collets

Hi All

Sorry to post this to so many lists, I know some of you are on multiple
lists and this will get repetitious.

I need to try to make a collet. The design is like a 5C with external
threads but much smaller. An R8 is only slightly larger in outside diameter
(I thought I might be able to turn down and externally thread an R8, would
also need to slightly flatten the nose taper. However after reading the
specs in the Mcmaster catalog I feel they are probably too hard steel to
turn.

The collet I need is for a Black Diamond 31 drill grinder, is the large
collet that holds the larger bushings and the 3/4" bit for sharpening. BD
wants $120 some-odd for the one collet so I'd like to try to turn one
myself.

All it does is hold the bit in place for sharpening it, no high torque as in
milling, drilling, etc. I'd appreciate any suggestions as to material to
use, how to cut the 3 thin slots on the face that allow it to tighten, etc.
BTW my eq is all manual, even though the CAD CAM group is included in the
list. I get good info from all the lists!

Thanks

Lew