MM:
I currently do limited production on my manual lathe with KDK QCTP and Tormach PCNC with PDB using TTS toolholders. On the Tormach all the tools are preset, heights entered ino a tool table in MachIII , then the program instructs the operator (me) when to change tools. That works as good for me in limited production as an full blown ATC really would. With the Tormach and jog shuttle pendant the Tormach can also be used as a manual mill. Same goes in using the manual lathe with the KDK QCTP except I have the offsets entered into a tool table of the Newall DRO for each toolholder. That’s why each of my KDK bars is numbered. BTW, like the TTS toolholders on the Tormach, a lathe with the numbered KDK bars, I only touch off for one tool and the other tool offsets come from the Newall DRO tool table. I am sure this system could be ported over to CNC lathe for limited production work. Also having manual capability is a must for me in any CNC lathe. That’s why I like the Haas TL1 because it can also be used manually and the KDK QCTP would transfer.
Touching off on the lathe is easy using the 1 mil gummed paper shims. BTW The Braustein Bros. http://tinyurl.com/4zbv5jg make 1 mil gummed paper shims that come in a 2.7" x 1.4" handy pack ;-)
Max you are right, the 5C standard was set by Hardinge which acquired the rights to the Cataract range of Precision bench lathes formerly produced by the Cataract Tool and Bicycle Company (named after the waterfalls visible from the factory grounds) Thus the C (Cataract)in 5C.… or was the C really for Chicago where Hardinge began or perhaps Catalina island and William Wrigley, Jr. Cubs baseball.
Don