Patent ID: 7329825

Claim:
An electric discharge machine having an electrode for machining a workpiece by applying electric discharge machining voltage between said electrode and said workpiece while feeding said electrode and said workpiece relative to each other to control a machining gap, said electric discharge machine comprising: a spindle and an electrode holder for carrying said electrode, said spindle being provided with attachment means for detachably attaching said electrode holder to said spindle; said electrode holder having an engagement portion for engaging with said attachment means of said spindle, wherein said electrode holder is provided with an electrode holding means for holding said electrode in said electrode holder; an electrode guide holder including an engagement portion for detachably engaging with said electrode holder, said electrode guide holder having attached thereto an electrode guide for supporting and guiding said electrode; and electrode guide holder supporting means for supporting said electrode guide holder for causing said electrode guide holder to selectively disengage from said electrode holder and for moving said electrode guide holder along said electrode to the distal thereof so that said electrode guide attached to said electrode guide holder supports said distal end of said electrode, said electrode guide holder supporting means having gripping means for gripping said electrode guide holder and being provided with moving means for moving said electrode guide holder.