Fit a collet closer to a standard gun lathe.

[NeoTech]

So i got this chinese crapola machine that will either see the scrapyard or be converted for cringe work (ak.a, the stuff that destroys good lathes).

And to being able to do cringe stuff, i wanted to fit a collet closer to the machine instead of the D1-4 chucks im usually using. The spindle has a large M32 thread in the back of the housing.
So i should be able to thread in some kind of holder with a springloaded collet holder (guessing 5C is the way to go here).

Anyone done something similar??

[Jonny]

Previous lathe Harrison 140 came with a 5C chuck, long mandrel with handle and some collets.
Gave them my mate 12 yrs ago collets don't go to a decent size and mandrel limits size through head stock already limited to 35mm.

No need for a spring just slacken and pull out the job. Worst case might need the odd tap with fist.
Same with the quick release capstans that come with similar.

[NeoTech]

So what you say dont overcomplicate stuff. =)

Well my idea was threading in a base in the spindle, and setup a drawbar with old valve cam springs or something and a circlip holding it in place, and just make a small "lever" that hooks into and pressing down on the spring as a lever..long enough so i can reach it at the same time i reach around for the collet.

Being able to do repetive tasks a bit faster..