Toolholder assembly for accurately securing a tool shank in a socket

Abstract

A toolholder assembly for accurately securing a shank of a tool in a socket along a desired alignment is provided. The toolholder assembly includes an inner collar having an annular wall whose inner surface defines the socket recess, and whose outer surface defines a collar periphery, an outer clamping assembly surrounding the periphery of the inner collar that includes a set screw for applying a compressive force to a portion of the periphery of the inner collar, and a pin-like tool retainer that freely extends through a radially-disposed opening in the inner collar wall. The tool retainer is disposed opposite from the set screw of the outer clamping assembly, and directs the compressive force applied by the set screw across the socket recess to retain a tool shank therein while diverting the compressive force away from the opposing portion of the inner collar wall to prevent hoop distortion from occurring therein. The toolholder assembly is particularly useful in accurately securing and aligning a punch in a compacting press of the type used to manufacture cutting inserts.