Runout. It's the bane of everything in the world that spins. Including our world (Earth) itself. Runout refers to the inaccuracy of any mechanical system as it spins. It happens when the tool or shaft doesn’t turn in complete alignment with the main axis. It might be a common problem, but it causes really big problems in machining. With 5C collets the solution is a simple collet wrench.
Checkout Runout with Gauge
When the drill chuck doesn't hold the bit in the center, the bit turns on a secondary axis as it rotates. Like a wobble. This is runout. Total indicated runout (TIR) is how you measure the concentricity of a collet. It's not hard to do. Just press a
dial indicator against the rotating bit after it starts turning. The dial indicator amplifies any minute variations, so they can easily be seen with the naked eye. The dial indicator just takes the slight deviation from true concentricity and makes it large to see and measure. Since you can't make adjustments to what you can’t measure and you can't measure what you can't see, the dial indicator solves this problem. The deviations become visible and thus correctable. Make sense?
Correct Drill Press Runout
Start with a good cleaning. Many times this solves the problem. Fully open the jaws and blow them clean with compressed air. Just one speck of dirt can cause runout. Next, check the drill rod to make sure it is true. While you are at it, check the runout on the spindle and check the bearings on the spindle.
Fix Brake Lathe Runout
This revolves around arbor care. Yes,the pun was intended. Just inspect the arbor and spindle every once in a while. Look for metal chip buildup or rust. Simply clean the arbor with fine steel wool and some WD40. Don't use sandpaper or a wire brush. If you accidentally remove some metal when you clean, the runout only gets worse. When you check the arbor take a look at the spindle bearings. That could be the source of the runout if you verify lathe setup and arbor condition.
Protect Your Collets with a Collet Wrench
Instead of correcting runout, prevent it. When collets aren’t properly tightened you get runout. Runout can also damage the collet. Use a collet wrench and tighten all three jaws evenly. Just align the three prongs into the top of the collet. Next, turn the wrench to thread the collet into your machine. So
buy a collet wrench and stop runout.
