Originally Posted by wcarrothers1  If it were me... I'd rather spend that kinda money on a VFD spindle and continue manually changing my tools then upgrade a PC like that.....
Not that a PC isn't a good router and all. But seems putting that kinda money toward one just to have tool changing is kinda a waist at least to me.
b. |
I agree. I just put it forth as an option for people to look into. I considered the midwest system when the guy behind the product had just set up shop on the internet last year. Back then he was using aluminum tool holders which is one of the reasons I decided not to. But he's now making them out of steel which is a vast improvement. I actually almost went for it cause I thought the system was pretty damn cooool. But in the end I came to my senses and opted for a 5 horse Elte atc/quick change spindle. It was brand new surplus so I got it for a pretty good deal, $3k including vfd. Normally atc spindles are $5k and up. Tool holders and collets ran me about $100 each (
www.maritool.com). I haven't regretted one spending penny of it, since it is already paying for itself and has improved my speed and product quality
unbelievably.
Not sure what the moral of my story is but you will defnitely have to pay up to get an atc system. Consider the cost of aquiring one versus the benefits. In my case it made perfect business sense.
Gil