I am using a vision 1212, and want to use my featherlite/ezrider to help with consistent pressure while diamond drag engraving.

Do I need to use a solid collet? My engraver currently has a split collet.

Thanks!

So, I wouldn't use a collet at all? Not even a solid one?

Wouldn't this cause damage to the spindle?

I am engraving into soft metal (pure silver)... so I don't need a lot of pressure.

I'm not satisfied with the dragging results using the surface selecting ability of the 1212 itself (proximity sensors).

I have a different thread on my problems.

Let's make sure we're understanding the same definition of a "collet."

The cutter is still loaded through a spindle, but a collet is a means of clamping the shaft of a cutter, close to the business end.

You may be referring to a nose cone depth regulator, which can be made of steel or delrin and rides directly on the surface of the substrate, allowing the end of a cutter to protrude past its opening at a user-prescribed depth.

See attached image.

One is split, and one is solid. I assume the split one is made to "clamp down" on the cutter. Do they both "clamp down" on a cutter and hold it tight?

I wouldn't just use the featherlite with the draw bar in place, but not use a collet? If I do this, won't the spring action of the featherlite be useless, as it won't be screwed into anything solid?

I only have a split collet, and don't want to purchase a solid one unless it's necessary.