Hi SteveM,
I have a small box full of tanged collets I purchased on Ebay. I intend to remove the tang, then drill and tap the remainder of the collet to use with a drawbar. My only concern with that approach is the overall length of the collet. I don't want to remove so much material that they become too short.
I have been looking at end mill holders but haven't decided on what sizes to buy initially. I also haven't found an inexpensive set of holders.
I am an aspiring hobby machinist that is trying to follow best practices. With 0 machining experience and little time to self educate it's easier to purchase some tooling and get my feet wet. I read as much and as often as I can (also watch youtube videos) so that I become familiar with how things operate and how to properly set up your work.
I have a very creative mind and hope to produce some things which are swirling around up there. Plus it's always fun to show off to the kids when you make something really cool. Hopefully spark their interest and get them involved in something constructive rather than destructive...
Thank you for your advice Steve. If I cannot find a drawbar I'm pretty sure I can fab one up with some all-thread, or maybe chuck up some round stock in the lathe (once I get a threading tool) and make one. Copying existing work is much easier (and flattering according to some old dead guy whom I had to google his name).
Savage