[subnoize]

Update 2022:

There are 3 things to consider going forwards;

1. Releasing plans for the tool carousel is futile. Everyone has a different machine and you would have to spend the time to figure it out on your machine anyways. Thankfully this is actually the easiest part!
2. Tool carousels are for the most part adding another axis and homing sensor to your existing machine. If you have the space in your control box, add another axis and sensor and be done with it! Don't over complicate things!
3. If you DO NOT have the space for an extra axis then you "may" be interested in my project for the controller software BUT any ModBus Axis controller will work. You can get them cheap on Amazon.

That said, what I do have complete and in final testing stages is a fully retracting ATC Tool Carousel for the AvidCNC PRO60120. It does NOT require the extended gantry but it does give more room to play with.

Here are the features of "ATC-10 for the AvidCNC PRO60120" as we are calling it;

1. Laser cut components with some parts 3D Printed as a cost saving measure
2. Complete self contained electronics package with ModBus over TCP/IP as the comms protocol
3. Safety sensors for pneumatic ATCs, both running pressure and drawbar pressure (reduces wear and tear on your spindle when you forget to turn the compressor on)
4. Shortest route, prompt and pause for tools not currently on the carousel (infinite tools with only 10 slots!)
5. Retractable carousel leaves your full work envelope available for most sheet stock
6. Fully automated dust shoe option will be available

TImeline for availability is April 2022.

[subnoize]

For the record, a great American made rotary axis to use for your own carousel is the Sherline PN3700 CNC here: https://www.sherline.com/product/370...-rotary-table/

[subnoize]

Somebody asked if these means I will not support other machines and I apologize if it sounded like that!

I just want to focus for the first kit on a single machine. If I have the complete kit ready then I can start my next project.

This has turned into a 3 year project with COVID and all so I just want "v1" in the bag so then I can focus on expanding to more popular machines.

Sorry for the confusion.

I have photos come soon of the system so stay tuned!

[Ami Creations]

Somebody asked if these means I will not support other machines and I apologize if it sounded like that!

I just want to focus for the first kit on a single machine. If I have the complete kit ready then I can start my next project.

This has turned into a 3 year project with COVID and all so I just want "v1" in the bag so then I can focus on expanding to more popular machines.

Sorry for the confusion.

I have photos come soon of the system so stay tuned!

I just ordered an AVID Pro 4896 with the extend gantry. I was planning on running two spindles but after doing some digging I ran across CNCDepot's ATC spindle option for AVID. Would your carousel work mounted on the gantry? I understand that I would have to fabricate my own mounting system along with some coding changes,

[subnoize]

I just ordered an AVID Pro 4896 with the extend gantry. I was planning on running two spindles but after doing some digging I ran across CNCDepot's ATC spindle option for AVID. Would your carousel work mounted on the gantry? I understand that I would have to fabricate my own mounting system along with some coding changes,

I would recommend the CNCDepot spindles. I have a S30C and it's been solid. Customer service is always personal and pretty quick. I don't think Alex ever sleeps.

I have designed a vertical system for the U axis on my machine but it gets really complicated mechanically which is where the weight comes in. Just something like 10 tools is too heavy so you ended up with 5 or even 3 tools in the end.

And!! You don't want it to stick out horizontally from the gantry either! That acts like a lever and can cause serious issues and may even shorten the life of your bearings.

What put a nail in the coffin for me is these 8020 machines are not very rigid. They ring like a bell when given the chance and those frequencies show up as weird marks in the side walls you are cutting. I couldn't see having two spindles on these machines. You would have not been happy with that setup. A plasma cutter is just about all that can really be on that second head. Even then I often think about dumping that second head and see if that cuts down on the ringing.

I have no idea how much room is available at the end of your machine but the only working solution I have found is a sliding carousel. I have the prototype on my machine now as well as a brush rack for the dust shoe (which is mounted on the gantry). No sense in having an ATC if you have to pause and pull off the brush from the dust shoe before each tool change, right?

The software is moving along much better this time than last. I have an April deadline to start releasing parts. At this point I have a couple of tweaks I would like to make in the mechanics but the system is performing solidly. I could use what I have and be happy with it.

DM your contact info to me and I can start updating you along with the others. In the mean time, set up posts for your tools. The reduction in envelope is worth it.

[slickbeerd]

Update 2022:

There are 3 things to consider going forwards;

1. Releasing plans for the tool carousel is futile. Everyone has a different machine and you would have to spend the time to figure it out on your machine anyways. Thankfully this is actually the easiest part!
2. Tool carousels are for the most part adding another axis and homing sensor to your existing machine. If you have the space in your control box, add another axis and sensor and be done with it! Don't over complicate things!
3. If you DO NOT have the space for an extra axis then you "may" be interested in my project for the controller software BUT any ModBus Axis controller will work. You can get them cheap on Amazon.

That said, what I do have complete and in final testing stages is a fully retracting ATC Tool Carousel for the AvidCNC PRO60120. It does NOT require the extended gantry but it does give more room to play with.

Here are the features of "ATC-10 for the AvidCNC PRO60120" as we are calling it;

1. Laser cut components with some parts 3D Printed as a cost saving measure
2. Complete self contained electronics package with ModBus over TCP/IP as the comms protocol
3. Safety sensors for pneumatic ATCs, both running pressure and drawbar pressure (reduces wear and tear on your spindle when you forget to turn the compressor on)
4. Shortest route, prompt and pause for tools not currently on the carousel (infinite tools with only 10 slots!)
5. Retractable carousel leaves your full work envelope available for most sheet stock
6. Fully automated dust shoe option will be available

TImeline for availability is April 2022.

Dude! I just got a PRO60120 and bought a cncdepot spindle (waiting for shipment), now I need (want) the tool carousel Please tell me that you've gotten this wrapped up? Very interested in aquiring/making this project!