Keeping swarf out of quick change tool holders set screws

[David Utidjian]

Hardinge used to make them

Hardinge used to make a clip on cover for their L18 QCTP system. Their setscrews were flush or below the tool holder block surface.They are very hard to find though.

If you find you are needing to change toolbits very often in toolholders for QCTPs... perhaps you need more toolholders

-DU-

 

[mach2]

A vacuum works for me.

 

[gbent]

More tool holders so you don't have to change the tools.

 

[DDoug]

I cant see how any of the above mentioned plastic fixes would last that close to a cutting edge.
The blast of hot chips coming off there pretty much destroys any plastic.

If these are quick change tool blocks, remove them from the center post to a bench before blasting them off with compressed air.

 

[4GSR]

I recall pulling the bigger CA tool holders from the post and flipping them upside down and bumping them against the saddle of the Axelson lathe. Putting it back up on the tool post and inserting the Allen wrench into the setscrews.

 

[Bill D]

Golf tee. Maybe use dikes to cut length down.
Bill D

 

[Milland]

Maybe use dikes to cut length down.
Bill D

At my last job, we had to call them "same sex side cutters".

 

[Thompsonguitars]

Make bigger chips !

 

[jrmach]

I actually do use the air hose sometimes but I hate to send chips flying into weird places. Yes Digger a shop towel would stop the chips but then I've got a shop towel with chips stuck in it. I know this sounds kind of trivial but I thought someone might have an elegant simple fix that I just haven't thought of. I do like the square headed bolt idea. Back in the dark ages, when all I had was an SB9, I could use the one wrench for the Armstrong tool post, the compound swivel and the carriage lock.

Using an Air Gun is a Skill all in its own.Master it,,saves Butt Load of time.

 

[projectnut]

I cant see how any of the above mentioned plastic fixes would last that close to a cutting edge.
The blast of hot chips coming off there pretty much destroys any plastic.

If these are quick change tool blocks, remove them from the center post to a bench before blasting them off with compressed air.

I would venture to guess the OP is a hobbyist given he is retired and one of his "interest" is machining. I doubt he'll be making a thousand parts a day, or be buried up to his elbows in chips. If tool changing is done that often and takes up a lot of time as David mentioned a few more tool holders would be in order. Most of my tool holders are Aloris, but I do also have a hand full of Shars cheapies. At less than $25.00 each they aren't all that expensive.

 

[CarlBoyd]

disk magnets over the holes

CarlBoyd

 

[EPAIII]

Beat me to it.

Make bigger chips !

 

[EPAIII]

More tool holders will lessen the need to access those screws.

You could try making your own caps. First oil up the screw, hole, and area immediately around it. Then squirt a big dab of silicone adhesive caulk in the hole and with a crown on top of it. Make it big enough to easily grip with fingers or pliers. They will probably be stout enough to remove and replace several times before they need replacement.

 

[L Vanice]

For those who have not had the pleasure of using the Swiss Multifix 40 position QCTP (or the numerous copies), I will point out that they have square head dog point screws to clamp the tool bits. The set includes a T-handle square socket wrench that also fits the lock nuts on the knurled head height adjusting screws. No holes to catch tiny chips.

I also use the Hardinge QCTP and have dozens of holders, so I seldom need to stick a hex key in the hex holes in the set screws. I find a Q-tip is handy for cleaning the hex sockets. But I am interested in that comment about the sheet metal covers for the screw heads. I don't think I ever saw that in my Hardinge catalogs.

Larry

 

[BROTHERFRANK]

Would these fit?

50 PC BAG CHROME HOLE PLUG FOR 1/4 SHCS

 

[Hopefuldave]

If someone's looking for some quick income, running a bunch of replacement square-head bolts for tool holders might be a niche. Just like the olden days...

And stock up with Band-Aids...

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[crossthread]

That looks promising Brotherfrank. I have about thirty tool holders and I really don't want to spend a lot of time making something. Yes I could machine some high hex nuts but there goes a day I will never get back. I was looking for something off the shelf or clever that would work. I thank all of you for the suggestions (even Limy who said I need to find a machinist to make me some bolts).

 

[rons]

Does anyone out there have a slick way to keep the set screws clean?

Get a small brick of paraffin wax and rub the holes with it until they are filled.
Nothing is going to stick to the wax. When you need to change a tool in the holder some of the wax will just displace out of the holes when inserting the allen wrench.
Tighten screws and rub in a little more wax. Side benefit is that the screw holes are lubricated.

(get a few more tool holders and you won't be changing tool bits as often)

 

[KMoffett]

Cut three pieces off the end of an L-key Allen wrench. Lengths about twice the depth of the screws' sockets. Easy to stick in and pull out. You never need the long leg that long anyway.

 

[mattthemuppet]

I was looking for something a bit more elegant then tape Matthew. Plus everything is covered in cutting fluid or oil. I think tape would be a PITA. I was thinking some kind of little plastic doohickey like the vent on a gas can. Captured so you don't lose it and cheap.

fair enough. If you had a 3D printer I'd suggest printingn a plastic clip on cover. Might not survive contact with a chip tangle, but if you print 10 at a time I doubt you'd care too much.