I have been buying ER 16 and ER 20 collets from US SHOP TOOLS for close to 15 years. Today, I looked on the Torch site and I see the same collets for almost $4.00 less per collet.
At Tormach's price, I think I'm gonna order a set of ER 16's and ER 20's. I used to drive up to US Shop Tools to pick up what I needed, but now, it's a 40 mile commute to get there and 40 miles back and with the price of gas, and only 16 MPG it will much more cost effective for me to order them and pay the 12 or so dollars it costs to ship them.
Besides, by the time I drive the 80 mile round trip and spend 15 minutes to half an hour at the counter, I lose 2 to 2 1/2 hours out of my production day. As a one man shop, when I walk out and lock the door, it all stops till I return.
Sure, the drive is fun in my 600 horsepower Chevy Colorado, but since I only want to work 5 to 6 hours per day, that 2 hours is almost half of my work day.
