tool holder help

[binfordw]

Hi,

I've had a CNC'd X3 for awhile now, and currently use a "quickchange" collet set from Grizzly. I'm interested in faster toolchanges, and the ability to utilize tool offsets. I dont like having to swap tools and zero my Z out for each operation. What are my best options for this?

I also would like to pick up a lathe chuck for a 6" rotary table, what size of chuck would work best- and fit the easiest? I've never really messed with lathe chucks before, I see some of the smaller ones use a tapered shaft like a drill chuck, while others require a plate be fit with bolts to secure it. What would work best?


Thanks for any help,

[Enraged]

for the toolholders, the Tormach Tooling System (TTS) seems to be pretty popular. You can get it direct from Tormach, or through vendors like Littlemachineshop.com. It uses a modified 3/4" R8 collet in the spindle, and all of the toolholders have a 3/4" shank and a special washer to maintain the offset from the spindle nose.

[Crevice Reamer]

for the toolholders, the Tormach Tooling System (TTS) seems to be pretty popular. You can get it direct from Tormach, or through vendors like Littlemachineshop.com. It uses a modified 3/4" R8 collet in the spindle, and all of the toolholders have a 3/4" shank and a special washer to maintain the offset from the spindle nose.

I concur! And you don't have to buy a full set, but can add what you need as you go.

You don't want the tapered shaft approach. A backplate adapter wider than the chuck is usually used, mounted with Tee nuts to the table slots. That will probably restrict you to no more than a 5 inch chuck. I rather like THIS one. It will handle round AND square stock and has a 1.81 inch bore:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/5-4-...ll-Chuck/G9834

Be careful! With the RT, adapter, chuck, (Vise?) and workpiece you may be approaching the 150 pound max table load of the X3.

CR.

[Enraged]

I forgot to mention, if you need ER collet holders for the TTS, Maritool has nice ones. All you need is the $9 adapter washer from TTS, and you can use any tool holder that has a 3/4" shaft.

[binfordw]

Thanks!


I wasn't even aware I could buy separate toolholders for the tormach setup. I think I'll look into that before I mess any further with my rotary table, being able to changes tools quickly would be so very nice.

The Collet holders sure are pricey. Not sure what to do there yet. It looks like I just need the Tormach R8 3/4" collet, and then whatever 3/4" toolholders I need. I wish I have never bought my "quickchange" set from Grizzly, ugh.

[binfordw]

After a little more research, it looks like the collet set I have now might be useless- this is what I have http://www.grizzly.com/products/R-8-...-pc-Set/T10068


They are listed as "nf20" collets, and all I see listed for the tormach collet holders are ER style collets.


Should I just get a drill chuck or 2 instead of trying to use a collet holder for now?

[eartaker]

Drill chucks are not rated for the side load applied in the milling process. Do not use a drill chuck for milling.

[Crevice Reamer]

Drill chucks are not rated for the side load applied in the milling process. Do not use a drill chuck for milling.

BECAUSE, drill chucks are only held in place by the morse taper "friction fit." Side loads can loosen that and then the whole sharp deal could fly at your face.

CR.

[CNCfun&games]

Enraged:

I also stumbled upon Maritool here on one of the threads.

Bought a EMS 2.2KW Spindle/ Motor on ebay & needed to find some hi Quality
ER-20 collet's. Was concerned about the 24000RPM.

The precision collet's I received from Frank Mari are excellent. What a buy!

W .Smith, Mission Viejo, CA

[binfordw]

I buy all my tooling from Maritool, they have excellent stuff and its quick shipping as Im just a state away.

I purchased 2 collet holders from Maritool, and 3 collets. Should handle my tiny endmills for now. I ordered the Tormach style washers from LMS.

Once it all arrives, I'll have 5 various setscrew holders, 3 drill chucks, and 2 collet holders. That should cover my tool changes, I don't use many different ones atm but thats mainly due to not being able to change tools quickly and without hassle.

[Enraged]

I might get one of the drill chucks with 3/4" arbor from Glacern. At $90 its a bit more expensive, but its a one-piece design rather than a chuck and arbor, and from everything I have read, the quality is top notch. http://www.glacern.com/drill_chucks