Why would an R8 Collet be any more limited than a 5C?

Hi Rex,

In addition to the single major limitation pointed out by Don (being able to
pass long stock through a 5C collet), there are additional advantages to 5C
collets over that of R8:

1. A 5C collet is rated for diameters up to 1-1/16", whereas an R8 collet is
typically no more than 7/8". There are some special R8 collets that are
larger, but they are not common and have an even shorter throat depth than
regular R8 collets.

2. 5C collets can be readily purchased in round, square, or hex styles,
whereas you'll be hard pressed to ever find an R8 collet that isn't round.

3. 5C collets are available in soft alloys (and even plastic) for custom
machining your own size collet.

4. You can get expanding 5C collets for gripping the inside of a bore.

5. You can get 5C faceplate fixtures (common up to 6" diameter) for making
custom jigs.

6. You can get 5C collet stops to quickly set and repeat the depth of a part
in the collet. This makes for much faster work when machining many small
parts to the same specs.

7. You can get 5C adapters or chucks for lathes.

Realize that 5C collets are intended for holding work pieces, while R8
collets are intended for holding tooling.

Regards,
Michael