Auto tool change for everyman. when do we want it....?

[philbur]

... We want it now.

I think it's time that Tormach came up with a simple "wine rack" type tool changer/power drawbar/software combination in the thousand buck region. It wouldn't be the fastest, it wouldn't be the coolest, but it sure would get the job done. All those users on the edge of buying a PDB would not be able to resist when an ATC is thrown in for an extra couple of bucks.

Someting like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqh5iZKRwfM&feature=related]Automatic tool change Diy - YouTube

What do you think?

Phil

[R.DesJardin]

Looks like it works well for that type of tool holder for your mill. And I have seen guys with similiar setups on this board.
How would you overcome all the Tormach toolholders being different, ie: collet holder, set screw holder, 3 different drill chucks?

[philbur]

I'm not sure I understand your point. All Tormach toolholders are the same on the spindle end!!! each sits in the rack on the collar!!! so above the top face of the rack you can't tell the difference.

It's not my mill.

Phil

Looks like it works well for that type of tool holder for your mill. And I have seen guys with similiar setups on this board.
How would you overcome all the Tormach toolholders being different, ie: collet holder, set screw holder, 3 different drill chucks?

[johnedward]

... We want it now.

I think it's time that Tormach came up with a simple "wine rack" type tool changer/power drawbar/software combination in the thousand buck region. It wouldn't be the fastest, it wouldn't be the coolest, but it sure would get the job done. All those users on the edge of buying a PDB would not be able to resist when an ATC is thrown in for an extra couple of bucks.

Someting like this:



What do you think?

Phil

I imagine they haven't because it is so simple.
seriously, if you can't use their pdb and make your own "wine rack" to have your own atc
you need to give up the hobby phil.
mach 3 comes with a toolchange macro for a wine rack type so the only thing keeping you from attaining an atc is you.

[SteveKoerner]

I strongly concur. I don't need a $4000 solution with elaborate mechanics -- I need one of those. Four to six tool positions would be sufficient for my needs.

[LazyMan]

I imagine they haven't because it is so simple.

To me, that would be a perfect reason to offer the option for sale. However, people who done use the entire travel of their tormach may no longer desire to spend $4200 on a tool changer. I have never seen anyone with a Tormach with a setup like that. I think it would be a great idea.

[philbur]

Your probably right John, but it still comes down to do I spend time making things or do I spend time making things to make things. It is a hobby to me but my time is still very limited. I know only enough about Mach3 to enable me to make the parts I make. If its so easy they could throw one in for free with the PDB, then I would buy a PDB.

Phil

I imagine they haven't because it is so simple.
seriously, if you can't use their pdb and make your own "wine rack" to have your own atc
you need to give up the hobby phil.
mach 3 comes with a toolchange macro for a wine rack type so the only thing keeping you from attaining an atc is you.

[philbur]

John, is it available on the Tormach version of Mach3, where do I find it.

Phil

mach 3 comes with a toolchange macro for a wine rack type

[mcarvey]

I too have wondered why more people haven't done something like this. The mechanical aspect is fairly straightforward, so I'm guessing it's the mach3 interfacing/programming aspect is what is limiting more people from attempting this. It's also probably worth noting that you will likely need to have a slightly more elaborate mechanical setup than what's pictured in the video. For one, you need to have some way to guarantee that chips don't get on the TTS holders- this requires some sort of shield- either stationary (which eats into your table travel a bit) or articulated (which doesn't come for free either) There also needs to be some way to make sure that the tool holder is released from the r8 collet upon power drawbar release. Perhaps some sort of detent in the wine rack, spring in the 3/4" collet, or via air pressure through the drawbar.
Perhaps we could do some brainstorming on what features/specifications we would want for something like this, and we could all work together to develop a reasonably robust system so that people wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel every time they want to do something like this?

-Matt

[philbur]

I have seen other renditions on youtube that incorporated the features you list. The one I posted was just the first that I found that demonstrated the concept.

Phil

For one, you need to have some way to guarantee that chips don't get on the TTS holders- this requires some sort of shield- either stationary (which eats into your table travel a bit) or articulated (which doesn't come for free either) There also needs to be some way to make sure that the tool holder is released from the r8 collet upon power drawbar release. Perhaps some sort of detent in the wine rack, spring in the 3/4" collet, or via air pressure through the drawbar.
-Matt

[johnedward]

Your probably right John, but it still comes down to do I spend time making things or do I spend time making things to make things. It is a hobby to me but my time is still very limited. I know only enough about Mach3 to enable me to make the parts I make. If its so easy they could throw one in for free with the PDB, then I would buy a PDB.

Phil

If it's a hobby then there's no excuse. you aren't taking away production time from anything other than other "things". surely a plate with holes in it and a couple of side plates could be squeezed into your limited time. i bet making this simple "thing"
would a better use of your time than any other "things" you have planned.
all the time you spend wishing and posting could be spent learning how mach works and you'd have your atc long before tormach.
why should tormach have to sweeten the pot before you'll buy their pdb?

[hoss2006]

I too have wondered why more people haven't done something like this. The mechanical aspect is fairly straightforward, so I'm guessing it's the mach3 interfacing/programming aspect is what is limiting more people from attempting this. It's also probably worth noting that you will likely need to have a slightly more elaborate mechanical setup than what's pictured in the video. For one, you need to have some way to guarantee that chips don't get on the TTS holders- this requires some sort of shield- either stationary (which eats into your table travel a bit) or articulated (which doesn't come for free either) There also needs to be some way to make sure that the tool holder is released from the r8 collet upon power drawbar release. Perhaps some sort of detent in the wine rack, spring in the 3/4" collet, or via air pressure through the drawbar.
Perhaps we could do some brainstorming on what features/specifications we would want for something like this, and we could all work together to develop a reasonably robust system so that people wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel every time they want to do something like this?

-Matt

Been there done that. You can find plenty of info I used years ago on my X2 for the same type of ATC here.
Hoss ATC Project
Also have it here and the info for getting and using the Mach 3 toolchange macro.
Projects 7
Hoss