[Bradyz]

I have tried searching this subject a couple of times via google and I have come up with very little so I thought I should just start my own thread.

I am purchasing my first VMC this week, a 2008 Sharp 2412s. I have a list of almost all of the sizes of tools that I will need to be purchasing (based off of my drawings and what I think I will need). I cut mostly aluminum (6061, 7075) and I would like to get into mold making for aluminum die casting.

Getting to the point I was wondering if I would be able to purchase everything I need from one place and what tools/tool holders would be best. It has CAT40 taper but I don't know anything about the ER specs. Any help or links to help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[DareBee]

Check out a place like KBCTools.
They have "40 Taper Kits"
Yes they are a lot of money up front. You will end up buying all that stuff in the end and it will cost you 20% more than just getting a $4G kit now and be done with it.

[txcncman]

The place that has the best prices on CAT40 tool holders might not be the place that has the best prices on ER collets. But even more important to me is to buy quality.

[Bradyz]

I am only going to be using the machine to make pretty specific parts and I already know the exact tools that I want. I have looked at some kits and it seems I would be buying a bunch of tools I don't need. I have looked into Shars tools a little bit. Has anybody else ever used them?

[a1diesinker]

buy tool holders not collet holders. everyone needs a collet holder or two
but tool holders are cheaper and more rigid.
Techniks are good cheap tool holders .0002 runout you could get two or
three for the price of one collet holder