Method of and apparatus for positioning a tool

An apparatus for positioning a tool in a profile rolling machine, the apparatus comprising:

• a base having a first bore extending along an axis and locally expanded to form a cylinder chamber;
• a adjusting spindle having a tool stop and axially movable in the first bore of the base;
• a retraction rod whose position is adjustable for positioning the tool against the tool stop with a tractive force,
• an actuator for applying the tractive force;
• a piston movable axially in the chamber, forming together with the chamber a piston-cylinder unit, having a front face turned toward the tool and an opposite back face, and connected to the adjusting spindle;
• a pressure connection in the base for introducing a pressure medium with a first pressure into the chamber between the base and the back face of the piston, or, instead of the pressure connection, a vacuum connection in the base for introducing a vacuum into the chamber between the front face of the piston directed toward the tool and the base;
• and
• a controller for setting the first pressure for the pressure medium or for setting the vacuum in the chamber depending on a material and dimensions of a blank to be rolled.