.

have managed to find out they are 3c collets but am having no luck finding a chuck for them.

does anyone know where i can get one please?

thanks

From Lathes.co.uk

The relatively large spindle bore meant that a hardened adaptor, to take a 3C collet, could be fitted inside the spindle and draw-in collets used with either a screw or lever-action closer (when the 10K version of the lathe was introduced in the late 1940s, the spindle was altered to allow the direct fitting (i.e. no sleeve was required) of 6K collets. Originally 3C collets were limited to a maximum through size of 1/2" (though subsequently some makers produced a (9/16" version) while the 6K collets allowed a useful increase to a maximum bore of 5/8".
See: http://www.hardingetooling.com

Hi Naughtyboy,

I have 3C collets for my Boxford, and as Jason has said, the Southbend and the Boxford use a 3MT to 3C adaptor which goes in the spindle.

There are some US companys that still make these adaptors. But easy enough to make. If you want i can give the dimensions etc of mine.

Regards

Barry

There have been two adaptors on ebay in the last year on their own apart from the ones that were listed with drawbar and collets as a package. They are the little sister to the 5C collets but unlike them they are only used drawn into the spindle. There are no nose mounting chucks that I have ever seen. Also no one makes the stand alone hex and square collet blocks for them that you get for 5C. These are on my todo list along with a mini spindex.

My Soutrhbend lathe uses collets which fit directly into the 3MT head stock shaft and are held in place with a hollow drawbar. Regards, Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 21/05/2015 00:20:22

Paul just tried mine and need adaptor.

Bazyle only having seen the 5c ones i assumed i needed a chuck, still learning.

Barry dimensions would be great if you could please.

Littlemachineshop.com has them. You should also be able to find one in the UK. or make one on your lathe.

You will still need a drawbar to hold the collet.

Paul got the drawbar.

Boxford spindle collet adaptor, will also fit South Bend, shown below. Usually a couple to be found on ebay.

BTW, have you decided about the 4-jaw chuck? (see your messages for precise location). Have another potential user waiting.

Phil

Round 3C or Crawford 327 are still widely available new and S/H here and in the US. You can still find hex and sq up to 5/16" in the States.

New - either Chronos or RDG useed to do them as sets of 16, not smaller sizes.
Paul - that what you got on the picture of a drawbar isn't 3MT so you must be using an adaptor or someone may have sunk a low profile sleeve into the spindle (this is done on a few small 1MT watchmakers lathes to fit 8mm collets).

If possible also get the piece that screws onto the thread. The adaptor overlaps this so that it can be unscrewed to remove the adaptor which may jam in. Also because of tolerances do not expect an adaptor to seat perfectly flush with the nose - it should project a bit to show it is not bottomed out.

For dimensions just google "collet dimensions" as there are several tables that give full dimensons and some that give partial information so look at more than one. Remember if you make your own to cut the taper a tad shallow so that the outermost part still grips when closed up.

Pic showing the spindle nose piece:

Also sizes if you want to make an adapter:

Hi Bazyle,

You are correct. I have been working with bigger size parts and only use a chuck. There is also an adaptor like the one above in my tool kit.

Paul.

Just by chance, I was looking thru FleeBay (Australia) which has just advertised a 3C collet set suitable for 9" Southbend or Sheraton lathes. Includes a set of collets, collet adaptor and drawbar. Also comes with a nut protector for the spindle thread.

Regards, Paul.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3C-collet-set-to-suit-Hercus-Southbend-or-Sheraton-9-lathe-/131519563490?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1e9f2d46e2

Many thanks for the responses. I assumed that an adaptor would be needed but I have seen someone on ebay selling 3C collets as style 327 to suit Boxford lathe and so wondered what was so special about them, or am I reading too much into that description?

I should say that I am not intending to use 3C collets on my Boxford (although it might be a good idea) but am researching info on an Edward Blake Tap Grinder. Having taken it apart I have measured the chuck, holder and drawbar and find that they are 3C.

Brian

Edited By Brian Hutchings on 05/09/2017 10:37:32

3C = Crawford 327. One and the same.