Question about the Wolfgang spindle

[Bill the Cat]

I've run into a problem with my Wolfgang spindle.

When I bought it, I was concernd about the lack of a flat on the spindle to allow the use of a wrench when tightening the drawbar allen screw. I contacted the seller and was assured that holding the spindle with my fingers when tightening the drawbar was sufficient to hold the tool in place.

I was recently cutting in Paduak (a rather gummy wood) and the tool started pulling out of the collet duriing a cut. I managed to stop the machine before I broke the tool, but I have been unable to tighten the drawbar sufficiently (just gripping the spindle with my fingers) to hold the tool in place.

Has anyone else had this problem with the Wolfgang spindle?

 

[RBC]

Bill

You might need to measure the tool your using, and maybe check the collet.

I would think holding the spindle nose with your hand should be enough to hold the tool. You might have a small tool, or a bad collet. Make sure that when it is tight, there is clearance in the small slits of the collet. If the collet were to close up on itself, then it may not be tight enough against the tool.

I have one of these, but have not cut with it, so I can't speak from experience, but I would certainly think it should get plenty tight.