RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Automatic or easier tool changes for R8mills ?

The system Mike describes is also used on old Defiance VMC's and
Light Machines' Benchman VMC's.

Regards,

Carlos Guillermo
VERVE Engineering & Design

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Gann [mailto:mikegann@...]
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2003 1:21 PM
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Automatic or easier tool changes
for R8mills ?

It attached with threads. Roland made his own tool holders for the
different
sized endmills, center drills, drills, etc.
The OD of these holders were 3/4" if I remember right and they had
a larger
OD down toward the tool end. He then had this lever/cam operated
drawbar
with a 3/4" R8 collet in the spindle. He could then loosen the
draw bar,
remove the current tool, slide in the new tool (with a positive
stop against
the larger OD of the tool holder and the collet), then flip the
lever to
engage the collet. The article indicated this setup gave good
repeatability
on tool lengths.

The tool holders use the same basic shape as the ones Les Watts
has on this
page:

http://www.lmwatts.com/forsale.html

If I can find the issue I will let you know.

Mike