DIY ATC automatic tool changer for cnc router.. Mythical or reality?

I have been searching past post for ideas or plans for a diy atc for my home built cnc router. I read posts from several years ago that somebody built their own atc, but it had a few issues at speeds around 20k.

Currently, I have a Hitachi router but would switch spindles for anything that works better with a ATC.

I prefer to make it myself instead of a commercial model costing thousands of bucks.

Does a diy atc for a homemade cnc router exist? Myth or reality? Any links would be appreciated.

I would also like to brainstorm with anybody that has any ideas they would like to share.

Thanks in advance.

Rod
San Francisco

Hoss is the only diy I've seen

http://www.hossmachine.info/forum/ya...l-Changer.aspx

http://www.hossmachine.info/

jscavitto,
Thanks for the link.
That's one nice ATC and only wish it would work with a router.

Hopefully more guys will chime in too.

Rod

Do you mean something like this? If so then yes it's possible :)

Keith,
Now that's what I'm talkin about. I wonder if any zoners have this setup.
I would like to see it in action.

Maybe similar to this: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pWfjNI5SvY"]YouTube- ez Router's Scorpion ATC[/nomedia]

Rod

The same setup is available for the watercooled 400hz spindles from China........The spindle in the video costs more than I have invested in cnc plasma router and mill......When I'm rich I'll have a dabble :)

This is probably the cheapest option, but I don't think it's shipping yet, so it's 6 months behind schedule.
http://www.quickspindle.com/index.htm

Keling sells ATC spindles starting at $3700 for a Chinese model. A few thousand more will get you a name brand spindle, like HSD, Perske, or Colombo.

Two pics of the product in Gerry's post above.
These came from the mechmate site a while back.

Jason

I think IMService sells a solution.... but don't know much about it... looks like it's for smaller mill...

Its not fully automatic, but it allows you to quickly change out preset tools if you want.

http://buildyouridea.com/cnc/atc/pha...ase_three.html

I dont understand why someone would want to spend so much money to put an ATC on an homemade mill. Seems the same to me as putting a 5 disc CD changer in a golf cart. Dave's setup is a DIY approach, maybe it will help you with ideas.

I developed a simple home router atc. I am curious if there is interest. I'd have more info in couple weeks when I get more time to post

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rodjava

I have been searching past post for ideas or plans for a diy atc for my home built cnc router. I read posts from several years ago that somebody built their own atc, but it had a few issues at speeds around 20k.

Currently, I have a Hitachi router but would switch spindles for anything that works better with a ATC.

I prefer to make it myself instead of a commercial model costing thousands of bucks.

Does a diy atc for a homemade cnc router exist? Myth or reality? Any links would be appreciated.

I would also like to brainstorm with anybody that has any ideas they would like to share.

Thanks in advance.

Rod
San Francisco

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Andy at UgraCNC has access to Chinese spindles with an ATC. The entire spindle and ATC costs about $3000.00.

It might be worth the investment to tear one down and copy it.

James

Quote:

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The entire spindle and ATC costs about $3000.00.

It might be worth the investment to tear one down and copy it.

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That's what the Chinese did to get it to $3000. An ATC spindle is very complex, and needs to be extremely precise. I doubt you can build one any cheaper.

I'm talking for a normal router. Like a 1/4 laminate trimmer or 1/2 inch bigger router mounted to a typical DIY. I wish I had pics haven't used my machine for a bit. But it uses to magnets and a collet adapter. Il try to get pics soon as I can.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jharvey407

Andy at UgraCNC has access to Chinese spindles with an ATC. The entire spindle and ATC costs about $3000.00.

It might be worth the investment to tear one down and copy it.

James

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Copy a Chinese spindle? :stickpoke

:p

This is the one I'm interested in. Midwest Rapid Tool Just dawned on me............it's late! I have a very nice Super PID that would pair up with that and probably make a killer setup!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stealthshooter

This is the one I'm interested in. Midwest Rapid Tool Just dawned on me............it's late! I have a very nice Super PID that would pair up with that and probably make a killer setup!!

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Has anyone bought and used one of these?