Endmill Tool Holder Options.

[vtcnc]

Finally got the vertical head for my Atlas Mill set up. Works really, really good and glad I struggled through the motor reversing problems and persevered. First milling project has been making a Harold Hall style quick change tool holder set for my Atlas 10F. The issue with the vertical spindle on the mill is that it is a straight bore 1/2" diameter - so very limited in endmill sizes. Endmills are held in place with a setscrew - i.e. welden shank style.

So, unless I can find affordable 1/2" shank endmills in various cutter sizes - which I must be looking in the wrong place for because I can't locate them - I see three basic options:

• Purchase various straight shank endmill holders,
• Purchase ER collet tool holder set,
• Make my own straight shank endmill holders.

My preference is to get something as soon as possible. I can't afford any more time stuck in "Tool Inception" as my wife calls it - that is, making a tool to make a tool to make a tool to make a 'what was it I was making?'"

So I've narrowed down my two choices to an ER20 collet set mostly because I can't seem to find straight shank welden style endmill holders. There are ER20 straight shank holders and a 8 pc. set at CME Tools. Anybody have any experience with their quality? I'm imagining that this is a "get what you pay for" kind of deal, but just wanted to check and make sure it isn't a total waste of money before I pull the trigger on this.

Links:
Tool holders
Collet set

So, for about $140 I can get four endmill holders and eight options for sizes with the collet set. Are there any other ideas out there?

 

[Dabbler]

your spindle is 1/2 " straight bore, so what holds the end mill? is it some kind of built in collet?

 

[vtcnc]

your spindle is 1/2 " straight bore, so what holds the end mill? is it some kind of built in collet?

Set screw on the weldon shank flat.

Edit: sorry, reading my original message I don't think I was clear on that.

 

[Cadillac]

I personally would make the holder and buy the collets and the better nut. Then you can customize to your spindle. Make as short as possible idk.

 

[Dabbler]

years ago I was able to buy any size weldon holder, but not any more. What spindle taper do you have for your weldon holder... R8, MT3?

[I'm really confused... I think is shows...]

 

[Uglydog]

What is your table to spindle height?
While I'd likely make my own holders (I'm intrinsically cheap) they might be taller than the ER20 option.
What speeds does the machine run? And what kind of work are you intending?
If you intend high speeds and small end mills the presumed precision of the ER20 set up may be optimal.
What is the run out on the spindle? You might be able to negate some run out if you are able to make holders in situ.

Daryl
MN

 

[Alexander McGilton]

Your issue of wanting to fit multiple shank sizes to a common 1/2inch receptacle, is known to people with wood routers.
If you don't mind the runout, you could pinch a collet reducer on one side. vary little Z lost.

0.500 in. Collet Reducer

Coller reducers compatible with 1/2 in. capacity routers, and spindles. 8-leaf, spring design provides better clamping and centering than conventional adapters.

www.precisebits.com

MUSCLECHUCK™ PRECISION COLLET REDUCERS & ACCESSORIES

These Collet Reducers are manufactured to exacting standards required for use with MuscleChucks™ to reduce from 1/2" Shank capability. All feature "top hat" styling to ease in removal. All MuscleChucks™ use the 5/32" hex keys for installation and removal of bits.

ca-woodline.glopalstore.com

1/2'' to 8mm Collet Adapter

This collet reducer allows you to use 8mm shank router bits with your 1/2" collet. The collet adapter slips into your existing 1/2" collet, and the router bit is then inserted into the adapter.

www.rockler.com