Multiple Bit Hobby CNC Router, Possible?

[Sanghera]

Hi guys,
I was just wondering if it is possible to have a multiple bit CNC router? Not sure why I would want multiple bit though, just wondering. I would think that a lot of it has to do with software, for knowing the coordinates for the bits, and then some hardware for actually setting the bit in place and tightening.
Thanks.

[wjbzone]

I am using a Sears Quickrout. Pictures on last page of this thread:
http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread...5&pagenumber=4

Turbocnc allows setting each tool.

Bill

[buscht]

I am using a different approach. I have 3 routers mounted on my machine, each one with its own bit.

buscht's cnc router

[Sanghera]

That sure is cool, but how does it work? How can the software control the three routers? I saw that you are using nomal TurboCNC.
Thanks.

[ger21]

The easiest way is for each router to have it's own axis to be able to move up and down independently, but it's more complicated to build. Buscht's looks like they all move together. Not sure how he does it, because it seems like the other bits would get in the way. With independent axis', you just move each one independently. You would probably use fixture offsets to locate the second (and/or third) router(s). Sorry, but I don't know the g-codes offhand.

Personally, although I haven't tried them yet, I'd go with the Craftsman collets like Bill. Get a good Porter-Cable Router, and set up all your bits in the Craftsman collets, and tool changes can be very quick. But, if you need unattended tool changes, dual routers would be the way to go. (If you have the room for them)

[ger21]

Originally posted by Sanghera How can the software control the three routers? I saw that you are using nomal TurboCNC. Thanks.

The first router could be your "Z" axis, the second one could be your "W" axis. To use the first router you'd use

G1 X1 Y1 Z-.5

the second one would be

G1 X1 Y1 W-.5

You'd probably have to manually edit the code to switch, depending on what you'd use to generate the g-code.

[Sanghera]

Ok, Thank you very much for the reply.

[bean7795]

You Could do what im doing if you can get access to a cnc lathe im making a belt driven spindle with a 30 taper to accept regular cnc machining tool holders just program an op stop and drive her to home bout 30 second tool change and you are back in to the wood

[Sanghera]

Sounds like a good idea. Now, how does it work. Is this right. So, there is a spindle with a 30 degree taper driven by a belt, and the machine chuck comes near it and eubs against it to loosen the chuck, goes and get the right bit and then tightens. I'm probably thinking too complicated.
Thanks.

[Sanghera]

Also, how can you program your software, so that it can change bits when you want it to. How do you tell it where "home" is? Probably a whole lot of stuff to do with G-Code.
Thanks.

[Sanghera]

Hello?

[buscht]

Sorry, I missed this thread. On my router all 3 heads move up and down at once. They are 7" apart, so the widest part I can make is 7" without the router bits hitting. That is the drawback to my system.
On the plus side it is very simple and cheap.

Right now I don't have automatic on and off controls for the routers. There is a fixture offset command in G code, G92 I think, that let's you reset the program origin. Just move the origin 7" between cuts and everything works fine.