Worth converting from NMTB to Quick Change?

[frontrange]

Recently upgraded my Lagun FTV-1 with an R8 to a much newer and servo'd FTV-2 with an NMTB40 and power draw bar. Lately I noticed the nose of the spindle is threaded on the outside, which I find means it is the later spindle design with a 4th bearing, all good, and the thread is apparently to take a Erikson quick change lock nut (which I don't have).

I'm not familiar with The Erikson QC system except from what I have been able to glean off of the net. It looks like if I had that lock nut I could use any 40 taper holder(assuming the flange was thin enough to fit the QC retainer or could be made so).

I'm wondering if maybe it would be worthwhile to get this spindle nut so I could open up my tool holder bargain hunting from just NMTB to any 40 taper piece out there. Is the QC system worth it or should I just stick with NMTB holders and my power draw bar?

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I believe the Erickson quick-switch uses NMTB tool holders but might not take Cat V flange holders. I think the Cat tool holders have a thicker flange to accommodate the "V" groove for automatic tool changers. Maybe you can back off the Erickson nut to provide for a thicker flange? Or maybe I'm wrong. LOL

Dick Z

[frontrange]

I think you are right. I went and looked at bunch of pics of CAT and BT holders on ebay and they all have the double flange that looks way too thick compared to a QC or NMTB flange. So I guess the QC lock nut wouldn't add anything in terms of additional holder options.

[tizm]

the quickchange option on my mill takes a 30 taper tool, not as sturdy as 40 but much better than r8

[MrWild]

While the quick change might be faster than a power drawbar, it isn't that much faster, and isn't automatic. I'd rather hit a button than yank a wrench, wouldn't you? Both require you to manually hold the tools as you remove and replace them and with the auto drawbar, you then just hit a button, versus the QC that needs the collar spun, then a wrench placed on it and tightened. Nope, not an upgrade in my eyes, and if it's faster, then faster is by a quicker man than i.