Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture is a seemingly simple yet incredibly versatile tool for any serious machinist or hobbyist. Manufactured by Grizzly Industrial, this fixture promises to add a new dimension of precision and efficiency to milling and machining operations. It boasts the ability to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical orientations without disturbing the workpiece, a feature that immediately caught my eye.
My shop has always been about maximizing efficiency. I was looking for a way to perform secondary operations like drilling cross-holes or creating flats on round stock with greater precision and repeatability. Previously, I relied on a combination of vises and angle plates, which often resulted in tedious setups and less-than-perfect accuracy.
Upon unboxing the Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture, I was immediately impressed by its heft. The casting felt solid, and the machined surfaces looked clean and precise. The weight gives it a sense of stability that is crucial for accurate work.
Compared to other collet fixtures I’ve considered, like the ones from Tormach or Shars, the Grizzly Industrial offering appeared to strike a good balance between functionality and affordability. While Tormach’s options offer greater precision and Shars’ offer lower prices, I chose the Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture because it seemed well-built. The price point was more palatable, and I’ve had good experiences with Grizzly Industrial equipment in the past.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to integrate it into my workflow, but also a bit skeptical about whether it could truly deliver on its promise of seamless horizontal-to-vertical transitions and high accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture to work creating a series of indexing holes on a batch of stainless steel shafts. This project required precise angular placement, and I figured it would be a good test of the fixture’s capabilities. I used it on my Bridgeport mill.
The setup was straightforward. After securing the fixture to the mill table, I quickly realized the importance of proper alignment. A little time spent tramming the base ensured the vertical position was perfectly perpendicular to the mill’s X and Y axes. The transition between horizontal and vertical was surprisingly smooth. A few turns of the mounting bolts and the workpiece was ready for the next operation.
The ease of use was a pleasant surprise. I anticipated a learning curve, but the fixture was intuitive to operate. After initial tramming, operations went very smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture has become an indispensable part of my shop. It continues to deliver consistent and accurate results.
Durability has proven to be excellent. Despite the heavy use, there are no signs of wear and tear. The mounting surfaces remain flat and true.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth and a light coat of oil on the moving parts are all that’s required. It’s designed for longevity.
Compared to my previous setup using vises and angle plates, the Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture is a game-changer. It saves time, improves accuracy, and makes complex machining operations much more manageable. It has vastly improved speed in operations where it is utilized.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture
Specifications
- 5-C Collet Compatibility: Accepts standard 5-C collets up to 1″ in diameter. This is a widely used collet size, making it easy to find collets for a wide range of workpieces.
- Precision Ground Mounting Surfaces: The mounting surfaces are precision ground to ensure accurate transitions between horizontal and vertical orientations. This guarantees that your workpiece remains precisely positioned regardless of the fixture’s orientation.
- Horizontal and Vertical Orientation: Designed for both horizontal and vertical applications, allowing for a wide range of machining operations. The flexibility is key to efficiency.
- Manufacturer: Grizzly Industrial is the manufacturer. Grizzly Industrial is known for delivering affordable and functional tools.
These specifications are crucial for achieving accurate and repeatable results. The precision ground surfaces guarantee that the fixture maintains its accuracy even after repeated use. The 5-C collet compatibility is very useful.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture performs its job admirably. It holds workpieces securely and accurately, allowing for precise machining operations.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and versatility. The design is straightforward, making it easy to use, and the ability to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations expands its functionality. The ability to change collets quickly and easily is excellent.
However, the fixture could benefit from a more robust clamping mechanism. While the current setup is adequate, a stronger clamping force would provide even greater security, especially when working with tougher materials. Greater clamping force would inspire confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture is well-built and feels solid in hand. The materials used appear to be of good quality, and the overall construction is robust.
The design is user-friendly, although some users may find the adjustment screws a bit stiff initially. A little lubrication helps smooth things out. The design could be improved if the set screws used allen heads.
Durability & Maintenance
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. This collet fixture will last a long time if well cared for.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture does not come with any accessories, but it is compatible with a wide range of standard 5-C collets. This allows users to customize the fixture to suit their specific needs.
Users can also add indicators and other measuring tools to further enhance the fixture’s accuracy and precision. There are many options for customization to suit a user’s needs.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture
Pros
- Versatile Horizontal/Vertical Design: Allows for a wide range of machining operations without re-fixturing.
- 5-C Collet Compatibility: Uses widely available and affordable 5-C collets.
- Precision Ground Surfaces: Ensures accurate and repeatable results.
- Solid Construction: Built to withstand heavy use and provide years of reliable service.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money compared to other similar fixtures.
Cons
- Clamping mechanism could be more robust for added security.
- Set screws could use allen heads.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture?
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture is perfect for machinists, hobbyists, and anyone who needs to perform accurate and repeatable machining operations on round stock. It is especially well-suited for those who need to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations frequently.
This product may not be ideal for those who primarily work with very large or unusually shaped workpieces. Also, if ultimate precision and the budget is unlimited, then there are higher-end options to consider.
A set of high-quality 5-C collets is a must-have accessory. A dial indicator and magnetic base can also be helpful for precise alignment.
Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture
The Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture is a well-built, versatile, and affordable tool that can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of your machining operations. Its ability to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical orientations makes it a valuable asset for any shop.
At $141.99, the price is justified by the fixture’s quality and functionality. It’s an investment that will pay for itself in time saved and improved accuracy.
I would definitely recommend the Grizzly Industrial Horizontal/Vertical Angle Collet Fixture to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile collet fixture. It’s a great tool that has made a noticeable difference in my shop. Add this to your shop, and you won’t be disappointed.