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MichaelHenry Quick Change vs Gang vs... 02-04-2014, 08:53 PM
Spinnetti I'm wondering same. QCTP is... 02-05-2014, 03:40 AM
MichaelHenry That's what I thought about... 02-05-2014, 10:59 PM
Spinnetti Actually, I don't mind manual... 02-06-2014, 12:15 AM
MichaelHenry I don't have an ATC on my... 02-07-2014, 01:28 AM
RussMachine Here's how I see it. The... 02-08-2014, 05:37 PM
MichaelHenry I also suspect that the... 02-09-2014, 05:17 AM
RussMachine Mike, I don't think tool... 02-09-2014, 06:26 AM
MichaelHenry Thanks Russ. I have to... 02-09-2014, 08:46 PM
  1. #1
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    Jun 2006
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    3063

    Quick Change vs Gang vs Turret tooling

    Can anyone that has worked with all three comment on the technical pros and cons for each method of toolholding on something like the Tormach lathe for prototype or short run production?

    As release of the lathe gets closer prospective buyers (like me) will need to make some decisions on which way to go with tooling, especially if we want to make the decision right the first time through.

    Mike

  2. #2
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    Dec 2003
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    I'm wondering same. QCTP is pretty easy as you have to stop for each change. Gang on the other hand seems like it would be much faster on tool changes and much less expensive that a big turret... Also, for me, I doubt I'll need more than 4-5 tools for any job, so thinking Gang might be most efficient... that said, I need a tail stock too for some things, in which case QCTP or Turret might be better.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Spinnetti View Post
    Also, for me, I doubt I'll need more than 4-5 tools for any job, so thinking Gang might be most efficient... that said, I need a tail stock too for some things, in which case QCTP or Turret might be better.
    That's what I thought about the mill and I'm now up to 30 or so toolholders. Seems like I could always use a few extra drill chucks.

    FWIW, it looks like the tailstock won't be available at first.

    Mike

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by MichaelHenry View Post
    That's what I thought about the mill and I'm now up to 30 or so toolholders. Seems like I could always use a few extra drill chucks.

    FWIW, it looks like the tailstock won't be available at first.

    Mike
    Actually, I don't mind manual tool changes.. I'm not wandering off when my machines are running anyway (have PDB, but not ATC on my Series III), and it gives me something to do. The big draw for me would be a power chuck and bar puller. That's what's going to make the difference in throughput for me.

  5. #5
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    I don't have an ATC on my mill either and find that long ops are a good time to clean up the shop a bit or hand debur the previously finished part.

    Early on Tormach demoed a bar puller in one of their videos, I think. A turret might be handy for that, though maybe it could be done with a gang tool system as well. I'd want at least a lever-type 5C collet closer, but powered would be better though possibly more spendy.

    Mike

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    402
    Here's how I see it.
    The four-position tool post would be slow. Every tool change would have to be done manually, just like with a manual lathe. And you would be limited to only 4 tools.
    The gang tooling looks promising. However, you would be limited by the size of the table as to how many tools you could squeeze on there. And you would also have to be cautious with clearance, and tool overhang. But I'm sure the table can easily hold a turning tool, spot drill, drill, tap, and boring bar.
    The turret would be the best option, but the extra cost could be steep. (Just like the mills and the added ATC)
    It can hold more tools, and will automatically change tools and keep running unattended without stopping.
    All things considered, I'm looking at getting the lathe as well, as I need to get CNC lathe production.
    For my money, (I'm not rich), I think the gang tooling would be the best bet for both function and cost.
    But if I had the extra money, I'd would definitely go with the turret.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by RussMachine View Post
    The turret would be the best option, but the extra cost could be steep.
    I also suspect that the turret cost will be pretty steep. I'm also wondering how tool offsets will be done for each toolholding system and if there will be any add-ons to aid with toolsetting. I used the Duality lathe for a few projects and the toolsetting for that was fairly straightforward, but a little time consuming, but that used a quick-change tool holder that was mounted to the mill spindle.

    Mike

    Mike

  8. #8
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    Nov 2013
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    Mike,
    I don't think tool offsets will be a big deal.
    With the Turret, it should be just like a full-size CNC Lathe, set Z, set X for each tool.
    Same with the 4-position tool post. set X, set Z for each tool.
    I imagine the Gang Tooling would be the hardest.
    With the gang tooling, you would still have to set X and Z lengths, but ALSO watch out for X Clearance for part diameter, and Z length to avoid crashes during rapid moves in X.
    I still think the Gang Tooling option would be the best bet, but it would also keep you on your toes at setup.

  9. #9
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    Jun 2006
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    Thanks Russ. I have to confess that the potential for fouling or interference with a gang tool setup concerns me. I see where that can be dealt with but am concerned with the "tuition" costs. BTW, unless things have changed since Lathe Update 2 last August, Tormach will be offering what looks like an Aloris-style QC toolholder option. That alone might be a good way to start as it gives you almost unlimited tooling options at a pretty affordable price but at the expense of babysitting the lathe.

    It seems like the turret might also present the possibility of crashes in certain circumstances say where a long drill bit or reamer is mounted immediately adjacent to a very short tool with a large OD part. It would be nice if SprutCAM checks for tool collisions on turrets in the their turning module - does anyone know if that can be done?

    Mike

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