Just wondering everyones opinions on the automatic tool changer that LMS is finally started making.

Thanks

product
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3065

Operations Principle
http://littlemachineshop.com/instructions/Z-BotToolChangerPrinciplesOfOperation.pdf

Video
http://littlemachineshop.com/video/ToolChangeDemo.mpg

IMHO, it looks good, but it's way,way too expensive. You've also got to add the cost of a set of Tormach TTS tooling...

I would be surprised if we don't see some DIY versions of that from someone on here (hoss2006 - my money's on you ;) )

The hightech-systems quick changer has also been made into a great ATC by a DIY'er on the woodworking forum - I've bought a couple with that in mind as well.

The ATC I started to work on will have an 8 position toolholder.
The Tormach tools would work great but like Digits said, are a bit pricy.
LMS has a nice 15 pc kit (http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2440&category=209730719) for $670, ouch.
I made a protoype of the endmill holder I'll be using that's similar.
Will also use 2 sizes of drill chucks like in the kit.
Figure i'll want at least 2-3 times the number of tool holders as the ATC can hold.
That way I can have plenty of mills and drills indicated in and ready to go for whatever job comes up.
probably wind up being a fall/winter long project.
Need more clicks from the google ads on my site (http://www.hossmachine.com) to earn the money to buy the parts.:)
Would like to see a physically working model of the LMS ATC for inspiration.
Hoss

Gave you 30+ Hoss. :P

I like the site. Always nice to see things like that. When you say physically working. Do you mean in person? Because the video LMS has is a physically working version. ;) Oh and great tool holders. :)

I do like the idea a great deal myself. The power drawbar is mainly the thing I like. That alone would save you a lot of time. And that only runs for $350.

Thanks Reddog,
every bit helps.:cheers:
Yeah i'd like to see one in person to see how it all works together.
Still really cool looking from the video though.
I'll probably make a simpler non-articulating version first, then progress from there.
Could save money if you buy the LMS ATC by buying one Tormach holder then making clones if you have a lathe.

Hoss, I'd love to see you build something like this. The work you do is inspirational and sometimes hilarious. I was watching the videos of the pocketing you did where you kept cranking up the feedrates and was dying laughing hearing that poor tool shriek and moan. Anyways, get to it Hoss, also, you sites down. Whats up?

Hey pzzamakr1980,
I'll get some kind of ATC built one of these days.
The google ads on my site (http://www.hossmachine.com) are helping out, should be able to start ordering parts soon.
I tried to tell that tool to shut up in the video but it didn't listen.:)
Must be doing some server maintenance, I can't even get my mail right now.
Shouldn't be long, I hope.
maybe Reddog will buy the LMS ATC and post some pics for inspiration. ;)

One day I'll get the power drawbar. But other than that I doubt I'll be getting the rest of the unit.

The only thing I would change of of now. I haven't given it too much thought. Was to get rid of the chain drive and idle pulley and run a direct drive to a circle with clips instead of the chain. As long as it can clear it would be fine. But clearance is the issue there. You could do it with 4 without issue. Which I wouldn't have a problem with because I don't run more than that in almost all cases. Just change the tools for what I'm doing. Some for of tool holders like the Tormachs or what Hoss did is really it. Plus the powerdrawbar. Will save so much time and hassle. I'll think about things a bit more and see what I come up with. Right now I'm drawing up a bench/coolant cover for a X3.

One day I'll get the power drawbar. But other than that I doubt I'll be getting the rest of the unit.

The only thing I would change of of now. I haven't given it too much thought. Was to get rid of the chain drive and idle pulley and run a direct drive to a circle with clips instead of the chain. As long as it can clear it would be fine. But clearance is the issue there. You could do it with 4 without issue. Which I wouldn't have a problem with because I don't run more than that in almost all cases. Just change the tools for what I'm doing. Some for of tool holders like the Tormachs or what Hoss did is really it. Plus the powerdrawbar. Will save so much time and hassle. I'll think about things a bit more and see what I come up with. Right now I'm drawing up a bench/coolant cover for a X3.

If you can spare the X-travel, you could always put a 4 or 5 wide linear tool rack on either side of the table. IMHO the fewer moving parts in the ATC, the less there is to go wrong - which is why I like the High Tech Systems ones - you don't need to touch the drawbar at all once it's on there :)