Brian Harnett
02-03-2013, 08:27 AM
This is something I have been doing for years for 3d work when a lot of reach is necessary.
A metal lathe is required to do this, I take a round stock blank, for the small bits I use brass 1/4 stock it machines easily, or as in the picture I had some 1/2 aluminum rod in the scrap can.
The larger bit is mounted in some type of high nickel steel I got a bunch at a surplus junk shop. it is durable and machines well.
The rods are bored to the bits shank size, The bits are held in with Cyanoacrylate glue, I have never had one come out in the more than ten years I have been doing this. Removing a broken or dull bit is done by heating the bit with a propane torch it will slide right out with a pull of some pliers, then soak the extension in acetone to dissolve any remaining glue.
I also make collet reducers, take a piece of round stock bore it to the shank size needed all the way through the length, then cut a slot along the length and you have a c collet reducer for any bit size, brass is my preferred material for collet reducers.
http://i.imgur.com/QBTpHQM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XoLQ4Nz.jpg
A metal lathe is required to do this, I take a round stock blank, for the small bits I use brass 1/4 stock it machines easily, or as in the picture I had some 1/2 aluminum rod in the scrap can.
The larger bit is mounted in some type of high nickel steel I got a bunch at a surplus junk shop. it is durable and machines well.
The rods are bored to the bits shank size, The bits are held in with Cyanoacrylate glue, I have never had one come out in the more than ten years I have been doing this. Removing a broken or dull bit is done by heating the bit with a propane torch it will slide right out with a pull of some pliers, then soak the extension in acetone to dissolve any remaining glue.
I also make collet reducers, take a piece of round stock bore it to the shank size needed all the way through the length, then cut a slot along the length and you have a c collet reducer for any bit size, brass is my preferred material for collet reducers.
http://i.imgur.com/QBTpHQM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XoLQ4Nz.jpg