Hi guys. I've been looking to upgrade to a high frequency spindle with ATC but it is VERY pricey and can't quite justify it yet. I estimate a minimum of $6k from a place like Ekstrom Carlson. In my web search I found this outfit called Midwest Rapid Tool. In short, they modifiy a porter cable 7518 router into automatic tool changing spindle. Somehow they modifiy the main router shaft with a hole down the middle so they can use a pneumatic draw bar. Very neat stuff in my opinion. They have some cool videos of the ATC in action. I am tempted to try it out since they offer a 30 day money back guarantee. But my concern is durability/longevity. What happens after 30 days? In particular, the main shaft and the aluminum tool holders. I run my router pretty hard with fairly large diameter bits. So I shot off an email to them and asked a few questions but didn't get a response aside from an out of office reply. I don't know if my q's were too tough or what. Things like "has it been endurance tested?" , "will you service the router motor?", and "is there a warranty?". I think these are fair questions to ask, but no response.
So I'm fishing for info.
Has anyone used or seen this ATC system?
Do you think it is worth the $2k or would you rather hang on to the money and invest in an industrial ATC?
Any comments/concerns from the pros out there?
http://www.midwestrapidtool.com/
Thanks in advance....