I have done a bunch of searches and just cant find the answer. My order for a IH turn key is going to be happening soon and need to get tooling figured out.

As of right now i have no tooling so eather R8 or BT30 would work. Did a bunch of reading and there is some bonus to BT 30 but it looks like its kinda a toss up on which to go for. Most my work is going to be in low carbon steel to start but who knows where that will take me from there.

Ok questoins

What is the difference of the sizes(20,25,32) on the ER collets(20,25,32)? Which one to buy?
If you use the collets how do you set your tool hight in mach to make use they are the same distance?
Do collets slip at all under heavy load?
Does the end mill holder only work with endmills with the flat spot on shank?

I have been looking at the stuff Maritool has for BT30 for collets and endmill holders. But also looking at R8 tools from maritool and Glacern Machine.
Just not sure and kinda confused on which one to use.

Now for measurign tools, what is a must and should be the first things a person must get. Also where is a good place to buy them.

What is some good books to get and read before I start working with this equipment. Looking at taking a Manufacturing Technology program at local college which will go over all the basics of manual machining to solidworks modeling and cnc programming.

As I said this is a fresh start I do have a fair amount of funds for tooling and tools.

I have been welding for 8 years or so and looking to do something little different.

Gary