Vortex 5C Emergency Lathe collet - Steel - 1/16 Bore

The Vortex 5C Emergency Lathe Collet in steel is a flexible, quick-fit solution for machinists who run nonstandard parts on a 5C lathe. It’s designed to be bored to the exact size, depth, taper, or shape you need—without waiting for a bespoke solution.

• Material: Steel construction offering strong grip and reliability for a wide range of workpieces.
• Bore size: 1/16" bore to accommodate small-diameter parts and precise starting fit.
• Customizable bore: Soft 5C emergency collets can be bored to the exact size, depth, taper, or shape needed for a perfect component match.
• Open-position pins: Pins are fitted to keep the collet open during the boring operation in the 5C lathe collet chuck, ensuring consistent workholding.
• Re-borability: When the job changes, re-bore the collet multiple times to hold larger parts—maximizing reuse and reducing waste.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with standard 5C lathe collet chucks in common machining setups.
• Material note: Brass emergency collets are available for delicate parts to prevent marring, though they don’t grip as strongly as steel versions.

This emergency collet is ideal for prototyping, repairs, or small-batch production where component dimensions vary. By enabling you to tailor the hold to the exact geometry of a part, it minimizes setup time and avoids swapping multiple standard collets. The ability to re-bore extends the life of the tool, making it a practical, cost-conscious choice for shops that frequently encounter irregular or evolving part geometries.