Collet for 3/16" bits

[joa]

I'm looking to order some really small (1/16") 2 flute spiral bits for a job that requires some tight corners. The problem is that the miniature endmills usually come in 3/16" shank sizes.

Anybody know anyplace that sells a 3/16" to 1/2" collet for a decent price?

Thanks!

Joa

[joa]

Oh, this isn't the entire collet, just a sleeve that fits in my 1/2" collet. I have one for my 1/8" bits but can't find one for 3/16" sizes locally.

Thanks again!

Joa

[rgengrave@aol.com]

Joa I bought the 1/16 bits from Eagle America.

It is a 1/16 Cut Length 5/16 Shank Size 1/4
Overall Length 1 1/2

Item # 102-0102

Eagle America # 1-800-872-2511

I paid 13.00 ea

Ron

[wdyasq@yahoo.com]

Joa,

I have made a bunch of collet adapters on a small metal lathe. Method:

Bore; ream; center on mandrel; turn outside; make slits.

I prefer not to but on a Saturday or Sunday when no Industrial suppliers are open - and it is 120 miles to make the trip...... sometimes it makes sense. BUT, most of the time I will wait and just go to a MAchine tool suply shop and plunk down $10

[shuttle]

Joa,

Perhaps you could go to a hobby or hardware shop and get some 1/4" brass tubing and cut a slot in it with a fine saw. It worked for me... I reduced a 1/4" collet down using a 1/8 reducer and then 1/8" tubing to hold a Dremel bit.

[billp]

Joa ( and everyone else..), If you want REALLY small bits with a 1/8"shank, go to www.mcmaster.com, and then go to their end mill page(s). You can go down to a 1/64"end mill with a 1/8"shank in 2, 3, 0r 4 fluted versions, flat or round bottomed. Their prices are excellent, their bits hold up, and their service is fast...

[ron_cleaver]

If you buy from Eagle America, I suggest buying from pricecutter.com. They are owned by the same company. Pricecutter.com has virtually everything that Eagle America has and at a lower price, sometimes a lot lower.

I don't buy from Eagle America.

[gwb]

Joa,
You can purchase Whiteside Bits in sizes of 1/16" and up with 1/4" shanks and not have to worry about sleeves.

[chuck_p]

I ran across this page looking for reducing collets. Pretty cheap! $4.00 each

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/adapbush.html

mlcswoodworking.com

[joa]

Hey, good info. I cheated though and got a machinist buddy to grind down one of his 3/16" endmills (2 flute). Should work good. Still need to order some plus some adaptors though.

Thanks for all the advice!!!

Joa