Abstract: A tapered tool holder fixture for installing a retention knob into a tool holder and to determine whether the retention knob has produced distortions in a tool holder surface. A support stand supports a test gauge assembly that includes a mounting ring to which a tool holder is clamped, a gauge portion for receiving a tool holder surface and a camming ring for moving the gauge portion into and out of engagement with the tool holder surface. The mounting ring, camming ring and gauge portion are held together by bolts which allow the relative movement between the gauge portion and a tool holder held by the mounting ring and allow relative rotation between the camming and mounting rings whereby a rotatable detent arrangement moves the gauge portion towards and away from the tool holder. An indicator monitors the position of the gauge portion in order to detect distortions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for refinishing a tapered surface of a machine tool component. The apparatus includes a head defining at least three tapered segments which are configured to conform precisely to the taper of the machine tool component being refinished. Each segment includes a surface for receiving an abrasive strip, the surfaces configured to conform and confront a conical surface of a taper to be refinished. The head is adapted to engage the tapered surface of the machine tool component so that upon rotation of the head, the abrasive strips abrade the conical surface of the component. A head for refinishing a spindle bore includes three outwardly extending segments whereas the head for refinishing a tool holder shank surface includes three segments extending between annular portions, each segment having an inner tapered surface for receiving the abrasive strips.

Abstract: A retention knob for use with a tool holder that is less prone to distorting a tapered tool holder surface, especially if it is over-tightened. The retention knob includes a knob head, a flange engageable with an end of a tool holder shank, a pilot segment receivable by the counter bore defined by said tool holder shank and a threaded segment spaced from said flange by an undercut segment. The threaded segment is configured so that it has a length that is substantially the minimum length required to achieve maximum thread holding strength. The undercut segment is configured to space the threaded segment from its head so that a distal end of the threaded segment is substantially near the bottom of the tapered bore forming part of the tool holder. With the disclosed construction, an upper portion of the threaded tool holder bore is not engaged by the threaded segment. The threaded segment has balanced threads which is achieved by locating the lead-in of the thread 180° from the lead-out of the thread.

Abstract: A tapered tool holder fixture assembly for facilitating the installation of a retention knob into a tool holder and to determine whether the installation of a retention knob has produced distortions in a tapered tool holder surface. A support stand supports a test gauge assembly that includes a mounting ring to which a tool holder is clamped, a gauge portion for receiving a tool holder tapered surface and a camming ring for moving the gauge portion into an out of engagement with the tool holder tapered surface. The mounting ring, camming ring and gauging portion are held together by a plurality of longitudinally extending bolts which allow the relative movement between the gauge portion and a tool holder held by the mounting ring and further allows relative rotation between the camming ring and the mounting ring whereby a rotatable detent arrangement moves the gauging portion towards and away from the tool holder.

Abstract: A test gauge for determining whether a tool holder assembly that utilizes a retention knob is properly assembled. The test gauge is mounted on a tool holder before the installation of a retention knob. Measurement devices, such as dial indicators, determine whether a “wobble” exists between the test gauge and the tapered surface of the tool holder and also provide a distance measurement between the test gauge and a reference surface on the tool holder. After installation of the retention knob, the test gauge is again placed on the tool holder in the same relative position and the distance between the test gauge and the reference surface is again observed. Any change in the distance measurement is an indication that the installation of the retention knob produced a distortion in the tool holder tapered surface which, if not corrected, can produce wear in the tool holder, the spindle and/or the cutting tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for refinishing a tapered surface of a machine tool component. The apparatus includes a head defining at least three tapered segments which are configured to conform precisely to the taper of the machine tool component being refinished. Each segment includes a surface for receiving an abrasive strip, the surfaces configured to conform and confront a conical surface of a taper to be refinished. The head is adapted to engage the tapered surface of the machine tool component so that upon rotation of the head, the abrasive strips abrade the conical surface of the component. A head for refinishing a spindle bore includes three outwardly extending segments whereas the head for refinishing a tool holder shank surface includes three segments extending between annular portions, each segment having an inner tapered surface for receiving the abrasive strips.

Abstract: A test gauge for determining whether a tool holder assembly that utilizes a retention knob is properly assembled. The test gauge is mounted on a tool holder before the installation of a retention knob. Measurement devices, such as dial indicators, determine whether a “wobble” exists between the test gauge and the tapered surface of the tool holder and also provide a distance measurement between the test gauge and a reference surface on the tool holder. After installation of the retention knob, the test gauge is again placed on the tool holder in the same relative position and the distance between the test gauge and the reference surface is again observed. Any change in the distance measurement is an indication that the installation of the retention knob produced a distortion in the tool holder tapered surface which, if not corrected, can produce wear in the tool holder, the spindle and/or the cutting tool.

Abstract: A test gauge for determining whether a tool holder assembly that utilizes a retention knob is properly assembled. The test gauge is mounted on a tool holder before the installation of a retention knob. Measurement devices, such as dial indicators, determine whether a “wobble” exists between the test gauge and the tapered surface of the tool holder and also provide a distance measurement between the test gauge and a reference surface on the tool holder. After installation of the retention knob, the test gauge is again placed on the tool holder in the same relative position and the distance between the test gauge and the reference surface is again observed. Any change in the distance measurement is an indication that the installation of the retention knob produced a distortion in the tool holder tapered surface.

Abstract: A retention knob for use with a tool holder that is less prone to distorting a tapered tool holder surface, especially if it is over-tightened. The retention knob includes a knob head, a flange engageable with an end of a tool holder shank, a pilot segment receivable by the counter bore defined by said tool holder shank and a threaded segment spaced from said flange by an undercut segment. The threaded segment is configured so that it has a length that is substantially the minimum length required to achieve maximum thread holding strength. The undercut segment is configured to space the threaded segment from its head so that a distal end of the threaded segment is substantially near the bottom of the tapered bore forming part of the tool holder. With the disclosed construction, an upper portion of the threaded tool holder bore is not engaged by the threaded segment. The threaded segment has balanced threads which is achieved by locating the lead-in of the thread 180° from the lead-out of the thread.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob.

Abstract: A retention knob for use with a tool holder that is less prone to distorting a tapered tool holder surface, especially if it is over-tightened. The retention knob includes a knob head, a flange engageable with an end of a tool holder shank, a pilot segment receivable by the counter bore defined by said tool holder shank and a threaded segment spaced from said flange by an undercut segment. The threaded segment is configured so that it has a length that is substantially the minimum length required to achieve maximum thread holding strength. The undercut segment is configured to space the threaded segment from its head so that a distal end of the threaded segment is substantially near the bottom of the tapered bore forming part of the tool holder.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob.

Abstract: A test gauge for determining whether a tool holder assembly that utilizes a retention knob is properly assembled. The test gauge is mounted on a tool holder before the installation of a retention knob. Measurement devices, such as dial indicators, determine whether a “wobble” exists between the test gauge and the tapered surface of the tool holder and also provide a distance measurement between the test gauge and a reference surface on the tool holder. After installation of the retention knob, the test gauge is again placed on the tool holder in the same relative position and the distance between the test gauge and the reference surface is again observed. Any change in the distance measurement is an indication that the installation of the retention knob produced a distortion in the tool holder tapered surface.

Abstract: A retention knob for use with a tool holder that is less prone to distorting a tapered tool holder surface, especially if it is over-tightened. The retention knob includes a knob head, a flange engageable with an end of a tool holder shank, a pilot segment receivable by the counter bore defined by said tool holder shank and a threaded segment spaced from said flange by an undercut segment. The threaded segment is configured so that it has a length that is substantially the minimum length required to achieve maximum thread holding strength. The undercut segment is configured to space the threaded segment from its head so that a distal end of the threaded segment is substantially near the bottom of the tapered bore forming part of the tool holder.