Did you know that Bridgeport invented the R8 collet? Not only did
Bridgeport set the standard for manual milling machines, they lead the CNC revolution. The R8 collet was considered a major advancement in milling when it first hit the market.
Why R8 Was Special
The R8 collet was a giant leap forward for machining. Now rapid tool changing was possible. That paved the way for automated tool changing. But wait, there's more. R8 collets require an exact match between the collet and the tool shank. The collet is compressed by a drawbar from behind. They have no separate chuck. They are self releasing. That is why tool changes could be automated. In addition, if the tool is firmly in the taper you get more rigidity from the end mill. The R8 collet resulted in a set-up that let to better quality work, more efficiently, and always reliably That was the R8 tool advantage.
R8 Tools Lead the Quick Change Charge
Even today that same Bridgeport design for R8 collets leads the charge for the CNC quick change. The mill and the software are important. But they are nothing without collets for rapid tool-changing. That's where you maximize productivity. Just Google or Bing search the term R8 collets and you’ll see headlines that emphasize speed like:
Click on any page. Surprise! That speed comes with a cost. R8 collets aren’t cheap. It's easy for tooling to get as expensive as the mill itself. If tooling is an investment, you must protect it. Every trip to and from the tool storage crib is a risk. If they don’t have a safe crib, they’re in danger in storage too. That’s why
special R8 tool holders are important.
R8 Tool Holders Are Protection
R8 tool holders are special trays that safely store and transport your R8 collets. There are quite a few on the market, but The Tool Company only sells the Sierra American R8 tool holder. It is the best. Here’s why we think it is great. It's strong. The
Sierra American Multi-Systems R8 tool holder is made from sturdy impact-resistant material. That means light-weight storage without sacrificing strength or stability. It's plenty of storage. The R8 tool holder can accommodate up to 52 collets, including oversized tooling and boring heads. Enough room for a full set plus emergency back-up supplies. It's real quality. Why trust your expensive tooling to cheap products made in China? Don't settle for inferior materials. The Tool Company only sells products that are American made. Get American made quality! Buy an R8 tool holder that is proudly made in the USA by an American craftsman; just like you. Don’t get ripped off by cheap imitations that just don't hold up. Order your R8 tool holder today.
