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

There is a system made by, I think, Acurite, that places a pull stud in
the end of an R-8 solid holder. It's released by snapping the quill up
sharply against the release mechanism which sits atop the spindle where
a power drawbar would mount. There is some sort of mechanism that
prevents it from unlocking if the spindle is turning. This requires
enough room to withdraw a full length R-8 holder. I do not recall if
pull studs can be fitting to just any R-8 shank tool or if it's a
precision deal. A fairly wide array of holders is available however, and
unlike the Royal system (which I've used and like), it doesn't involve
an adapter between the spindle and tool holder. It can be seen at:
<http://www.angelfire.com/nj2/machineparts06A/quickchange.html>

There's another similar unit that predates it by quite a bit.
I've seen this unit myself, Ed Haas (aka: Steamboat Ed) has this setup
on his Bridgeport. I like this one for the same reason as the above
system, it's directly applied to the R-8 taper. I also like the fact
that the holders are stubby, not extending full length like a drawbar
R-8 shank. Needs much less room for tool changes.
It can be seen at: http://www.snapchange.com/

Either of these could be the basis of an automatic tool changer setup
for R-8, but neither provide a common reference feature for a tool
changer to grip. More than one solution to that, I'm sure.

However, solid toolholders in a collet drawn tight with heavy springs,
is pretty simple to make, and easy to release via air or cam action.

Jon