My nuts need balancing

[smorgasbord]

ER-16 collet nuts, that is.

I upgraded from a router to a spindle on my CNC, and it uses nice ER-16 collets, but the less-available variant of M19 threads (instead of M22 threads). I could maybe switch over to using the special notched collet nuts and get the special notched collet nut wrench, but I'd rather just stick with regular hex, which, of course, is the rare option.

There only seems to be one source for balanced ER-16A/M19 collet nuts, and thats the CNC vendor (Carbide 3D), but they only sell them as a set with collets I don't need (unless/until mine wear out I guess) for $25 each. I can buy ER-16A/M19 collet nuts on Amazon, but they're not balanced.

Anyone know how I can find a local machine shop that could balance the ER-16A/M19 collet nuts? It usually involved drilling small holes in the nut. I could probably run unbalanced nuts, but that might affect the resulting surface finish. Or, maybe some CNC experts can chime in about how some router bits aren't well balanced anyway or unbalanced nuts aren't that bad or ER-16 collets wear out so I might as well have spares?

 

[Packard]

There are companies that sell CNC spindle nuts. The images show the drilled balancing. I don’t know the specs on your spindle, but here is my search. Several specialized vendors for this.

Google Search

This company lists a ER-16 balanced spindle nut. I don’t know if that spec is sufficient for ordering.

ER-16 Collet Nut, Dynamically Balanced For High-Speed CNC Spindles – IDC Woodcraft

This ER-16 collet nut for ER-16 collets, is dynamically balanced for spindle speeds up to 50,000 RPM, making them exceptionally good for CNC machines with very high-speed spindles, like CNC routers. Made of 4140 steel for high wear resistance, these collet nuts ensure vibration-free operation...

idcwoodcraft.com

And here is a screenshot:

 

[cdconey]

ER-16 collet nuts, that is.

I upgraded from a router to a spindle on my CNC, and it uses nice ER-16 collets, but the less-available variant of M19 threads (instead of M22 threads). I could maybe switch over to using the special notched collet nuts and get the special notched collet nut wrench, but I'd rather just stick with regular hex, which, of course, is the rare option.

There only seems to be one source for balanced ER-16A/M19 collet nuts, and thats the CNC vendor (Carbide 3D), but they only sell them as a set with collets I don't need (unless/until mine wear out I guess) for $25 each. I can buy ER-16A/M19 collet nuts on Amazon, but they're not balanced.

Anyone know how I can find a local machine shop that could balance the ER-16A/M19 collet nuts? It usually involved drilling small holes in the nut. I could probably run unbalanced nuts, but that might affect the resulting surface finish. Or, maybe some CNC experts can chime in about how some router bits aren't well balanced anyway or unbalanced nuts aren't that bad or ER-16 collets wear out so I might as well have spares?

You may want to reach out to Precise Bits. precisebits.com.

He has info on the types of collet nuts on his website. https://www.precisebits.com/products/equipment/er_colletnut.asp

Looks like the Hex nuts have a different thread / pitch than the castle/spanner collet nuts.

 

[smorgasbord]

This company lists a ER-16 balanced spindle nut. I don’t know if that spec is sufficient for ordering.

That looks like it has the more common M22 thread, I need M19.

PreciseBits doesn't have it, either.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I buy (non-balanced) collet/nut sets from various Asian suppliers and have no trouble with vibration or performance of any sort.

Cutters are far more likely to cause a noticeable imbalance than a collet or nut, especially insert cutters.

Precision collets/nuts are nice if you're doing precision work in metal, in timber the wood will vary with humidity and temperature more than the tolerance on any half decent collet/nut.

If mainly doing wood, I wouldn't be concerned unless you find a particularly bad one that's immediately apparent due to noise/vibration.

 

[Mini Me]

HAAS did a Tip of the Day video on collets. It has been quite a while since I watched it but it may have some information for you.

 

[smorgasbord]

I buy (non-balanced) collet/nut sets from various Asian suppliers and have no trouble with vibration or performance of any sort.

Cutters are far more likely to cause a noticeable imbalance than a collet or nut, especially insert cutters.

Precision collets/nuts are nice if you're doing precision work in metal, in timber the wood will vary with humidity and temperature more than the tolerance on any half decent collet/nut.

If mainly doing wood, I wouldn't be concerned unless you find a particularly bad one that's immediately apparent due to noise/vibration.

So, should I just buy these and be happy?

uxcell ER16-A(M19) Type Collet Clamping Hex Nuts for CNC Milling Chuck Holder Lathe - Amazon.com

uxcell ER16-A(M19) Type Collet Clamping Hex Nuts for CNC Milling Chuck Holder Lathe - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[luvmytoolz]

So, should I just buy these and be happy?

uxcell ER16-A(M19) Type Collet Clamping Hex Nuts for CNC Milling Chuck Holder Lathe - Amazon.com

uxcell ER16-A(M19) Type Collet Clamping Hex Nuts for CNC Milling Chuck Holder Lathe - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

I think you'll find them perfectly fine!

 

[Packard]

I think you'll find them perfectly fine!

I have used a variety of tools and supplies from Uxcell (via Amazon.com) and all of those purchases have proved satisfactory). And while I have a couple of their carbide forstner bits, I generally buy the Roman brand for those.

They are one of my preferred brands on Amazon.co.