Abstract:
An improved tool holder for a metal removing machine includes a generally cylindrical head having a longitudinal passageway formed co-axially therethrough. The outer cylindrical surface of the head includes means for supporting one or more cutting tools thereon. The inner surface of the passageway formed through the head includes a threaded intermediate diameter portion and a relatively smaller diameter portion. An insert ring is disposed within the passageway at the junction of the intermediate and smaller diameter portions of the passageway. The insert ring includes a ramp surface which provides a smooth transition from the intermediate diameter portion to the relatively smaller diameter portion. A generally hollow cylindrical collet is provided which is sized to fit within the threaded intermediate portion of the passageway. The collet includes an enlarged end portion having a first chamfered edge adapted to abut the ramp surface of the insert ring when the collet is inserted in the passageway. A threaded hollow cylindrical shank is provided to retain the collet within the head. The external surface of the shank is threaded to cooperate with the threaded intermediate portion of the passageway. A longitudinal passageway is formed co-axially through the shank having a chamfered shoulder adapted to abut a second chamfered edge of the enlarged end portion of the collet when inserted within the passageway. Rotation of the shank within the threaded passageway causes the shank and the collet to be advanced longitudinally therethrough until the collet engages the ramp surface of the insert ring. A drill bit may be inserted through the head passageway into the interior of the collet. Further rotation of the shank causes the enlarged end portion of the collet to be compressed, thereby frictionally retaining the drill bit within the head.