JBS Magic Guide Bushing (Self Adjusting GB for Non-Consistent Bar Stock)

[TeachMePlease]

So for anyone who's curious, I've never used one of these, but I hear good things. You can buy them from Whiz Cut USA, they're available for a wide variety of machine brands and models. The collets that get used with them can be purchased from Hardinge (I know for a fact) or I'd guess from KEB, Southwick and Meister, ISwiss, TTC North America, Schlenker, or anyone else that you can buy guide bushings from.

Literature available from Whiz Cut USA here: https://www.whizcut.com/jbs.pdf

They allow for bar stock diameter variations by using air pressure and special double angle collets to keep constant pressure on the bar stock, regardless of diameter. That's all I know about how it works. Reviews from friends that use them say that they're fantastic. I say for any true long run production, just get ground bar... AND MIC YOUR DAMN BARS BEFORE YOU RUN THEM! Especially with the smaller stuff, that can save you a world of hurt...

 

[Plastikdreams]

I know nothing of Swiss machines, I've never even seen a video of one operating...hell I've never really seen a picture of one lol.

 

[Doug]

I know nothing of Swiss machines, I've never even seen a video of one operating...hell I've never really seen a picture of one lol.

Think of a lathe with a box tool, and the cutter is fully CNC enabled.

 

[Dualkit]

Anybody have any idea what one of those costs? I have a feeling they might not have one for my machine anyway as it is a 16mm that is a modified 12mm machine. It was modified by the MTB. It is a Star Se-16 modified from an SE-12 a model that I believe had low production totals.
I want to give a salesman my contact info as a last resort. I have actually seen air operated guide bushing holders on old Torno cam operated Swiss 35 years ago, no idea who made them.

 

[Doug]

They allow for bar stock diameter variations by using air pressure and special double angle collets to keep constant pressure on the bar stock, regardless of diameter.

That (to me at least) sounds like that special collet would wear much faster than your normal one, as it's always tite.

 

[TeachMePlease]

That (to me at least) sounds like that special collet would wear much faster than your normal one, as it's always tite.

Meh... They're available in different materials and coatings. No carbide (that I'm aware of)... And you can set the clamping pressure, and it's got an open/close/clamp/guide setting, fireable via M-code, so I don't think it's as bad as you think. Also, I've never bought one, but looking at them, the collets look like they should cost less than a standard carbide lined guide bushing.