Originally Posted by
1ctoolfool
After living with the side mount tool changer, I take back what I called "luxury" item for the following reasons.
1. More work area on machine table and no sharp tools sticking you in the
back of the head during setup.....
Yes, definitely and I have the 1-1/2 scar on the top of my skull to attest to the fact that the tools are sharp.
Originally Posted by
1ctoolfool
2. No sticky coolant spraying on all tools as in the Umbrella style tool changer. Tools stay dry and clean stored indefinitely in the side mount changer.....
Yes!!!!!
Originally Posted by
1ctoolfool
3. No extra long tools crashing into workpiece during tool change.,,,.
Or rotary tailstocks.
Originally Posted by
1ctoolfool
4. Maximize Z clearance as toolchanger is mounted at maximum machine Z zero, where umbrella style is 4" below max Z clearance.....
Ah, careful...With the carousel/umbrella style the spindle lifts and the tool once at the tool change level stays at that level.
With the side mount the arm on the changer drops everything about three inches from Z zero then does it rotation. A long tool may hit, or if you are lucky like we were, just miss the tailstock on the rotary.
Originally Posted by
1ctoolfool
5. Faster tool changes.....
Yes especially when you go from tool 1 to tool 10 or a similar move that involves a 180 degree index of the carousel.
And don't you like the way the controller looks ahead and pre-positions the next tool without any extra code.
An open mind is a virtue...so long as all the common sense has not leaked out.