Boss8 spindle with through hole?

[cut more]

Hi,
I have read that some boss8's had a spindle with a through hole. What I really would like would be an ATC but what I have is the Kwik switch 200 spindle.
Does anyone know if there is a spindle that would fit in the head with a through hole? It looks like a vari-speed head maybe a vari-speed spindle would fit?

Any replies greatly appreciated.
Cutmore

[Dyad1]

Hi Cut more;
That is correct, the Series 1 R2E3 Boss 8 did have that option. We bought a used one long ago that had one with one of those air impact motors for a power draw bar.
We changed it out for one like you have now. It was very simple. Trouble is I cannot remember where we got it from. The original spindle was for 30 Erickson.
I don't know if you could use that one with an ATC. Also usually the vari speed head uses a R8 Collet. Sounds like an interesting but very difficult project.
Good luck

[machintek]

The QC30 indeed had a through hole. The tool holders are threaded. Bridgeport and others sold a Power Draw Bar that would squat down onto the draw bar and using a air inpact butterfly wrech, loosen and tighten. The air would only go to this device when the brake was ON. A ATC would require the spindle to orient. Most newer machines achieve this with a spindle encoder and spindle drive. The old BTC1 used a spindle drive, scroll plate, paw , air cylinder, speed feed back, and switches to achieve a orient plus logic control. Then there is all that is necessary to release the tool grab it, place it somewhere, get the proper next tool, and get it in the spindle.
Do you think a ATC is worth the investment in time and money?

George

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Thanks for the replies,

After what you guys have told me I think the old girl is fine the way she sits! It runs and makes parts.

I have 1 repeat job I do with the Bridgeport because it is the only machine I have with enough Z clearance.

I recently read about a BTC1 for sale for ~ $1500. I will have to check the table to quill clearance to see if that would work.

Thanks for the sanity check!
Cutmore