to TTS, or not to TTS, that is the question......

Well, my PM980 conversion is up and running.
Now I need tooling, that is collets.  The mill has an R8 spindle.
So my conundrum is to just use R8's, or to go to TTS collets (with an R8 TTS adapter collet.)
No plans at this time for an ATC, but it's always a possibility for a future project.

Thoughts out there.

Thanks.

You don’t have to have an ATC to benefit from the TTS system.

It allows you to work in terms of relative tool offsets. For example, I have a Tormach 1100S3 with no ATC. I have a tool table in Pathpilot LCNC) with the length of each item I use, measured from the base of the tts ring to the tip of the tool.

Then, so long as I always zero Z for the appropriate work offset (G54 for example), using tool 100 which is my Haimer, every other tts tool will follow.

Hopefully that makes sense. If you use standard R8 collets, you will be touching off at every tool change, which could be difficult especially if you mill away your initial Z Set point. That sort of defeats the point of CNC to me.

TLDR; +1 for TTS, it’ll save you a lot of time, they’re great.

yes, I get that. definitely a strong consideration.

Where, other than Tormach, can one acquire TTS tool holders?
Good quality but not necessarily great quality. The mill is not submicron accurate, and there is no compelling reason to spend lots of money.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI’ve gotten a lot of 10 Chinese clones before for pretty cheap. They’re fine for the work I do, no need to hold tenths.

Here’s a similar kit:

Disclaimer being I have no experience with their R8 adapter, I use Tormach’s. But my Chinese clones look just like those for ER20 holders.

You can get them from me. I'm converting to BT30 and have about 40 Tormach-brand, Chinese, and a few DIY side-lock TTS holders, plus a couple of Tormach collets (with the relieved nose).

Feel free to PM me and I'll send a detailed list.

ok, how do I do that?
I don't see any way on this forum....
I usually hang out on the IRC channels.
Find me there. I am interested...

Sent you an email with the full list, check junk if you don't see it.

-Ralph

You can get "end mill holders" on eBay relatively cheaply. You can get Weldon flat end mills that are designed to clamp in these holders. You get repeatable tool lengths with these.  Just leave the cutter in the holder.
I use a lot of small solid carbide end mills (1/8" and 1/4") and these work fine in the end mill holders even though they don't have the flat. I stopped using R-8 collets a long time ago.
Jon

Haven't heard back from you on the TTS holders, either here or via the email address you sent.

You still want some or all?

Anyone else?

I’d be interested in perusing the list.