How are you changing tools? Multiple spindles? ATC? Manual?

[Smertrios]

Had the chance to earn some money cutting wood on a router but didn't work out as my quote was beaten by *alot* unfortunately. However I still dont have a CNC router and when/if I get one tool changes will be something I need to figure out.

Buying a machine capable of ATC is out of the question for me. Any money work I would do would only be part time so I would not be able to pay off a commercial machine or make a profit for my time which is important of course.

ATC spindles are around $3000+ each. Again not a real appealing option considering the entire router would cost less than this even when using decent components.

So.. I think the only 2 good options left would be to use multiple spindles. Either by actually having 2-3 spindles on the machine at all times (preferred) or by making some kind of quick change for the router spindles.

If using 2 spindles on the machine I am not sure how to program it but maybe some kind of relay to route the Z axis step and dir signals to different spindles motion controllers could be worked out so that 1 could be used at a time with MACH. Maybe its easier than this. I dont know how or if mach is designed to use more than 1 spindle.

"Quick change tooling" by actually swapping spindles is doable but *alot* of work and not very good for time savings IMO but it does represent another possibility.

ATC? Sounds great but how can I get ATC without spending $1000's? or being slooow.

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[lgalla]

Where can you get an ATC spindle for $3000.They are usually 10 to 15 grand.
larry

[Smertrios]

Dont recall where I saw spindles for $3000.00 if I do I will post a link but kelinginc.net has 2 for $4000+
CNC Spindle and Controller

[BanduraMaker]

Note: I am a hobbyist, I do not work in a production environment.

I've been doing my tool changes manually using the tool change macro's in Ger21's screenset.

With those macros, once you change tools, the machine moves the spindle to a fixed sensor plate to get a new tool length offset for the new tool.

This whole process takes roughly a minute which isn't bad but, it does mean that if you're doing something else while the machine is plugging along, you have to be near by enough to change tools when necessary.

I try and minimize tool changes through smart programming of tool paths but some things are just difficult and it all depends on what you're doing.

[mcphill]

Auto touch off, per the suggestion with Ger21's screenset. And/or something like the Tormach Tooling System chucks that give you repeatable Z placement with manual tool changes. TTS is R8 only, but maybe you could do something similar on a router?

[vtx1029]

I'm planning on mounting a drill on a slide on the side of my router mount and actuate it down with a bimba cylinder to drill holes with. Then I could use cheap drill bits vs expensive router bits and no worries about changing collets and stuff. I know this doesn't really answer your question but it may give you something to think about.

[JerryBurks]

I am completely manual which is O.K. for my one-off hobby projects.

But I saw the Youtube video of Andrej (the guy behind the the Planet-CNC USB controller) who is using a Kress spindle with automatic tool change. Not sure what pneumatic adapter he is using but it does not look like a multi-1000-dollar solution. It may be worthwhile to contact him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgyq3JYlBmw]CNC USB Controller Mk2 - Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) - YouTube

[ger21]

But I saw the Youtube video of Andrej (the guy behind the the Planet-CNC USB controller) who is using a Kress spindle with automatic tool change. Not sure what pneumatic adapter he is using but it does not look like a multi-1000-dollar solution. It may be worthwhile to contact him:

600 Euro + 50 Euro per tool + collets = ~$1200 + the Kress spindle for 5 tools, and you're limited to 1/4" tools or smaller.

Tool Changer

Tool Holder

[RossMosh]

Avenger Cartridge ATC system

I'd also look into contacting a Chinese CNC supplier and see if they'd be willing to sell you the mechanical parts. You'd still need the programming done in Mach3 so everything behaved properly but it could be a less expensive route.

[wcarrothers1]

For my machine 2 I built it with 2 Z axis. So the idea would be to have a second spindle mounted to the other axis and have 2 tools avaliable. Although I have yet to fit the second VFD spindle. Maybe some day.

b.

[Frankmali17]

I believe CAmaster tools uses a setup where they have 2 addtionional routers with bits... attached to their z axis.
Anyone figure out how they do it?
Can it be done with Mach 3 software?

Thanks

[fishin_fl]

I think that is awesome. I will have to do some research on the ATC holders. Very interesting. I am sure some designs are out there but, cost is definite probably going to be high.

[Andypcguy]

This one from IMService is pretty affordable. IMService ATC - Automatic Tool Changer for CNC Mill or Router

- - - Updated - - -

This one from IMService is pretty affordable. http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchanger.aspx

[mactec54]

This is a old posting, but still good information in it

This machine now has 2 spindles & around 24 tools each spindle has its own tool rack, these spindles were around $2600 30 taper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=-V10EycGAU8

[NardisAmps]

What?! A $2600 atc 30-taper spindle? What kind? Where?

[ger21]

Chinese from Keling.

[mactec54]

NardisAmps

He got his spindles direct from China, the spindles he brought are very good quality

Gerry I don't think the Keling spindles would be of the same quality as what he is using