Re: Automatic or easier tool changes for R8 mills ?

Mark,
I am mounting the Sears Connector(Collet Holder)on a 1/2 "
shaft installed in a 1/2 R8 Collet.The Adaptors(collets)
are machined from steel and are tapered.A slot is machined into the
collet to lock it in place via 3 spring loaded balls located in the
collet holder. 2 Protuding pins in the collet engage slots in the
holder to index the system.Collets are removed by pressing up &
rotating a ring built into the Holder body (about 5-10 degrees).
This action locks the holder body open to accept the next collet.
Sounds complicated but the learning curve is short.
When I get the time I'll check runout & let you know the results!
So far I'm amazed at the cost of this system! Collet Holder & 10
Collets for $50.




--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "mmurray701" <gmurray@n...>
wrote:

> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "cncgrumpyguy"
> <wtsmith@c...> wrote:
> > I recently purchased Sears' RouterBit Connector/Adaptor Kit
> > for use on my Bridgeport Mill. Collet selection is limited to 1/4
> > and 1/2 inch. I can live with the inconvenience since the Kit

with

> > 4 collets lists at $29.95 & collets(Router Bit adaptors) are 3

for

> > $9.95. The system utilizes Ball lock retainers similar to Royal
> > and collets have 2 retaining ears.It's not heavy duty stuff but
> > most router work isn't.
>
>
>
> Wow this is certainly interesting for light work. Gotta love that
> price considering most quick-change adapters are like $500 not to
> mention the price of tool holders. You guys may already know but,
> MSC sells a Quick change R8 adapter that takes 30 taper tool

holders

> and fits the R8 taper. Its made my Erikson and is permenatlyly

held

> in place by the regular drawbar, just like any R8 collet, and you
> just swap different 30 taper holders into in. Uses up 2" of room
> though.
>
>
> Back to this Sears thing, I found a picture of it on the sears
> website but I cant determind everything from the pic. Heres the

pic:

>
> http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/26691/00926691000-
> dlv.jpg
>
> So do the end with the nut attach it to the spindle? What size is
> the hole? 1/2"? How exactly are the tool holders held? This thing
> would probably be great for me on a mini mill. Have you measured
> runout on it? Please advise! Thanks.
>
> Mark