DIY ATC automatic tool changer for cnc router.. Mythical or reality?

[rodjava]

I have been searching past post for ideas or plans for a diy atc for my home built cnc router. I read posts from several years ago that somebody built their own atc, but it had a few issues at speeds around 20k.

Currently, I have a Hitachi router but would switch spindles for anything that works better with a ATC.

I prefer to make it myself instead of a commercial model costing thousands of bucks.

Does a diy atc for a homemade cnc router exist? Myth or reality? Any links would be appreciated.

I would also like to brainstorm with anybody that has any ideas they would like to share.

Thanks in advance.

Rod
San Francisco

[jscavitto]

Hoss is the only diy I've seen

http://www.hossmachine.info/forum/ya...l-Changer.aspx

http://www.hossmachine.info/

[rodjava]

jscavitto,
Thanks for the link.
That's one nice ATC and only wish it would work with a router.

Hopefully more guys will chime in too.

Rod

[Kipper]

Do you mean something like this? If so then yes it's possible

[rodjava]

Keith,
Now that's what I'm talkin about. I wonder if any zoners have this setup.
I would like to see it in action.

Maybe similar to this: YouTube- ez Router's Scorpion ATC
Rod

[Kipper]

The same setup is available for the watercooled 400hz spindles from China........The spindle in the video costs more than I have invested in cnc plasma router and mill......When I'm rich I'll have a dabble

[ger21]

This is probably the cheapest option, but I don't think it's shipping yet, so it's 6 months behind schedule.
http://www.quickspindle.com/index.htm

Keling sells ATC spindles starting at $3700 for a Chinese model. A few thousand more will get you a name brand spindle, like HSD, Perske, or Colombo.

[Jason Marsha]

Two pics of the product in Gerry's post above.
These came from the mechmate site a while back.

Jason

[louieatienza]

I think IMService sells a solution.... but don't know much about it... looks like it's for smaller mill...

[travis77]

Its not fully automatic, but it allows you to quickly change out preset tools if you want.

http://buildyouridea.com/cnc/atc/pha...ase_three.html

I dont understand why someone would want to spend so much money to put an ATC on an homemade mill. Seems the same to me as putting a 5 disc CD changer in a golf cart. Dave's setup is a DIY approach, maybe it will help you with ideas.