I finally learned the hard way about cheap collets

I bought a set of generic R8 collets online for about 80 bucks to save some cash. On the third part, a 3/4 end mill pulled right out during a roughing pass and ruined the part, a big aluminum bracket. The machine time and material cost me over 200 dollars. The collet had a burr inside I didn't catch. Has anyone found a decent budget brand that doesn't have these issues?

3 comments

3 Comments

robin_henderson8127d ago

Cheap tools work fine if you know how to check them first. You just got unlucky with a bad one in the set.

samjohnson19d ago

Ever try the magnet test first?

the_parker27d ago

Totally agree with that point about checking them first, robin_henderson81. I grabbed a cheap socket set once and the 10mm was just a hair off, totally rounded a bolt head. Felt so dumb. Now I always test the fit on a known good nut before I even start. You can get by with budget stuff, but you gotta do that quick check or you're asking for trouble.