WORKHOLDING AND TOOLHOLDING

This is fast becoming one of the more interesting areas of machining for me. When you first get started, chucking a workpiece in a vise is all it takes to machine your part. However, when you start getting into machining via CNC, it gets a bit more complicated (and more interesting)...

We've broken this section down further to include the following:

1. Basic workholding (vises, blocks, clamps)
2. CNC workholding (special jigs, fixtures, etc.)
3. ER Collets (save your Z-axis travel)
4. Mitee-Bite clamps (this company has some interesting clamping methods)
5. Phase 2 Quick Change Tool Post (QCTP) (this is lathe-related)
6. Rotary Tables (make your mill function like a lathe and more)

the quick change tool post QCTP for the 8x lathe arrived! it's a phaseII in the hot deals catalog of enco. enco is a preferred place to shop since ground delivery is overnight and they have the stuff i need at a great price. otherwise, it's msc. well, this is a picture of the box. not too exciting.
here is it next to a 1-2-3 block and the stock turret holder.
here's the entire set. click here to see it being installed on the 8x12 lathe.