Tool holder

A tool holder comprising:

• a base constructed and shaped to be mounted to a rim of an indexing turret of a machine tool, the base defining an x-axis that extends radially away from the turret when the base is mounted to the turret, the base defining a z axis that is parallel to a pivotal axis of the turret, the base defining a y axis that is perpendicular to the x and z axes;
• a tool mount for releasably attaching a tool to the tool holder;
• an adjustable y axis alignment structure adjustably connected to the base so as to be positionable in a plurality of y axis positions relative to the base, the y axis alignment structure having a y axis key surface positioned and shaped to mate with a complimentary key surface of the turret rim so as to control the y axis position of the base relative to the turret;
• and
• a first threaded element threadingly engaged with one of the base and alignment structure such that rotation of the first threaded element moves the first threaded element along a first threaded element axis relative to the one of the base and the alignment structure,
• wherein the first threaded element axis is at a skewed angle relative to the x and y axes, and
• wherein the first threaded element operatively abuts the other of the base and alignment structure such that movement of the first threaded element in a first direction along the first threaded element axis forces the y axis alignment structure in a positive y axis direction relative to the base.

A tool holder comprising:

• a base constructed and shaped to be mounted to a rim of an indexing turret of a machine tool, the base defining an x-axis that extends radially away from the turret when the base is mounted to the turret, the base defining a z axis that is parallel to a pivotal axis of the turret, the base defining a y axis that is perpendicular to the x and z axes;
• a tool mount for releasably attaching a tool to the tool holder;
• an adjustable y axis alignment structure adjustably connected to the base so as to be positionable in a plurality of y axis positions relative to the base, the y axis alignment structure having a y axis key surface positioned and shaped to mate with a complimentary key surface of the turret rim so as to control the y axis position of the base relative to the turret;
• a first threaded element threadingly engaged with one of the base and alignment structure such that rotation of the first threaded element moves the first threaded element along a first threaded element axis relative to the one of the base and the alignment structure between:
• (i) an operatively abutting position in which the first threaded element operatively abuts the other of the base and alignment structure, and
• (ii) an operatively retracted position in which the first threaded element does not operatively abut the other of the base and alignment structure;
• and
• a second threaded element threadingly engaged with the one of the base and alignment structure such that rotation of the second threaded element moves the second threaded element along a second threaded element axis relative to the one of the base and the alignment structure between:
• (i) an operatively abutting position in which the second threaded element operatively abuts the other of the base and alignment structure, and
• (ii) an operatively retracted position in which the second threaded element does not operatively abut the other of the base and alignment structure,
• wherein when the first threaded element is in its operatively abutting position, movement of the first threaded element in a first direction along the first threaded element axis forces the y axis alignment structure to move in a positive y axis direction relative to the base,
• wherein when the first threaded element is in its operatively abutting position, the first threaded element prevents the alignment structure from moving in a negative y axis direction unless the first threaded element is moved in a second direction along the first threaded element axis,
• wherein when the first threaded element is in its operatively retracted position, the first threaded element does not prevent the alignment structure from moving in the negative y axis direction,
• wherein when the second threaded element is in its operatively abutting position, movement of the second threaded element in a first direction along the second threaded element axis forces the y axis alignment structure to move in the negative y axis direction relative to the base,
• wherein when the second threaded element is in its operatively abutting position, the second threaded element prevents the alignment structure from moving in the positive y axis direction unless the second threaded element is moved in a second direction along the second threaded element axis, and
• wherein when the second threaded element is in its operatively retracted position, the second threaded element does not prevent the alignment structure from moving in the positive y axis direction.