ER Collet Vertex or RDG Tools

My experience of RDG quality is that it is not to be relied on whereas=20 everything I have ever bought from Chronos has been OK.

Hth,

--=20 Boo

I understand that there is only one maker of these in China and he suppliles all the cheaper outlets, also the quality used to be poor and now is very good, So I would have a look at ebay before buying as they are on sale there at even cheaper prices and seem to be ok, that said I always find Chronos to be reliable but RGD are 'up and coming' and have had ok quality and service from them Peter

Peter,

There are many makers of ER collets in China. The price paid is dependent on accuracy of the collet purchased, and it changes drematically on the accuracy purchased by the importer/re-seller. The issue is simply if you can work with the quality you have purchased from the supplier you have purchased from. Also, if an accuracy rating has been given to you by a trader, can you rely on the collect being within the specified accuracy range, and even if it is not, can you live with it, and can you prove it?. From what I have read on this forum, most peoples experience with the cheap collets they have purchased from offshore ebayers has been good, but I can definately assure you that there are many manufacturers of ER collets in China, as well as people who say they are manufacturers, but are traders who buy up surplus mix of accuracies, for re-sale.

Ketan at ARC.

Tim, I really can't comment on the relative quality of these items but I have a full set of Vertex ER32 collets and they are and have been superb. I also have some un-named cheap collets that are fine but I have seen others that appear to be less well finished. While I have bought from both of your suggested suppliers with success in the past, my approach now after some mixed experiences, is to buy respected "names" if I can't inspect them personally and take what appears OK if I can do the touchy feely bit myself. I know others have found the very cheap items to be OK for what they want to do.

My one comment on the Myford screw type chuck is that several people have experienced problems with the concentricity, have a look at this thread for some discussion : =20

I guess as always you pays your money etc but, in my experience, the relatively small amout saved is rarely worth the risk.

Regards

Keith

Keith - thank you very much for that insightful post - I didn't even think of that aspect, also we will most likely be moving to the UK sometime soon and then I will replace my Taiwanese Myford copy with something else so the back plate mounted collet holder is the ticket.

Thanks Tim