A lathe’s tool holder securely holds cutting tools during machining operations and can house single or multiple tools. It consists of a base with slots or holes for tool bits and can be static or rotating. Tool clamps can be added for versatility. The post is bolted to the lathe’s compound holder and allows for fine adjustment and tool movement.
A tool holder is the part on a lathe that securely holds the cutting tool during machining operations. The post then secures to the rest of the compound via a conventional allen or hex head bolt or quick release locking mechanism. There are many different models of this device that cater to various cutting tips and machining operations. A tool holder can house a single cutting tool or have clamping facilities for several tools. Most are static, although rotating poles are available for cutting spherical shapes.
The tool holder on a lathe is the part of the machine that holds the tool bit while cutting. It generally consists of a tool steel base or column with one or more slots or holes to accommodate the shanks of tool bits. These tool flutes are shaped to accept a specific shank profile and can be square, dovetailed or round. The tip of the tool is held securely in place in the slot in the tool post by two or more locking bolts.
In the case of flutes intended for square shank drills, the tool flutes are usually cut into the side faces of the tool holder. These slots often have a dovetail profile to ensure a secure fit. Holes intended for round shank bits are usually drilled through the body of the post. The clamp bolts for square shank tools go through the top edge of the slot. Those for round shanks are passed through the top or side of the post body.
Some toolholder designs feature several dovetail protrusions that accept removable tool clamps with similar grooves. Using multiple tool clamps allows you to use a full range of tool bits without having to remove the post. Tool clamps are held securely to the dovetail of the post by a bolt or wedge. The clamps have dedicated slots for the tool tip and locking bolts to secure the tool tip.
Tool posts are typically bolted to the lathe’s compound holder with a conventional bolt or quick-release mechanism. Generally the post is held static while the compound rest, cross slide and saddle allow for axial, perpendicular or diagonal tool movement. The tip of the tool can also be moved forward or backward in the post to allow for fine adjustment. The pins of rotary tools used to cut spherical shapes rotate on a central pivot and move the tip of the tool in an arc to cut a round profile. Those that accommodate multiple tool tips often only require releasing and turning to present a different tool tip during machining.
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