I am currently researching which tools holders would best suit my needs. The majority of what I machine is either aluminum or plastic. Typical part size would fit in your hand, although I imagine I'll be forging into slightly larger parts once the vmc gets here.
At the moment the range of tooling I use is .5 DIA and under, with .032 up to .250 more like the norm. Much of it is relieved diameter tooling for that wonderdul 6+loc:1dia necessity.
I've decided to go after er11 collet chucks. I've looked at Kennametal (I forgot who makes those) and Parlec in the J&L catalogue and it's a no go for this size. Lyndex and Command both make an er11 chuck that looks as if it would fit the requirements. Chances are I will probably also pick up some er16 or er20 collet chucks, as well.
I'd also be interested in anyone's experience with the slightly extended variety of tool holders offered by most companies. I am talking about a 4.5 inch vs. 2.5 inch length or similar. Is there an exponential rise in chatter? Do cutters snap off more due to flex? Anything along those lines of experiences will do. My biggest reason for considering these is more for giving me a clearer line of sight for some stuff.
That's it for starters, except for some specs on the machine. It's a Fadal 3016 104D linear ball way w/cat40/10k spindle. I know the spindle won't be nearly enough for some of my work, but it was this or nothing. Speaking of spindles, does anyone also have some experience, good or bad, with speeder heads?