ATC Setup Video

[meccarroll]

I'd love my srurdy metal framed CNC Router setup but it's manual change and mechanical hold down only an ATC CNC with vacuum would be a great improvement. Been following another thread where the OP is considering options for an upgrade to an ATC macbine and fell on this video, thought it might be of interest to those in a similar position to me and the other OP:


ATC components overview
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...119D0B2860A0E4D25FB3119D0B2860A0E4D&FORM=VIRE


ATC setup Mach4

 

[Ollie78]

I'd love my srurdy metal framed CNC Router setup but it's manual change and mechanical hold down only an ATC CNC with vacuum would be a great improvement. Been following another thread where the OP is considering options for an upgrade to an ATC macbine and fell on this video, thought it might be of interest to those in a similar position to me and the other OP:


ATC components overview
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=how+to+set+up+ATC+in+a+CNC+router?&mid=25FB3119D0B2860A0E4D25FB3119D0B2860A0E4D&FORM=VIRE


ATC setup Mach4

These guys have another option which does away with the normal tapered ISO or BT system with air operated pullstuds. Instead it seams to use a standard spindle which is used to screw and unscrew the collets inside the holder.
No idea if its any good but it does mean you don`t need to buy a very expensive new spindle.

https://rapidchangeatc.com/docs/magazine-information/magazines/

 

[meccarroll]

These guys have another option which does away with the normal tapered ISO or BT system with air operated pullstuds. Instead it seams to use a standard spindle which is used to screw and unscrew the collets inside the holder.
No idea if its any good but it does mean you don`t need to buy a very expensive new spindle.

https://rapidchangeatc.com/docs/magazine-information/magazines/

I have seen this system before, the only thing I think might be a problem is if it becomes slightly out of line and strips the thread on the spindle. There are semi automatic manual ATC systems that just release the tapered holder and you manually insert the next tool all pre set. For me ATC it is something for the future as is a vacuum bed. It's good to have other peoples opinions and input because it builds knowledge. I'm watching some of the setup videos for the above system, it's a maybe.

 

[Ollie78]

I have seen this system before, the only thing I think might be a problem is if it becomes slightly out of line and strips the thread on the spindle. There are semi automatic manual ATC systems that just release the tapered holder and you manually insert the next tool all pre set. For me ATC it is something for the future as is a vacuum bed. It's good to have other peoples opinions and input because it builds knowledge. I'm watching some of the setup videos for the above system, it's a maybe.

I share your scepticism about its possible thread alignment issues and I was thinking about dust and stuff getting in there. Most proper atc spindles do an air blow before grabbing the toolholder to keep everything clean. I just found it interesting.

This one is quite interesting, although I think he has overcomplicated it for himself considering you can buy a ready made toolholder with actuator from china for a couple of hundred quid, still interesting though.

 

[meccarroll]

I share your scepticism about its possible thread alignment issues and I was thinking about dust and stuff getting in there. Most proper atc spindles do an air blow before grabbing the toolholder to keep everything clean. I just found it interesting.

This one is quite interesting, although I think he has overcomplicated it for himself considering you can buy a ready made toolholder with actuator from china for a couple of hundred quid, still interesting though.

Very good point about dust and air blowing before a tool change, I have read it can cause problems if you need precision.

I'll take a look at the video, cheers.

 

[meccarroll]

I share your scepticism about its possible thread alignment issues and I was thinking about dust and stuff getting in there. Most proper atc spindles do an air blow before grabbing the toolholder to keep everything clean. I just found it interesting.

This one is quite interesting, although I think he has overcomplicated it for himself considering you can buy a ready made toolholder with actuator from china for a couple of hundred quid, still interesting though.

Took a look at the video and think it would be too much for me to tackle right now. I did like the tool holder he used which seemed to adapt a standard spindle with thread into an interchangable tool holder.

Using the additoinal tool holder one could manually change out tools but have them at a pre-set height which would speed up the process because you would not have to zero off every time you made a tool change.

 

[Ollie78]

Took a look at the video and think it would be too much for me to tackle right now. I did like the tool holder he used which seemed to adapt a standard spindle with thread into an interchangable tool holder.

Using the additoinal tool holder one could manually change out tools but have them at a pre-set height which would speed up the process because you would not have to zero off every time you made a tool change.

I think he certainly overcomplicated it but that is his style and why people watch I guess.
You only need to zero them all off once then the offset is saved in the tool list.

 

[meccarroll]

I think he certainly overcomplicated it but that is his style and why people watch I guess.
You only need to zero them all off once then the offset is saved in the tool list.

Yes it does look complicated, I also took a look at this video which, I think, helps clarify how to set up each tool to start with: