Tool wont release

[pbd1971]

Hi to you all, having a bit of a problem with the Haas TM3 Mill. Its the basic model so requires a manual tool change.

Lately i have been experiencing problems with it, I press the release button and nothing happens, i keep pressing and then sometimes it will release and other times it can take up to 3 or 4 minutes intermittent pressing of the button before it will release.

It might be a coincidence but it seems to happen more when it is very hot in the factory as it has been this last few days.

Thanks for any help.

[Machineit]

Hi to you all, having a bit of a problem with the Haas TM3 Mill. Its the basic model so requires a manual tool change.

Lately i have been experiencing problems with it, I press the release button and nothing happens, i keep pressing and then sometimes it will release and other times it can take up to 3 or 4 minutes intermittent pressing of the button before it will release.

It might be a coincidence but it seems to happen more when it is very hot in the factory as it has been this last few days.

Thanks for any help.

This is not uncommon. Tool sticking is an old issue, especially with hot tools. Thoroughly clean the spindle taper and use a light oil to wipe down, then wipe most of the oil off. Clean your tool tapers too and do this regularly.

Mike

[Geof]

In addition if you have been doing a lot of heavy cutting with a tool take it out of the spindle as soon as you finish using it. Letting a warm spindle cool down with the tool in it can get the tool held really tight.

To release a stuck tool you can take a lead hammer or a regular hammer and a soft metal drift and tap on the tool flange. Not really hard, just medium blows at two or three locations. This will help it release when you operate the tool release button.

In extreme situations when you simply cannot get it loose you need someone prying down on the tool flange with a couple of big screwdrivers while you operate the tool release. In this case it is best to put a cardboard box filled with rags to catch the tool as it falls.

[Anders6612]

If it is powered by air pressure, check the air pressure also.

[Machineit]

Geof mentioned prying to tool out and I have done that many many times. But, someone recently mentioned another method that even is better.

Instead of trying to catch the tool as it is pried with the button pushed, don't push the button at all. Just pry the tool down slightly with it still engaged. Don't pry too far, but just enough to break the hold and then go back up. Then just push the button again as per normal. Works like a charm and no dropped tools!

Mike

[pbd1971]

I think the heat is getting to me too, should have explained a little better. When I press the tool release button, nothing happens at all, the draw bar isn't even attempting to release the tool, its totally dead.

I have experienced the "tool Sticking" before, you could hear a definite pressure noise attempting to expel the tool, the copper mallet sorted that out. I think this is a totally different situation, possibly electrical fault caused by the heat in the factory?

Thanks

[Machineit]

I think the heat is getting to me too, should have explained a little better. When I press the tool release button, nothing happens at all, the draw bar isn't even attempting to release the tool, its totally dead.

I have experienced the "tool Sticking" before, you could hear a definite pressure noise attempting to expel the tool, the copper mallet sorted that out. I think this is a totally different situation, possibly electrical fault caused by the heat in the factory?

Thanks

You have two tool release buttons. One on the spindle column and one on the control panel under the F3 button. Try both of them and if neither work, you probably have a relay or solenoid problem. Time to start tracing.

Mike

[eaglemike]

The solenoid (for the drawbar/tool release) on my VF-2 had to be replaced. I don't know the age of your TM, but this might be it.

When/if tools have stuck in other machines, I positioned the spindle above a piece of 4X4 wood, about 1" clearance. The I used a very small brass mallet to tap on the side of the tool holder while pushing the release button. It doesn't take mush, just a little tap on the side to break it free. I learned the "tap on the side" many years ago from an old mechanic who used it to separate tapered suspension joints.

[eaglemike]

The solenoid (for the drawbar/tool release) on my VF-2 had to be replaced. I don't know the age of your TM, but this might be it.

When/if tools have stuck in other machines, I positioned the spindle above a piece of 4X4 wood, about 1" clearance. The I used a very small brass mallet to tap on the side of the tool holder while pushing the release button. It doesn't take mush, just a little tap on the side to break it free. I learned the "tap on the side" many years ago from an old mechanic who used it to separate tapered suspension joints. In this case I tap on the tool holder instead of the outer part of the suspension )just to be clear).

[eaglemike]

The solenoid (for the drawbar/tool release) on my VF-2 had to be replaced. I don't know the age of your TM, but this might be it.

When/if tools have stuck in other machines, I positioned the spindle above a piece of 4X4 wood, about 1" clearance. The I used a very small brass mallet to tap on the side of the tool holder while pushing the release button. It doesn't take mush, just a little tap on the side to break it free. I learned the "tap on the side" many years ago from an old mechanic who used it to separate tapered suspension joints. In this case I tap on the tool holder instead of the outer part of the suspension (just to be clear).

[pbd1971]

Thanks for the replies, it's a lot cooler in the factory this morning and the tool changer is now working fine again. I have a few hours before the sun moves round to this part of the building and things really heat up so as the Old English saying goes..........I will make hay while the sun shines, or should that be make chips while it doesn't

Thanks