Chris' Tips Tool switching with the Tormach Tooling System (TTS) is extremely easy: Simply loosen the drawbar, slide out the current tool holder, then slip in the next and retighten. The unique geometry of the TTS tool holder ensures that, as the drawbar is tightened, the tool holder moves into an exact Z height while increasing rigidity. Each TTS holder has a shoulder that is undercut so it contacts the spindle itself, not the end of the collet. As the drawbar is tightened the collet will simultaneously squeeze the shank and be pulled upward into the spindle taper. This simultaneous action, grasping while moving up, pulls the tool holder tightly against the spindle face. The high-pressure contact between the shoulder of the tool holder and the spindle is the equivalent of a zero tolerance fit; the vertical location (Z-height) of the tool is exact. The initial placement, created by simply sliding the tool holder up until it stops, is normally within a few thousandths of an inch. The final location, after tightening the collet, is exact, highly repeatable, and not affected by the variable tension of the drawbar or wear on the collet.
Chris' Tips
HiTorque 7x16 Mini Lathe
