I acquired a Tree Journeyman 325 a few years ago, which had a couple of dozen CAT-40 toolholders with it. The machine (and toolholders) had been idle for a few years, and the machine had been used with some sort of water-soluble oil. Cut to present; I am trying now to free up a few collet chucks that came with the machine, all of which have cutting tools in them from previous owner. The holders are Erickson (Kennametal) TG-100 single-angle collet chucks, CV40TG100300 specifically. I can loosen the clamp nut on the nose, but after about 1 turn, the nut binds up, which I assume means that the collet is cemented into the taper with years-old dried soluble oil. Or worse, perhaps.
In any case, a couple of questions:
-- Am I going to damage anything, like a retainer ring or the collet, just hauling down on the clamp nut to break it loose? I don't see anything in the Kennametal/Erickson catalog info.
-- Is there a suggested method that will free these collets and cutting tools up more gently?
I have let the holders spend a half-hour or so in hot soapy water as a start, didn't seem to make any obvious difference. Doused them with WD-40 before and after, nothing has yet succeeded. Any advice welcome, as I need to use a couple of these holders right now.
In any case, a couple of questions:
-- Am I going to damage anything, like a retainer ring or the collet, just hauling down on the clamp nut to break it loose? I don't see anything in the Kennametal/Erickson catalog info.
-- Is there a suggested method that will free these collets and cutting tools up more gently?
I have let the holders spend a half-hour or so in hot soapy water as a start, didn't seem to make any obvious difference. Doused them with WD-40 before and after, nothing has yet succeeded. Any advice welcome, as I need to use a couple of these holders right now.