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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > DIY ATC automatic tool changer for cnc router.. Mythical or reality?
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    205

    DIY ATC automatic tool changer for cnc router.. Mythical or reality?

    I have been searching past post for ideas or plans for a diy atc for my home built cnc router. I read posts from several years ago that somebody built their own atc, but it had a few issues at speeds around 20k.

    Currently, I have a Hitachi router but would switch spindles for anything that works better with a ATC.

    I prefer to make it myself instead of a commercial model costing thousands of bucks.

    Does a diy atc for a homemade cnc router exist? Myth or reality? Any links would be appreciated.

    I would also like to brainstorm with anybody that has any ideas they would like to share.

    Thanks in advance.

    Rod
    San Francisco

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    15

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    205
    jscavitto,
    Thanks for the link.
    That's one nice ATC and only wish it would work with a router.

    Hopefully more guys will chime in too.

    Rod

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    1062
    Do you mean something like this? If so then yes it's possible
    Keith

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    205
    Keith,
    Now that's what I'm talkin about. I wonder if any zoners have this setup.
    I would like to see it in action.

    Maybe similar to this: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pWfjNI5SvY"]YouTube- ez Router's Scorpion ATC[/nomedia]

    Rod

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    1062
    The same setup is available for the watercooled 400hz spindles from China........The spindle in the video costs more than I have invested in cnc plasma router and mill......When I'm rich I'll have a dabble
    Keith

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    This is probably the cheapest option, but I don't think it's shipping yet, so it's 6 months behind schedule.
    http://www.quickspindle.com/index.htm

    Keling sells ATC spindles starting at $3700 for a Chinese model. A few thousand more will get you a name brand spindle, like HSD, Perske, or Colombo.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    1316
    Two pics of the product in Gerry's post above.
    These came from the mechmate site a while back.

    Jason
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails avenger1_pub[1].jpg   X1000-20[1].jpg  

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    5516
    I think IMService sells a solution.... but don't know much about it... looks like it's for smaller mill...

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    21
    Its not fully automatic, but it allows you to quickly change out preset tools if you want.

    http://buildyouridea.com/cnc/atc/pha...ase_three.html

    I dont understand why someone would want to spend so much money to put an ATC on an homemade mill. Seems the same to me as putting a 5 disc CD changer in a golf cart. Dave's setup is a DIY approach, maybe it will help you with ideas.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    157
    I developed a simple home router atc. I am curious if there is interest. I'd have more info in couple weeks when I get more time to post

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    528
    Quote Originally Posted by rodjava View Post
    I have been searching past post for ideas or plans for a diy atc for my home built cnc router. I read posts from several years ago that somebody built their own atc, but it had a few issues at speeds around 20k.

    Currently, I have a Hitachi router but would switch spindles for anything that works better with a ATC.

    I prefer to make it myself instead of a commercial model costing thousands of bucks.

    Does a diy atc for a homemade cnc router exist? Myth or reality? Any links would be appreciated.

    I would also like to brainstorm with anybody that has any ideas they would like to share.

    Thanks in advance.

    Rod
    San Francisco
    Andy at UgraCNC has access to Chinese spindles with an ATC. The entire spindle and ATC costs about $3000.00.

    It might be worth the investment to tear one down and copy it.

    James
    James Harvey
    Harvey Development Corp.
    www.Harvey-Development.com

    36" x 52" CNC Router
    ULS-25E 12" x 24" Laser Engraver

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    The entire spindle and ATC costs about $3000.00.

    It might be worth the investment to tear one down and copy it.
    That's what the Chinese did to get it to $3000. An ATC spindle is very complex, and needs to be extremely precise. I doubt you can build one any cheaper.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    157
    I'm talking for a normal router. Like a 1/4 laminate trimmer or 1/2 inch bigger router mounted to a typical DIY. I wish I had pics haven't used my machine for a bit. But it uses to magnets and a collet adapter. Il try to get pics soon as I can.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    304
    Quote Originally Posted by jharvey407 View Post
    Andy at UgraCNC has access to Chinese spindles with an ATC. The entire spindle and ATC costs about $3000.00.

    It might be worth the investment to tear one down and copy it.

    James
    Copy a Chinese spindle? :stickpoke


  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    0
    This is the one I'm interested in. Midwest Rapid Tool Just dawned on me............it's late! I have a very nice Super PID that would pair up with that and probably make a killer setup!!

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    528
    Quote Originally Posted by stealthshooter View Post
    This is the one I'm interested in. Midwest Rapid Tool Just dawned on me............it's late! I have a very nice Super PID that would pair up with that and probably make a killer setup!!
    Has anyone bought and used one of these?
    James Harvey
    Harvey Development Corp.
    www.Harvey-Development.com

    36" x 52" CNC Router
    ULS-25E 12" x 24" Laser Engraver

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