Re: Stopped using ATC
I can't say anything negative about the ATC as I don't have one on my machine. I've had mine since July 2011 and the ATC wasn't available when I bought it. I first saw the ATC at an open house at Little Machine Shop near the end of October the same year.
Like LRF mentioned, most of my work requires 3 to 6 tools and I have one job that requires 9. I only run the 9 tool job about 3 times per year, and it takes about 27 minutes to make each part. No it's not the ideal set up, but it works for me.
I have my cad/cam computer right next to my machine so I can design and program new jobs and parts while the machine runs, and if I don't want to do that, then I have a 46 inch TV right above the computer monitor.
My main parts are running gear for gas powered remote control race boats. I started making my own because the stuff that's available out there is not up to my expectations.
You can buy GOOD PARTS or you can buy CHEAP PARTS, but you can't buy GOOD CHEAP PARTS.