custom toolholders for Haas lathes ?

[Mike Braddock]

I was reading another thread about SL-10s and Geof commented that he has made some custom gang toolholders for drilling/tapping as well as some toolholders for 5C/R8 collets. I was wondering if anyone else has done anything similar and if so, if you'd be willing to share you ideas. I PM'd Geof and he said he will post some pictures in this new thread. Thanks guys!

Mike

[Geof]

Here are some pictures.

The first two are a holder that bolts into the slot in the face of the turret using the tapped holes for the wedge clamp used for OD tools.

Third and fourth are 5C holders front and back view showing the custom nuts on the back; these are actually on a GT20.

Firth and sixth are R8 double holders again for the GT20.

For the 5C and R8 holders the aluminum body was machined and bolted onto the turret and through holes bored from the spindle. I didn't worry too much about the bore size just that they were all the same within a thou or so. Then ID tapered inserts were machined and pushed into the bored holes with a couple of thou interference.

The first holder that bolts on the turret face was drilled and reamed from the spindle.

[automizer]

Geof in picture 4 the nuts you have there did you make those as well?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by automizer Geof in picture 4 the nuts you have there did you make those as well?

Yes, they are just threaded to fit the 5C collet end thread.

[Mike Braddock]

Geof,

Thanks for sharing your ideas. The gang-style toolholders look like a good way to improve tooling efficiency and save time on tool changes. I really like your idea of using steel press-in sleeves to make "standard" collet holders for your Haas as well. I appreciate you taking the time to post the informative photos!

Mike