by Bernard Martin

Firearm components frequently incorporate modular mounting interfaces that allow accessories to be attached without permanent modification to the platform. One of the most widely adopted standards is the M-LOK interface, which uses a series of precisely sized slots with controlled chamfer geometry to secure accessories using T-nuts. Producing these features consistently requires tooling that can machine the slot profile and edge condition in a predictable and repeatable manner.

AB Tools manufactures a dedicated solid carbide M-LOK Slot and Chamfer Cutter designed specifically for this application. The tool combines slot generation and chamfering in a single operation, allowing manufacturers to machine the interface geometry directly in the machining center without secondary finishing steps. The result is a controlled feature profile that meets the dimensional requirements of the M-LOK standard while maintaining efficient cycle times.

Tool Geometry Designed for the M-LOK Interface
The geometry of the cutter is built around the functional requirements of the M-LOK mounting system. Each slot must provide a flat-bottom pocket with precise length and width, along with a chamfer that allows the accessory T-nut to rotate and lock properly against the underside of the mounting surface. Deviations in slot width, corner condition, or chamfer angle can affect the clamping force and alignment of the mounted accessory.

AB Tools addresses these requirements with a solid carbide cutter that integrates the slotting and chamfer features into a single tool body. The cutting edges generate the slot while simultaneously producing the required chamfer geometry along the slot edges. This approach eliminates the need to index multiple tools or perform secondary deburring operations, which reduces the potential for tolerance stack-up between machining steps.

Solid carbide construction provides the rigidity required for machining aluminum receiver components, handguards, and accessory rails. The tool maintains consistent edge integrity under high spindle speeds and feed rates commonly used in firearm component production. Stable cutting conditions help maintain consistent slot dimensions across production batches.

One-Tool Machining of Slot and Edge Condition
Traditional machining of M-LOK interfaces may involve separate tools for slot milling and chamfering. Each tool change adds cycle time and introduces the potential for positional variation between operations. The AB Tools design allows the entire slot feature to be machined in one pass, maintaining positional accuracy between the slot floor and chamfer edges.

This integrated approach simplifies CNC programming as well. The machining path generates the complete slot profile in a single toolpath sequence, allowing programmers to maintain consistent geometry across multiple slots along a handguard or mounting surface. Shops producing large quantities of firearm components benefit from reduced setup complexity and predictable machining results.

The tool geometry also supports smooth chip evacuation during slotting operations. Effective chip control is important when machining long rows of slots in aluminum components, where chip recutting can affect surface finish and dimensional consistency. The cutter design promotes stable chip flow while maintaining the structural strength required for the chamfering edges.

Consistency in High-Volume Firearm Manufacturing
Production machining of firearm components often involves large batches of identical parts with repeated interface features. M-LOK slots are typically arranged in evenly spaced patterns across handguards, receiver extensions, and accessory mounting plates. Maintaining dimensional consistency across dozens of slots on a single part requires tooling that can maintain edge stability over long production runs.

AB Tools solid carbide cutters are manufactured with tight tolerances that support repeatable slot geometry from the first part through extended production cycles. The integrated slot-and-chamfer design reduces cumulative variation because the critical interface geometry is produced in a single operation with one tool.

For manufacturers producing AR-pattern components and other modular firearm platforms, this tooling approach supports reliable accessory mounting while reducing machining time per part. The result is a stable production process that balances dimensional accuracy with efficient throughput.

Application Across Modular Firearm Components
The M-LOK interface is used across a wide range of firearm components, including handguards, rail sections, mounting plates, and accessory adapters. Each application requires the same controlled slot geometry to ensure proper engagement of the locking hardware. Dedicated tooling simplifies production by providing a repeatable method for generating these features.

AB Tools’ M-LOK Slot and Chamfer Cutter provides manufacturers with a purpose-built solution for machining this standardized interface. By combining slot milling and chamfering into one tool, the cutter supports efficient CNC machining while maintaining the dimensional precision required for secure accessory mounting.

Shops producing firearm components can integrate this tooling into existing machining programs with minimal changes while benefiting from reduced tool changes, simplified programming, and consistent feature geometry across production runs.

Manufacturers producing firearm components that incorporate M-LOK mounting interfaces need tooling that can maintain consistent slot geometry while supporting efficient CNC machining. The AB Tools Solid Carbide M-LOK Slot and Chamfer Cutter provides a purpose-built solution that simplifies the machining process by generating the slot and chamfer in a single operation.

If you are producing M-LOK interfaces or evaluating tooling options to improve cycle time and feature consistency, the JMI team can assist with selecting the correct cutter and implementing it in your machining process. Contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation to discuss your application and tooling requirements.

South Carolina's  manufacturing sector is growing at a record pace that shows no signs of slowing, from global manufacturing headquarters to expanding advanced operations. Greenville County alone has averaged manufacturing employment growth of more than 17% over the last decade.
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That momentum makes Greenville the ideal hub for small and medium-sized manufacturers across the Southeast to come together, share ideas, and discover the latest technology that keeps shops competitive.
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We’re bringing a lineup of high-performance tooling and workholding partners that solve real problems on the shop floor:

• AB Tool – Home of the Shear Hog and AccuHold! Special carbide cutting tools delivered in 3–6 days.
• MAQ – Vibration-damped tool holders for internal turning operations from 3xD up to 15xD. 
• Microconic by Masa Tool – Subspindle workholding for Swiss & CNC lathes
• Pratt Burnerd America – Precision lathe chucks and workholding systems
• Soph Magnetics – Magnetic workholding and material handling solutions

While you’re at the show, make sure to stop by our other partners right in our aisle!

• AKKO - Booth 1934 –  A global leader in precision tooling since 1986, AKKO delivers high‑performance rotary toolholders, turning and milling toolholders, and a broad range of precision carbide inserts—tailored for minimal vibration, exceptional surface finish, and versatility across applications
• Blue Photon Technology & Workholding Systems LLC – Booth 1929 - They offer an innovative, patented adhesive workholding system—ideal for gripping complex or delicate parts without distortion, and enabling full 5- or 6-sided access, even in heavy milling of titanium and superalloys.
• EWS USA/ Command Tooling – Booth 1932 - EWS is a global expert in live and static toolholders and modular machining systems; in North America, they operate through the U.S.-based Command Tooling facility, offering precision solid and rotary toolholders under both brands.
• Jergens Workholding – Booth 1928 - A worldwide leader in custom CNC workholding—including vises, clamps, fixturing systems, and their patented Ball Lock® mounting and Fixture‑Pro® 5-Axis solutions—a go-to for boosting set‑up speed and machining productivity. You can also check out the workholdig in action just across the Aisle in the Innova Machine Tool Booth.  They are featuring Jergens workholding on their WSI WVM380 CNC machine.

(Click each name to add them directly to your show planner.
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Machining Picatinny rails is notoriously challenging due to their strict specifications, complex dovetail profiles, and the high precision required. Traditionally, multiple passes with different tools are needed, which increases machining time and creates potential for inconsistencies as tools wear at different rates.

AB Tool's solid carbide Picatinny Rail Cutters provide an innovative solution to these challenges, dramatically reducing time and improving accuracy.

A Legacy of Innovation
The original AB Tool Picatinny Rail Cutter was officially released in February 2014. Before its release, AB Tool had produced many custom rail cutters to meet unique customer requirements. However, a conversation with Ken Spaulding @zodiaceng led to a breakthrough

“Why don’t you guys just make a standard cutter from the 1913 mil-std?”

AB Tool they accepted the challenge.  According to Alfred Lyon at AB Tool, after extensive learning and testing, they designed a standardized geometry that matches the military specification mean dimensions, saving machinists time while delivering outstanding aesthetics and precision.

Why Machining Picatinny Rails is Difficult
Picatinny rails are heavily utilized in defense, firearms, and optics industries due to their standardized dovetail geometry, which allows for mounting accessories securely. However, achieving these precise dimensions can be labor-intensive. Machinists often face:

• Multiple Operations: Traditional methods require multiple passes with separate tools, increasing cycle times.
• Tool Wear and Inconsistency: Separate tools wear at different rates, which can cause deviations from the required profile.
• Complex Geometry: The shallow dovetail profile demands accuracy, particularly on the rail slots, to maintain compatibility with mounted components.

AB Tool’s Game-Changing Solution
AB Tool's solid carbide Picatinny Rail Cutters address these challenges head-on:

1. Reduced Operations - These cutters can reduce the number of operations by as many as six passes, streamlining the production process.
2. Consistent Precision - By matching the mean dimensions of the 1913 military standard, these tools ensure consistent results without the variability caused by tool wear.
3. Durabilit -  Made from solid carbide with a shallow helix, these cutters exhibit superior wear resistance, maintaining sharpness and accuracy over extended use.
4. Standardized Versatility - The rail cutters are available in various diameters and flute quantities, allowing manufacturers to select the ideal tool for their needs.

Real-World Performance
Machinists have praised AB Tool’s cutters for their time-saving benefits and reliability. On forums like Practical Machinist, users note significant production gains. One machinist  reported:  “Investing in an AB Tool Picatinny rail cutter tripled production instantly.” 

AB Tool’s Picatinny Rail Cutters evolved from years of experience and collaboration. These tools solve the common challenges of machining Picatinny rails by reducing operations, improving consistency, and optimizing efficiency. Their adherence to the 1913 mil-spec and solid carbide durability make them the go to solution for anyone making Picatinny rails.
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For more information and to explore available options, visit JMI CNC & Automation or AB Tool’s product catalog.

by Bernard Martin

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 is just around the corner, and JMI CNC Tooling & Automation is excited to highlight the exceptional innovations our represented companies will showcase at the event.

Taking place from September 9-14 in Chicago, IMTS is the premier platform for exploring the latest advancements in manufacturing technology. As you plan your visit, make sure to stop by the booths of the following JMI-represented companies.

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to learn about in each to these booths!

At Achteck America Inc.'s booth you can learn about their broad range range of cutting tools.

Achteck offers both indexable and solid carbide tools designed for turning, milling, drilling, and grooving across materials such as steel, stainless steel, heat-resistant alloys, and more.

With an extensive inventory maintained in Michigan, Achteck stands out for their competitive pricing and ability to meet the needs of both general-purpose and specialized machining tasks, including Swiss tool, heavy-duty turning, and railway wheel turning. Their innovative grooving inserts, milling cutters, and solid carbide drills are perfect for those looking to enhance their productivity and precision in manufacturing operations.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431258 — Tooling & Workholding

At AB Tools booth at IMTS 2024 you can learn about top-quality, USA-made cutting tools that have been trusted by professionals since 1977.

As the home of the renowned Shear Hog®, AB Tools specializes in a range of innovative solutions including indexable dovetails, O-ring grooving tools, keyseat cutters, and precision firearms tooling. With an impressive turnaround time of just 5-6 workdays for custom specials, AB Tools ensures you get exactly what you need, when you need it.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432264 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit Blue Photon’s booth at IMTS 2024 to learn about their unique adhesive workholding solutions, designed to hold parts securely without the distortion that comes from traditional clamping.

Whether you're working with hard-to-hold, easily distorted, or brittle parts, Blue Photon’s technology is the perfect fit, especially for applications in milling, turning, grinding, and more. Their system is ideal for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, medical machining, and optics. Plus, with the ability to integrate zero-point systems, you can automate your workholding processes with unmatched precision.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431446 — Tooling & Workholding

At BRM - Brush Research Manufacturing Co., Inc. at IMTS 2024 to explore their industry-leading solutions for improving surface finishes and deburring.

Known for their Flex-Hone Tools and abrasive brushes, BRM's products are essential for achieving superior surface quality in a wide range of applications. Whether you're working with metals, composites, or other materials, BRM offers tools that enhance performance and extend the life of your components

• North Building, Level 3 — 237148 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing

Be sure to visit GMN USA’s booth at IMTS 2024 to learn about their high-performance spindle technology firsthand. Known for their precision and reliability, GMN spindles are designed to meet the demands of high-speed machining across various industries.

Whether you’re involved in aerospace, automotive, or any other field requiring top-notch machining capabilities, GMN’s products can enhance your production efficiency and quality.

• North Building, Level 3 — 237065 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing

Visit Jergens' booth at IMTS 2024 to check out their 5 axis machining workholding solutions designed to boost productivity and precision in your machining operations. Jergens will be showcasing their 5CV 130mm self-centering vise, perfect for high-accuracy clamping and ideal for various machining applications.
Additionally, check out their Tooling Columns, which provide robust and flexible workholding options to maximize machine output. Don’t miss the opportunity to get a demo on the Jergens Ball Lock® Mounting System, a quick-change solution that drastically reduces setup times, allowing for fast and repeatable fixture changes.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432154 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit MASA Tool's booth at IMTS 2024 to discover the innovative Microconic™ system, specifically designed for precision workholding in CNC Swiss machining.

This cutting-edge system is ideal for holding workpieces ranging from Ø0.15mm to 10mm (Ø0.006" to 0.390") in any machine with a collet-type chuck.

The Microconic™ system consists of two major components: the Microconic™ cartridge, which replaces standard collets such as 5C, TF15, TF16, TF20, TF25, or TF37 in your CNC machine spindle, and the Microconic™ collet, which fits seamlessly into the Microconic™ cartridge. This setup ensures micron-level accuracy and repeatability, making it perfect for industries that require extreme precision, such as medical devices, aerospace, and watchmaking.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432163 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit Pratt Burnerd America's booth at IMTS 2024 to explore their high-quality lathe chucks, known for delivering unmatched precision and durability. As a trusted name in workholding solutions, Pratt Burnerd offers a wide range of products, including manual, power, and special application chucks that are designed to enhance the performance of your CNC machines. Whether you’re looking for innovative rotary workholding solutions for standard or custom applications, Pratt Burnerd has the expertise and products to meet your needs.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431384 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit Tapmatic’s booth at IMTS 2024 to explore their extensive range of innovative tapping solutions and toolholders designed to optimize your machining processes.

Tapmatic is best known for their high-performance tapping heads, which are engineered to reduce cycle times, enhance thread quality, and significantly extend tool life. But that's not all—Tapmatic also offers cutting-edge tools like the Scribewriter for precise marking, the DeBurr-Z tool for efficient deburring, and the TapWriter Dot Peen Marking tool for robust and permanent part marking. Whether you're in need of tapping solutions or advanced marking and deburring tools, Tapmatic has the expertise and products to elevate your production capabilities.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431246 — Tooling & Workholding

written by Bernard Martin

JMI Tooling & Automation proudly introduces A.B. Tool's Accu-Hold Extension Holders – hailed as the most precise extension holders in the industry. These innovative tools have set the bar very high for accuracy and ROI in machining applications that require small diameter precision.

Unprecedented Precision: A Cut Above the Rest
The hallmark feature of A.B. Tool's Accu-Hold Extension Holders lies in their unparalleled precision. The shanks and inside diameters of these extension holders boast coaxial perfection, achieving an impressive concentricity within .0003". This extraordinary level of precision has been meticulously measured using a .0001" indicator, employing a nominal gage pin projected 1/2” from the end of the holder.
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Successful Applications Redefining Industries
The Accu-Hold Extension Holders from A.B. Tool have demonstrated remarkable success across various applications including:

1. Micro Machining: Accu-Hold Extension Holders have proven indispensable in micro machining applications, where precision is paramount, and visibility to small tools is crucial.
2. Medical Device Manufacturing: The precision and improved visibility make Accu-Hold Extension Holders ideal for intricate tasks in medical device manufacturing, contributing to the production of high-quality components.
3. Aerospace Components: In the aerospace industry, where stringent tolerances are a prerequisite, Accu-Hold Extension Holders have excelled in providing the precision necessary for critical aerospace components.
4. Automotive Prototyping: Accu-Hold Extension Holders have found success in automotive prototyping, where their precision ensures accurate results in the development of new components.

​Elevating Precision, Redefining Possibilities
A.B. Tool's Accu-Hold Extension Holders marks a significant milestone for every machinist in the pursuit of precision in machining. It's one of those tools that fix a problem that no one knew how to solve.  You need one in your tool box. ​

Join Jones Marketing at SOUTHTEC 2023 - October 24-26, 2023! 

​We're a premier Manufacturers' Representative Agency will be featuring innovative metal cutting technologies from a distinctive group of high performance tooling & workholding suppliers. Some with no known competitors!

The Southeast is experiencing exceptional growth in areas critical to the economy, such as aerospace, automotive, advanced materials and workforce development – making the region a hotbed for advanced manufacturing.

SOUTHTEC is designed to give manufacturers the means to discover and acquire the tools needed to drive the next evolution of their industry.

SOUTHTEC creates a greater opportunity to engage first-hand with world-class suppliers and identify solutions needed – from development to final production.

Save the date for SOUTHTEC 2023 - October 24-26, 2023.  ​

And don't forget to visit our other partners while you're at the show!
​You can click the links below to add them to your show planner:

• Blue Photon Technology & Workholding Systems LLC  - booth 1934
• GMN USA  - booth 1936
• Jergens -  booth 1928
• ​Tapmatic Corporation & OMG North America - booth 1931