
Originally Posted by
philbur
I think this is an interesting point.
Providing you are driving the drill into the work-piece the resistance to slipping in the spindle taper is self-compensating due to the increased force pushing the tapers together. However if you slack off for even a fraction of a second (as in pecking, or just to allow the chips to clear for example) then the tendency will be for the partially formed chip to pull the drill out of the spindle. This will have a tendency to relieve the force holding the tapers together and possibly allow the tool-holder to rotate in the spindle. A clear example of this is the problem with large tapered shank drills in the tail-stock of a lathe.
If you use spring washers with an air actuator and stud arrangement for tool release then your retaining force is limited to the spring washer force which is constrained by your desire not to damage you spindle bearings during activation (unless you are very clever with the design). If you use an air wrench solution then the draw bar tension is only limited by the strength of the draw-bar and the power of the wrench.
So if you really want to make a R8 ATC (a dubious proposition at best) without a drive key then the air wrench solution would appear to be the better solution. If you just want quick-change capability then leaving the drive key in place would probalby be a safer option, either with the spring washer or the air wrench arrangement. Personally I don't think that lining up the keyway is that bigger deal for a manual quick-change solution. Alternatively a damaged spindle taper could reduce you to tears, and I hate to see a grown man cry.
Regards
Phil