Is this Shars ER 20 Collet set good for Desktop MAX spindle?

[carolinasmith]

Hello All,

First post...

I'm trying to learn CNC from scratch as fast as I can (work full time), love woodworking, and excited to soon see my Desktop MAX (in a Maker Crate) w/spindle, rotary indexer, Aspire 8.5 (already downloaded it) arrive in a few weeks.

Will this set of ER 20 Shar collets be good and a good value (set wise) for the Desktop MAX spindle? Always interested in high quality, and I saw this brand mentioned in another post. Any other ER20 collet set recommendations that are 'better'? Not sure of which is the appropriate collet wrench for this set, or can I use the one that comes with the DM?

If I buy this set, do I need to get a new nut or will these fit in the one that ships with the DM spindle?

http://www.shars.com/products/toolholding-workholding/collets/er20-10-pcs-collet-set

I'd like to work with 1/8" bits ( I currently do some pen/small projects turning on a lathe... ) and I think the DM only comes with a 1/4" and 1/2" collets??.

Also, it sounds like there is a spoil board prepping program that comes with the DM (In the ShopBot Controls program?)... can one change the size/dimensions of the spoil board in the software, since the MAX is larger than the original DM?

Sorry if I'm not asking the right questions. Thanks for any info.

[Bob Eustace]

Welcome aboard! Its kinda like preparing for your first baby! Shopbot sell top collets at a reasonable price. The set you are looking at goes up in 1/32". CNC tooling doesnt work like that. Its 1/8", 1/4, 3/8" and 1/2". Then theres the tricky stuff. If you want to drill 5mm etc. holes most brad boring bits come with a 10mm shank. Its a very good move to buy the starter kit with your machine and learn from there as its all good stuff.

[tlempicke]

Another collet to get would be a 6MM. Some manufacturers will ship a 6MM bit for a 1/4 inch size. there is just enough difference that you will crunch your 1/4 collet after a couple of uses.
Bits, feeds and speeds are one of the major things to learn. Once you figure that out you will be amazed at the amount of cutting you get out of a bit.
Also know that collets are a wear item. Keep your eye on what you are using. If it starts to feel kind of loose, it is worn out and throw it away.
I have a desktop machine, it is amazing what you can do with one.

[scottp55]

Probably best just to order an 1/8" collet from Shopbot as Technics is a good brand and you won't have to mess with a great collet nut and wrenches you'll already have.
Besides being a "wearable" item(about 400 hours) he forgot to mention dropping them on a concrete floor and chipping/burring them:)
Better to order a back up set so cutting can be uninterrupted.
Congrats on going MakerCrate! NICE move and they clean up beautifully with sanding/stain/finish, and are very stable.
Easy to fit most stiff into and onto so machine can be moved for access and larger materials.
Ground your DC now, as static season is coming.
Drillman1 on E-Bay is our go-to for 1/8" bits. VBits and downcuts especially.
Spoilboard surfacing for the Max is included, But VERY easy to create a pocketing toolpath for surfacing in Aspire.
Hoping you bought the starter set of bits so you know what to expect from top quality bits.
If starting from scratch like I did, Nothing will speed you up more than watching TJ's vids in the "Training" materials at the Shopbot site, AND improving your drawing skills from following and working along with the Vectric tutorials. Drawing skills will speed you up tremendously.
Welcome!
No such thing as an original stupid question....I think I've asked most of them:)
My e-mail is under my contact info....feel free to ask specific stuff.
scott

[Robert Rickard]

Here is where I got extra collets for my Desktop MAX. (http://stores.ebay.com/allindustrialtoolsupply/_i.html?_nkw=er20&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Search&LH_TitleDesc=1&_sid=1025773236) They sell the same Techniks ER20 collets that ShopBot supplies and offer free shipping as well.

[jerry_stanek]

I use the 3/16 collet all the time the ones I have are 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 6mm

[carolinasmith]

Thanks EVERYone for your responses. I think I will call Sales and make sure I have a bigger set (and even backups) sent with the DMAX than the two that come with it. @Robert: I have bookmarked the page for now, I was going to order the 1/8" bit from them when I realized they have two, the other being a 'steel sealed collet super precision'... at twice the price. A bit confounding for me until I have some experience under my belt.

darn, I hit a send button too soon...

[carolinasmith]

@Bob, yes, I did order the starter bit set, glad to see it is already 'known' by the software, but if you meant collets, I plan to get a collet set from ShopBot (more than the two that ship with DM)

@tlempicke:"there is just enough difference that you will crunch your 1/4 collet after a couple of uses."
not sure what you meant by that?? I get that 6mm is ~ .236", so the bit is smaller than the 1/4 collet. Do I need to take calipers to bits I order online (oh no) to verify sizing so I don't mess up collets?

@Scott: yes, excited to get MakerCrate. It kind of looks steampunk...Sales thought they didn't make them anymore and he had to check if it could be done for the MAX. I plan to add wheels for mobility in my shop. Most of my bigger tools are mobile in my shop. I have bookmarked Drillman1. I have already been watching TJ's videos, need to start Aspire tutorials. Understand the 'wearable' and was happy to discover Shopbot's odometer feature to kind of keep track of hours.

@Jerry: thanks, I will expand the 'set' to start with.

Whew, so much to comprehend, but so looking forward to it. I am drawn to precision, for example, I plan to use CNC to cut out segments for segmented woodworking. No way I can cut angles more accurate than the CNC. Well, off to a Vectric tutorial. Thanks again. Any other opinions/info welcome.

[scottp55]

Your "Crate", should come with 6" lockable casters like our first one did plus plenty of 3/4" OSB risers to get Your best working height.
Maybe double check with Frank to make sure they are tossed in the box.
I had to use 3" Rockler swivel locks to get the wheelchair adapted box to get my height right (THANKS Bill and TJ).
Here's pics of the standard Crate for our second machine.
After I saw it, I had my Crate "flat packed" and shipped UPS:)
Wait till you get the "Your Shopbot has Shipped" E-mail! You'll have a window on your computer opened to the tracking:)
scott

[scottp55]

OH, as much as you may be tempted to simply toss your Max onto the top and start cutting immediately....I'd remove the bottom connection bolts and lift top off/ remove bolts and sand all components and then finish/stain and re assemble....Maybe adhere a sound deadening foam to underside of top(I used Fosgate's lead lined close cell as I had a perfect size left from van sound system...egg crate mattress would work as well) to reduce the "Boom Box'ing" and odd vibrations which can affect fine details(and your ears) in the cut when VCarving.
My Desktop set up is quieter than the second Desktop...and I attribute it to that foam.
You'll be living with the Crate for years, so might as well make it a look like a piece of fine furniture:)
I get a lot of comments on mine, and gives a good first impression of dedication to detail at shows. I did mine in oils after staining the dovetail rails dark to minimize the "Ply" look. Now whenever my hands or brush have a little oil on them, I wipe them off on the Crate...she's acquiring quite a patina/depth now, and my spilled coffee stains barely show as it flows right off:)
If not now... then you'll probably never get to it before stains get set in.
Just get your yoga cushion out and play with your new toy at ground level for a couple days...makes it easier to get wires/computer/monitor/ and DC layout correct also:)
OH, MARK the USB you install with a Sharpie the Shopbot is on, and always use that port....seems to make a big difference in packet ET times, and avoids some other problems.
Those connection bolts that come with the Crate, are fantastic low profile jig bolts and Fastenal carries them in different colors for each length for easy picking.
Bill Young mentioned he made "improvements" in the Crate construction, so be sure to post a couple pics, as I've never seen a Max 'Crate.
Thanks,
scott