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.

by Bernard Martin

Todays' CNC machining environment requires fast access to technical information, configuration tools, and documentation. EWS Tool Technologies developed the My.EWS portal to provide a centralized digital platform for customers working with EWS live tooling, angle heads, and static toolholders.

The My.EWS portal explains how machinists, engineers, and technical staff can use the system to access product data, configure tooling, manage spare parts, and generate CNC programs. The platform consolidates information that would traditionally require multiple catalogs, drawings, and technical support inquiries. The result is a more efficient workflow for configuring tools, maintaining equipment, and preparing machining programs directly from verified manufacturer data.

The videos below demonstrate several core functions of the My.EWS platform and show how users can register, manage projects, obtain spare-part information, and download basic CNC programs.

This video demonstrates how the Spare-Part Manager within the My.EWS system helps users identify replacement components for EWS tooling.

The walkthrough shows how assemblies are structured in the portal and how individual components can be located quickly within exploded diagrams.

Users can generate part lists and ensure that the correct replacement items are specified when servicing or maintaining tooling systems.

This video explains the registration process for the My.EWS portal. It outlines the steps required to create a user account, verify access, and activate the features available within the platform.

Once registered, users gain access to project tools, technical data, spare-part information, and downloadable program resources.

The project management feature in My.EWS allows users to build and organize tooling configurations digitally.

This video demonstrates how to create a project, add components, and share the configuration with colleagues or partners.

The system simplifies collaboration by allowing complete tooling assemblies and documentation to be exchanged within the platform.

This video shows how the My.EWS portal provides access to basic CNC programs for supported tooling.

Users can select the appropriate tool configuration and download a starter program that can be integrated into their machining process.

The feature reduces setup time by providing a validated programming baseline for EWS tooling applications.

Sometimes the best way to talk about toolholders is to start with the interface itself and why it exists. AKKO’s rotary milling toolholder lineup includes the BT interface, one of the most widely used standards on CNC machining centers.

AKKO focuses on producing holders that follow the BT standard closely, with the correct geometry, balanced construction, and consistent spindle contact that shops rely on for repeatable milling performance.

AKKO BT holders are based on the ISO 7388 steep-taper standard with a 7:24 taper ratio. A defining characteristic of the BT design is symmetry at the flange—both drive dog slots are the same depth and geometry. This symmetry contributes to more consistent balance compared to asymmetric flange designs.

BT rotary toolholders are commonly used in CNC machining centers in sizes BT30, BT40, and BT50. The system traces back to the MAS 403 BT standard established by the Japan Machinery Association. While the “BT” designation is often associated with British Taper, the modern BT interface is globally recognized as a Japanese-developed, symmetrical steep-taper system designed for reliable use with automatic tool changers.

As was stated above both drive dog slots on a BT holder are the same depth and geometry. That symmetry makes BT holders inherently easier to balance compared to CAT holders, where one drive dog keyway is deeper than the other. At higher spindle speeds, that asymmetry matters. Imbalance shows up as vibration, spindle load, and reduced surface finish.

It should also be stated, that although we call the key's in the taper face "drive dogs" they don't actually drive anything. The are for orientation and the taper connection is what is doing the driving. 

Because of this, BT holders are widely used in machining centers where balance consistency is important, particularly as spindle speeds increase. AKKO BT holders follow the standard flange and taper geometry, allowing predictable seating and repeatability from tool change to tool change.

BT End Mill Holders
AKKO BT end mill holders are designed to clamp straight-shank cutters directly. The effective gripping range (DCONWS) spans from smaller tool diameters up through larger cutters, making them suitable for general milling and slotting. Based on the AKKO product pages:

• BT end mill holders accept shank sizes of approximately 6 mm to 40 mm (roughly 1/4" to 1-9/16") depending on the specific holder size.
• The smaller holders serve light to medium milling cutters; the larger sizes support heavier cutters where tool rigidity is more critical.

These ranges cover the majority of solid end mills used in standard machining center operations. Exact bore capacity should be referenced on the specific BT holder drawing.

BT ER Collet Chucks (Mini)
AKKO BT mini ER collet chucks are compact collet holders with reduced body length and smaller flange diameter compared to full-size BT ER holders. The “mini” designation reflects:

• Shorter retention length for tighter work envelopes
• Smaller overall outside diameter to clear fixturing or adjacent tooling
• Lower projected mass for reduced drawbar load

Typical ER series offered in the BT mini format include ER16 and ER20 ranges. These support shank sizes from approximately 1 mm to 13 mm (roughly 1/32" to 1/2") depending on the particular collet installed.

BT ER Collet Chucks (Standard)
AKKO BT ER collet chucks use standard ER series clamping (ER16, ER25, ER32, and ER40). These holders accept a wide range of cutter shank diameters when fitted with the correct collet. Here's a quick cheat sheet on that correct range.

• ER16 – clamping range ~1 mm–10 mm (1/32"–3/8")
  
• ER25 – clamping range ~3 mm–16 mm (1/8"–5/8")
• ER32 – clamping range ~3 mm–20 mm (1/8"–3/4")
• ER40 – clamping range ~6 mm–26 mm (1/4"–1")

These ranges reflect standard ER series capacity. Actual usable range depends on installed collet and tool shank.

BT Shell Mill Holders
AKKO BT tooling also supports larger indexable milling cutters used for heavier material removal. Face mills, or shell mills, depending on what the kids want to call it,  are typically mounted on dedicated BT shell mill holders, which locate the cutter on a precision ground pilot and, in this case, do  transmit torque through drive keys and mounting screws. 

AKKO BT shell mill holders locate the cutter with a pilot and clamp it with outer screws. The pilot bore (DCONWS) sizes correspond to:

• 16 mm (0.630") pilot – commonly paired with cutters roughly 32 mm–40 mm (1.25"–1.57") diameter
• 20 mm (0.787") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 40 mm–50 mm (1.57"–1.97") diameter
• 25 mm (0.984") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 50 mm–63 mm (1.97"–2.48") diameter
• 32 mm (1.260") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 63 mm–100 mm (2.48"–3.94") diameter
• 40 mm (1.575") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 100 mm–160 mm (3.94"–6.30") diameter
  
  

These ranges reflect typical shell and face mill offerings on the market where pilot bore size increases with cutter diameter to maintain rigidity and torque capacity.

Despite operating at elevated rotational speeds, the MAQ devibe holder effectively minimizes vibration, thanks to its integrated self-balancing mechanism and advanced STMD (Self-Tuning Mass Damper) technology.

This is particularly significant because it highlights how MAQ's tools overcome common challenges associated with extended length-to-diameter ratios (L/D), delivering superior surface finishes and achieving micron-level tolerances.

For manufacturing sectors requiring extreme precision, such as aerospace and automotive, this performance represents a major leap forward in efficiency and reliability, reducing rework and eliminating the need for secondary operations.

The latest modular parting blades from ARNO take a very practical problem on the shop floor and solve it with additive manufacturing rather than incremental geometry tweaks. The goal is simple – get more coolant to the cutting edge, faster and with less restriction, under real production conditions.

Traditional modular parting blades rely on cross-drilled coolant holes. Those passages intersect at right angles or shallow angles that disrupt flow, reduce velocity, and create pressure losses before the coolant ever reaches the insert. In difficult materials or deep part-off operations, that restriction shows up quickly as heat buildup, edge breakdown, or chip welding.

By moving to 3D printing, ARNO eliminates those intersecting drill paths entirely. The internal coolant channels are formed as continuous, smooth passages that run directly from the adaptor interface to the insert pocket. There are no abrupt direction changes, no dead zones, and no compromises driven by drill accessibility. Coolant reaches the cutting edge with higher volume and more consistent pressure.

A key detail is the flank coolant outlet geometry. Instead of a round port dictated by drilling, the 3D-printed blades use a triangular flank port. This shape spreads coolant across the insert edge and into the chip formation zone more effectively. The result is better heat extraction at the point of cut, improved chip evacuation, and a more stable thermal condition during the cut.

These blades are offered in both ARNO-specific mounts (MSA-S) and industry-standard mounts (MSA-I), making them a drop-in upgrade rather than a system change. From the operator’s perspective, setup and programming remain the same. The difference shows up in tool life, surface finish, and process reliability.

In practical terms, improved coolant delivery translates directly into more parts per edge and fewer interrupted runs. Shops running stainless steels, superalloys, or long cycle part-off operations will see the most immediate benefit, but even in carbon steels the added thermal control helps maintain edge integrity and dimensional consistency.

Identification is straightforward – ARNO designates these tools with a “-3D” suffix in the part number. That small detail signals a fundamentally different internal design aimed squarely at process stability rather than marketing flash.

For shops that already rely on modular parting systems, the ARNO 3D-printed blades address one of the most common limiting factors in parting and grooving operations. More coolant at the edge means lower cutting temperatures, more predictable tool wear, and fewer surprises in unattended or high-mix production environments.

For more technical details, application guidance, or to evaluate whether ARNO’s 3D-printed modular parting blades are a fit for your machines and materials, contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation. Our team can help you select the correct blade configuration and coolant strategy to improve part-off stability and tool life in your operation.

JMI CNC Tooling & Automation (JMI) has announced that it is now representing ARNO Precision Cutting Tools, expanding its portfolio of high-performance metalworking solutions for manufacturers across its assigned territories.

Since 1962, ARNO USA has been manufacturing and selling high-quality products for customers in the industrial tooling and machining markets. ARNO USA represents the US branch of ARNO Werkzeuge, headquartered in Germany. ARNO is recognized for its engineering-driven approach to turning, milling, grooving, and holemaking tools. The company designs and manufactures a broad range of standard and application-specific tooling solutions, with a particular focus on process reliability, repeatability, and long tool life in demanding machining environments.

ARNO’s product portfolio includes indexable turning systems, grooving and parting tools, milling cutters, drilling solutions, and modular tooling systems developed for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous materials, and high-temperature alloys. Many of ARNO’s solutions are engineered to reduce cycle time, improve chip control, and maintain dimensional consistency across extended production runs.

“ARNO fits well within JMI’s technical approach to tooling and automation,” said Kennth Jones from JMI. “Their product design philosophy aligns with how we work with customers—understanding the application first, then applying the right tool geometry, substrate, and coating to achieve stable, predictable machining results.”

Through this partnership, JMI will provide local technical support, application assistance, and product access for ARNO tooling, supporting both production machining and complex problem-solving applications. JMI’s role will include on-site evaluation, tooling recommendations, and integration of ARNO solutions into broader machining and automation strategies.

About JMI CNC Tooling & Automation
JMI CNC Tooling & Automation provides cutting tools, workholding, automation, and technical support solutions for precision manufacturers. JMI works closely with machine shops to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and support long-term manufacturing performance through application-focused solutions.

For more information about ARNO tooling solutions through JMI, contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation

WhizCut developed the WhizFix 2.0 system to address a familiar problem on Swiss-type lathes and compact turning platforms—tool changes that interrupt flow, consume setup time, and introduce inconsistency. WhizFix 2.0 approaches this problem with a modular quick-change holder that maintains the rigidity and accuracy expected from a solid toolholder while significantly reducing changeover time.

The system is built around a compact dovetail interface that allows insert heads to be exchanged directly on the machine. Locking and unlocking requires only a short rotation, with low torque values that reduce wear on both the holder and insert head.

Once locked, the insert head repeats its position consistently, eliminating the need for touch-offs after routine changes. This repeatability supports stable dimensional control across longer production runs.

WhizFix 2.0 maintains a short distance between the insert tip and the holder plate, which improves cutting stability and supports finer surface finishes. The holder geometry is intentionally compact, making it well-suited for machines where tool clearance and gang spacing are critical. Despite its modular design, the system performs with the stiffness typically associated with one-piece holders.

The system is offered in a range of configurations to support common Swiss turning operations, including turning, grooving, and profiling. Insert heads can be shared across compatible holders, reducing overall tooling inventory while increasing flexibility at the machine.

WhizCut's WhizFix 2.0 fits well into production environments where uptime, repeatability, and quick changeovers directly affect throughput. That's a marketing line that pretty much identifies anyone running a swiss machine shop. And in this particular case, its jsut true.   WhizFix 2.0 delivers in setup efficiency without adding complexity to the process, making it a practical upgrade for every swiss machine.

If you’ve been in the machining game for a while, the name Command Tooling Systems probably rings a bell—and for good reason. Since their founding in 1981 in Ramsey, Minnesota, Command has been setting the bar for rotary toolholders in North America, known for precision, innovation, and rock-solid performance. You might even remember when they were the first to guarantee an AT3 taper on steep taper holders—an industry first that raised expectations across the board.

Now, there’s a new chapter in the Command story.

In 2024, Command Tooling officially became part of the EWS Group, one of the most respected names in driven tooling and modular quick-change systems around the globe.

The move formed EWS USA, combining Command’s U.S.-based toolholder manufacturing strength with EWS’s German-engineered innovation. And here’s the big news: JMI CNC Tooling & Automation has now partnered with EWS USA to offer Command’s full lineup of toolholders to our customers across the region.

Why This Matters to Your Shop
If you’re managing tight tolerances, pushing RPMs, or constantly battling tool change issues, Command’s lineup still delivers the kind of performance that keeps machines running and parts in spec. These aren’t your average holders—they’re built with the kind of details that matter:

• AT3 or Better Shank Tapers – You get consistent, accurate spindle contact for every changeout.
• Fully Ground Flanges with V-Grooves – Tool changers run smoother and last longer.
• Shrink-Fit Technology – No set screws or collets—just unbeatable gripping force and precision.
• Balanced and Ready for Speed – High-speed machining stays smooth and vibration-free.
• Coolant-Through Options – Keep things cool when the chips are flying.

Command’s toolholders have always been designed for real-world machining—built to handle the loads, hold tight tolerances, and last in production environments.

What’s New with EWS USA?
With Command now under the EWS umbrella, you’re not just getting a toolholder—you’re getting access to a much broader system of rotary and driven tooling, quick-change options like EWS Varia VX, and an expanded line of precision-engineered solutions that are making waves in 5-axis, Swiss, and high-mix/low-volume applications.

Why Buy From JMI CNC Tooling & Automation?
At JMI, we’ve been helping shops like yours find better, smarter solutions that reduce downtime and boost throughput. With the Command/EWS lineup now in our toolbox, we can offer:

• Local Support – Get answers fast. We’re not just moving boxes—we’re here to help.
• Increased Availability – U.S. manufacturing means better lead times.
• Real Application Know-How – We’ve been in shops across the region. We understand the problems you're trying to solve.

Ready to Take a Closer Look?
Whether you're using CAT40, CAT50, BT, HSK, or shrink-fit systems, the Command brand still stands for precision and performance. And now—with EWS innovation and JMI’s support behind it—it’s a smarter time than ever to revisit what Command has to offer your shop.

Reach out to the JMI CNC Tooling & Automation team today to learn how Command’s toolholders can help you push harder, cut cleaner, and run longer.
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Fine-tune your way into the future of backworking, with WhizAdjust, an adjustable toolholder system from WhizCut!

Take back working to a new level with Whizcut WhizAdjust and enjoy the flexibility. This is an innovative and patented toolholder system that is perfect for turning against the sub spindle. The height adjustment goes quick and easy - without loss of stability.

The quick: The fine-tune adjustment screw together with stable clamping makes it possible to modify center height. Loosen one clamping screw from the WhizAdjust head and shank - and the adjustment is done. It is as easy as that.

The stable: The shank and adjustable head are positioned together with serrated surfaces in X axis and the adjustment screw plus a spring in Y. The repeatability, by removing the toolholder and fastening it again, is under 0,005. ​

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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