Need Help!- Best tool change head?

[777funk]

I'm looking to use an automatic tool change head but manually change the tool. I would like to do this to eliminate the trouble of Z setting each time I change the tool. And it'd be nice to have a snap in tool holder for simplicity instead of getting out the collet wrenches each time.

Where should I look?

[ger21]

ATC spindles can be changed manually with the push of a button. But be prepared to spend at least $5000, and an additional $100-$200 per tool holder.

HSD, Colombo, Perske....

keling has a Chinese one that's a bit less money, but still $3K+ I think.

Or, just spend $5 and set up an auto zero plate, that takes 5 seconds to zero your tools.

[louieatienza]

Blurry Customs has one for under $3000, pneumatic operation, and comes with 6 toolholders and 6 tool forks. Up on eBay now.

[777funk]

Originally Posted by ger21 ATC spindles can be changed manually with the push of a button. But be prepared to spend at least $5000, and an additional $100-$200 per tool holder. HSD, Colombo, Perske.... keling has a Chinese one that's a bit less money, but still $3K+ I think. Or, just spend $5 and set up an auto zero plate, that takes 5 seconds to zero your tools.

That sounds interesting. Seems like I've seen those but I'm not running mach III. I have a PCI card Techno Isle interface. I'm not sure if Mach would work with that.

[jjacstcy]

I just trashed a custom 5hp colombo today. $11,000 for a new one. I was cutting a job today and got called somewhere else in the shop today. Normally its not a problem as I now what my machine is doing just by the sounds it makes. Well this sound today was very unusual and by time I got to the machine the damage was done. The lower balancing ring on the spindle came loose and threw the spindle out of balance damaging the bearings. It was shipped out out over night to mecmoteur for emergency repair. My boss wasn't very happy but that's what happen's when you play with expensive toys.