Clamping tool holder

A tool holder for releasably securing an insert, comprising:

• a tool holder body including an insert-receiving pocket formed at a forward end thereof, the tool holder body further including a clamp-securing bore having a central axis forming an angle with respect to a plane of the tool holder body, and a pin-receiving bore having a central axis formed at an angle with respect to the plane of the tool holder body;
• a clamp arranged on the tool holder body, the clamp including a top surface, a forward lower face and a rearward lower face, and an aperture formed therethrough, the clamp including a nose portion with a downward extending nub;
• a clamp screw capable of being inserted through the aperture of the clamp and at least partially received in the clamp-securing bore of the tool holder body to bring the clamp into pressing engagement with the insert, the clamp screw including a head portion having a lower face, a shoulder and a threaded portion;
• and
• a ring disposed about the shoulder of the clamp screw,
• wherein only the nub of the nose portion of the clamp engages a rearward inside surface of a mounting bore of the insert, and
• wherein only the forward lower face of the nose portion engages a top surface of the insert when the clamp is brought into pressing engagement with the insert, and
• wherein only a forward end of the lower face of the head portion of the clamp screw engages the top surface of the clamp when the clamp is brought into pressing engagement with the insert.

A method of clamping an insert to a tool body, comprising the steps of:

• providing a tool holder body including an insert-receiving pocket formed at a forward end thereof and having a bottom and at least one side wall for receiving the insert, the tool holder body further including a clamp-securing bore having a central axis forming an angle with respect to a plane of the tool holder body;
• providing a clamp arranged on the tool holder body, the clamp including a top surface, a forward lower face and a rearward lower face, and an aperture formed therethrough, the clamp including a nose portion with a downward extending nub;
• inserting a clamp screw into the aperture of the clamp and at least partially received in the clamp-securing bore of the tool holder body to bring the clamp into pressing engagement with the insert, the clamp screw including a head portion, a shoulder and a threaded portion;
• and
• disposing a ring about the shoulder of the clamp screw,
• whereby only the nub of the nose portion of the clamp engages a rearward inside surface of a mounting bore of the insert, and
• whereby only the forward lower face of the nose portion engages a top surface of the insert when the clamp is brought into pressing engagement with the insert.