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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > RF-45 Clone Mill > RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    8

    RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    Hello everyone!

    I decided to tackle building a 12 tool ATC that uses the tormach tts tools. I started the build last week and want to share it here. I also got lots of video I'll upload to you tube when I have time to edit it.

    So far I started out making the tools holders. The holders are split into to pieces, a top HDPE plastic tool retainer, and a bottom steel holder that slips into the tool collar. The tool holders turned out well so I mounted them to the carousel wheel.

    Holding the carousel is a mild steel axle with a double row angular contact bearing. Its a 5202 with a 15mm center and 35mm od.

    I First tried to use one of the bigger timing belt pulleys I had from another project but it ended up interfering with the head of the mill. So it now has a 1:1 pulley about 2" diameter. There is a 425 oz/in stepper to drive the carousel.

    I used 16mm linear bearings and a 12in stroke 1.5" air cylinder for moving the carousel in and out.

    For testing I am running a parallel port breakout board, however my friend is helping to design a modbus controller which will talk to Mach 3. that way is it just is a simple M6 macro in Mach to control the tool change. We hope to have changer working this weekend with all the sensors.

    we will have sensors on tool 1 position, cylinder in and out, power draw bar release and engage, and main air pressure in. that way if there is a problem somewhere during a tool change it will e stop the machine.

    If you guys have any input on the build or questions I would love the input!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Posts
    222

    Re: RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    Cool project. Looking forward to the videos.

    John

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    126

    Re: RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    Looking Good!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    8

    Re: RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    Here is the first video. I will shoot more this weekend while we are working on the controller and hopefully making to work.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    8

    Re: RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    Hello guys, here is a quick progress update on the build. Enjoy!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    8

    Re: RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    I finally got the ATC working! My buddy Larry was going to make a custom board to work with Mach 3, but due to his limited time and Mach 3 being a pain to work with I ended up finding Masso. When I started looking into a Masso controller I found they had support for ATC's. After installing the Masso and working out some bugs I was able to get the ATC working. Here is a video I posted on the progress.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    468

    Re: RF-45 clone (grizzly) automatic tool changer build

    That is totally awesome!!!

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