This is a great idea I first saw Geof publish over on CNCZone a long time ago. I got thinking about it again as I was taking my 5C closer on and off my Tormach lathe.
Softjaws with the right ID profile make a fine 5C collet closer…
I’m already set up with a nice lever activated 5C closer, but if you didn’t have such an arrangement, the soft jaws are a cheap and cheerful way to get some 5C collet work underway.
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![6-Jaw Chuck [Making a Backplate for my Buck]](https://www.cnccookbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PA162583.jpg "6-Jaw Chuck [Making a Backplate for my Buck]")
The Tormach pneumatic? Or did you just not get that option?
Brad, if you’re asking about my collet closer its just a manual lever operated.
very nice idea!
another very handy option is this Kalamazoo 5C chuck. http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/66714-1cc-kalamazoo-5c-collet-chuck-5c-manual-collet-chucks.html I chuck mine in my 10″ 3-jaw softjaws for almost zero run-out; very accurate, fast and easy to load with hex T-wrench. very useful on both mill and lathe. can use with dead stop, and Z-position stays put.