Collets deliver an extremely accurate workpiece and tool holding solution for kitless pens and custom pen making, and in a morse taper collet chuck they can be used at either end of the lathe. They compress to form a perfect circle at a given diameter over the full length of the collet, and although more expensive than a drill chuck, a set of collets will provide far more versatility and precision. They are much more gentle on the workpiece too.
Denoted by an ER number, collets are made in various standard sizes, which fit in a collet chuck that has the same number. The ER number defines the length and outside diameter of the collet, and within each ER size, the range of inside diameters available is also defined. In other words, the ER size dictates the minimum and maximum diameter of the workpiece or tool that you will be able to hold.
ER32 collets are the ideal size for kitless pens and custom pen making, as the range of collet diameters available within that size is perfect for the various processes involved in pen making, and they grip over a length of 40mm, which is neither too short or too long.