Abstract: An actuator mechanism arranged on a top head portion of a Bridgeport-type vertical milling machine, for controlling intermittent, tool-changing longitudinal movement of a collet-supporting drawbar in that Bridgeport-type vertical milling machine. The actuator mechanism comprises a pressor pin supported on the head portion of the vertical milling machine. The pin is arranged in reversibly abutable contact with the upper end of the drawbar in the machine. A biasing member is arranged to effect movement of the pressor pin against the upper end of the drawbar to effect movement of the drawbar and permit change of a collet and tool thereby.

Abstract: A right angle drive arrangement for attachment to a vertical milling machine to permit the vertical milling machine to be utilized with a tool disposed on a horizontal output axis. The drive comprises a right angle housing, a coupling for attachment to a vertically disposed rotatable spindle on the vertical milling machine. A first bevel gear is in vertical rotational alignment with the spindle and supported in the right angle housing. A second bevel gear is in horizontal alignment with respect to the right angle housing. An output shaft is attached to the second bevel gear for supporting a tool thereon, for use with a tool to horizontally work a material by the vertical milling machine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved R-8 collet for insertion and attachment within a spindle of a milling machine. The R-8 collet comprises an elongated member having a first end of generally conical configuration with a bore arranged longitudinally therein. The R-8 collet has a second end with a gripping head thereon, for securement to a spindle in the machine. The gripping head comprises an enlarged member with a narrowed portion for gripping the R-8 collet within the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a quick-change tool system for a collet in alignment with a spindle of a milling machine. The collet comprises an elongated member having a first end of generally conical configuration with a bore arranged longitudinally therein. The collet has a second end for securement to a spindle in the machine. The quick charge tool system comprises a tightenable securement coupling for securing a tool in the collet and also for aligning the collet and a tool within the spindle. Subsequent requirement for re-adjustment of the "Z" axis coordinates of the tool within the collet and with respect to the spindle is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool/collet alignment and securement arrangement for a vertical milling machine having a J-head and a manually adjustable spindle for the secure and rapid change of a tool held in a collet in a lower end of the spindle. An arrangement of receiving bores are spaced annularly around the lower end of the spindle. An arrangement of locating pins are correspondingly arranged about the tool/collet so as to mate with the receiving bores in the spindle, to provide secure and efficient engagement of the collet/tool with the spindle in the vertical milling machine.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vertical milling machine having a J-head and a manually adjustable spindle for the rapid change of a tool held in said spindle, including a milling machine head having a motor means for rotatively moving the spindle about its longitudinal axis. An elongated draw bar is rotatively supported within the spindle. A compressive spring is arranged between the top end of the draw bar and the top end of the spindle. An enclosure cap is attached to the head, so as to limit vertical advance of the draw bar, a coupling arranged at the lower end of the draw bar, and a collet with a pull stud thereon, is arranged in mating engagement with the coupling, wherein the collet and a tool therein are released as the spindle is moved longitudinally upwardly with respect to the collet.