Frequently Asked Questions

Workholding is used to locate and stabilize a workpiece or part on a table so that it can be machined or inspected.

As we like to say, good measuring is good machining. Whether it’s an offset, retention force, runout or any other metric, every centimeter matters in machining. It’s good to have measuring instruments on hand because they help diagnose small problems before they become bigger ones or affect quality. The time it takes to double-check a measurement or check up on a piece of equipment is almost always worth avoiding the bigger problem.

In addition to manual and CNC tool presetters, BIG DAISHOWA provides a wide variety of time-saving measuring instruments for crucial tasks like inspecting and setting up workpieces or tools, lathe setups, offset verification and more. These instruments include precision probes, leveling devices, gage sensors and centering tools.

Tool presetters make measuring tool setups faster and easier for operators. Presetters reduce the chances of error and generally make processes more efficient and precise. As explained in this guide, reasons shops choose to use tool presetters include:

• Reduced tool cost - increase tool life
• More spindle uptime - no more measuring on your machine tool
• Precise and repeatable measurements
• First part precision - adjust tools to within tolerance and run your part
• Fewer test cuts
• Increased operator and overall efficiency

We offer several tooling solutions for CNC lathes, Swiss automatic lathes and multi-axis turning. We offer the first modular tooling system developed for mill/turn centers (MTCs) and 5-axis milling machines with C-axis turning capability.

In the multi-axis category, we offer 45- and 90-degree style tools, square holders and boring bar holders. For CNC lathes, we’ve adapted some of our most popular rotating tool holders for driven tools. Some of these include rough and finish boring heads, the Smart Damper Boring Bar, the MEGA ER Grip and New Baby Chuck. For Swiss lathes, we also offer a MEGA Micro Chuck and three different hydraulic chuck options.

Modular tooling allows for the possibility to create tool assemblies specifically designed to satisfy your demands. They add versatility not only to the tooling that can be used but also to the work that can be performed. That versatility, along with quick and easy changeouts, saves a lot of set-up and engineering time, delivering ROI faster than less modular tooling options.

BIG KAISER’s modular CK system is the most versatile in the world and all components are available from stock. The system works with all machine tool interfaces and compatibility with existing tools has always been a requirement. A simple lateral locking screw (CK-screw) is all that’s needed to secure the components together quickly and precisely. Here are a few other things that set our modular system apart:

• No special equipment or tools needed
• Maximum rigidity due to high preloading forces and large contact surfaces
• Precise cutting-edge location even when using several adapters
• High interchange accuracy, maximum radial change error is .0001"
• Double connector coupling made of steel and aluminum extensions for the transmission of high torques
• Weight reductions up to 50% and equal cutting performance, compared to tool combinations made of steel
• Reduced weight allows easier handling and eliminates manual tool change in many cases
• Maximum rigidity of the tool connection due to high clamping force and expansion of the slotted tool connector
• Vibration damping due to the use of different materials

Every boring assembly should be kept as short as possible. We recommend components should be limited to four or five, not including boring head insert holders.

BIG KAISER rough boring tools are guaranteed to be accurate within +/- 0.004". When using our tooling, anything tighter than that must be done with a fine boring head. If boring has already entered the conversation, you can probably assume that the tolerance will be much tighter than this anyway. It’s rare that only a rough boring tool will be used. Material stock on diameter and the nature of the initial hole can also factor into finishing vs. boring.

Yes, BIG DAISHOWA currently offers the EWE Series of fine boring heads. The EWE 2-152 variable-length heads are ideal for smaller diameter, fine boring work. The EWE 41-203 heads have a larger work range and three different holders.

The digital readout on these heads makes it easy for operators to make fine adjustments quickly and accurately. These heads can also connect to the BIG KAISER app for display, to log historical adjustments and quickly access tool-specific cutting data.

As always, every application is a little different. To help find the boring head that matches the work you do, we've developed comparison charts for our intermediate and fine boring heads. They break down criteria like diameter range, resolution, connection sizes, balancing insert holders and price.

As always, the type of holder you use will depend on all kinds of variables, from material to the number of axes. Instead of a nut, collet or temperature fluctuations, these holders compress an internal membrane with hydraulic fluid around the cutting tool.

Hydraulic tool holders' unique characteristics can be a good choice for a number of reasons:

• The hydraulic membrane applies concentric gripping force for more control and consistency, which is especially valuable in high-speed machining.
• Hydraulic chucks have a smaller nose diameter relative to the tools they hold. This is critical as these holders allow a further reach into mold cavities or other tricky work envelopes without sacrificing rigidity.
• There’s also the option to have coolant delivered directly to the cut with hydraulic holders. This is ideal for smooth, stable finishing operations.
• A single hex wrench clamps or loosens cutting tools for quick changes at the machine without any special equipment.

These holders are often compared because the bodies lend themselves to low-clearance, tight-envelope work. Choosing between the two often comes down to these factors:

• Initial investment – Shrink-fit holders generally cost less upfront but can cost more over time.
• Maintenance – Extreme temperature swings and potential debris make maintenance very important for shrink-fit.
• Training, handling and safety – Hydraulic chucks are simple as can be, with a single wrench, whereas shrink-fit requires special equipment and care to perform heating and cooling cycles.
• Setup – Hydraulic chucks are set with a wrench. Most shrink-fit heating cycles can be as fast as 15 seconds and cooling can take several minutes.
• Roughing or finishing – Shrink-fit holders are extremely rigid, making them effective in moderate to heavy milling or high-speed cutting. Hydraulic chucks are superior for milling, reaming and drilling.

Coolant inducers all but eliminate the need for modifying tools to deliver coolant. Coolant delivery has come a long way. The ability to deliver coolant through the tool, with the option to direct the coolant or spray around the periphery, is widely available on modern machines and holders. Improved seals at the nut and pull studs add control and reduce uncontrolled flow or moisture buildup. Hi-Jet Holders, which essentially attach external piping to the tool, are still widely accepted and useful on older machines.

The main benefits are being able to control coolant direction and force without risk to the holder. This prevents chips from building up and damaging the part or cutter. Through-coolant also keeps the cutting area cool and extends tool life.