[mike hide]

Not so far but I don't take deep cuts.

even if you did take deep cuts seems to me all it would take is a rib on the outsides of the gantry to stiffen it up.

[JLT]

Something like this?

[joecnc2006]

JLT, That looks like it will work very well

[Chris Ghent]

JLT,

I have been thinking of nothing else for days, ever since my attention was drawn to your video on the Mach list. Before I launch into a couple of questions; my admiration for your invention is profound, and for me the beauty is in the simplicity. All over the world there are guys saying, I can do that, and scrambling to copy you.

I see you define yourself as a hobbyist, but can I suggest you name the device? The JLT auto changer doesn't quite cut it, but if the T stood for say, Thompson, the Thompson Tool Tray has a ring about it and it might well catch on. Any family name starting with T should work, alliteration has a way of sticking with people. Its not money, but fame in small parts can be rewarding.

The questions I had are, is there anything different to the High Tech Systems device about the rapid changer you made, other than dimensions..? I would like to buy their system as I do not have the skills or time to make it, plus I have bought gear from them and it is lovely kit.

Secondly, you mentioned you used Sheetcam to drive the tool changer, did you just program moves that mimicked drilling and cutting moves in that specific location? If so, how did you get the machine to locate the tools, did you put the work in a specific location, or did you use a combination of Machs machine coordinates and home switches to find them?

Best Wishes

Chris
Sydney
Australia

[JLT]

Hi Chris,


The only modefication to the High Tech Systems Rapid Changer was the mounting shaft to fit the router 1/2" . They have that option now.


I don't use Mach but I'm sure the same thing that I do could be implemented with it.

TurboCNC stores all tool length offsets so you don't put tool length offsets in Sheetcam.

I do all cutting in Fixture 1 (G54).

Home all axes with no tool (T0) and no Fixture (G53) at the start of the day or week

All tool changes are done with no Fixture (G53).

Set your work starting ref. when in G54 and reverence tool (T0) in the chuck and TurboCNC set for T0.



G-Code snippet for TurboCNC tool change.
This is generated with Sheetcam Post processor for TurboCNC.

N0110 ;------------------------------
N0120 ;
N0130 ;Trudgen ATC for Joe's Model 2006 Router.
N0140 #100=6
N0150 G53
N0160 M5
N0170 M9
N0180 T0
N0190 G00 z-1.5
N0200 G00 X2.5 Y[23.5-(((#101-1)*1.500)+1.78)]
N0210 G00 X1
N0220 G00 Z-3.812
N0230 G00 X0
N0240 G01 Z-3.2 F10
N0250 G00 Z-1.5
N0260 G00 Y[23.5-(((#100-1)*1.500)+1.78)]
N0270 G00 Z-3.000
N0280 G01 Z-3.812 F10
N0290 G00 X2.5
N0300 G00 Z-3 X4
N0310 G54
N0320 #101=#100
N0330 T6 ;Drill, 0.125 inch diameter
N0340 ;
N0350 ;--------------------------------




This is the Sheetcam Post code that I added for the changer that generates the code above for a tool change.
#100 and #101 are TurboCNC user variables.


function toolchange()
text (" ;------------------------------\n")
text (" ;\n")
text (" ;Trudgen ATC for Joe's Model 2006 Router.\n")
text (" #100=")
number (tool, "0") --Tool # to pickup
text ("\n")
text (" G53\n") --No Fixture
text (" M5\n") --Spindle off
text (" M9\n") --Vac off
text (" T0\n") --Switch to ref. tool
text (" G00 z-1.5\n") --Safe height
text (" G00 X2.5 Y[23.5-(((#101-1)*1.500)+1.810)]\n") --go to tool # to put back
text (" G00 X1\n")
text (" G00 Z-3.812\n") --unload pos.
text (" G00 X0\n") --park pos.
text (" G01 Z-3.2 F20\n") --Pull off holder slow to alow for sticking
text (" G00 Z-1.5\n") --rapid up to clear double ended bits
text (" G00 Y[23.5-(((#100-1)*1.500)+1.810)]\n") --go to tool # to pickup
text (" G00 Z-3.000\n")
text (" G00 Z-3.812 F10\n") --ready to lock pos.
text (" G00 X2.5\n") --lock pos.
text (" G00 Z-3 X4\n") --Pick it up and move clear off tool rack
text (" G54\n") --Back to Fixture 1 this is the working fixture
text (" #101=#100\n") --remember tool in chuck
text (" T")
number (tool, "0")
text (" ;", toolname, "\n") --tell turbocnc what tool it has for offsets
text (" ;\n")
text (" ;--------------------------------\n")
end

The cordiances for the tool positions could be anywhere. Those numbers just reflect where I have the changer located now.


Jerry

[mike hide]

Something like this?

Exactly ,the deeper the better [stiffer] . I was thinking all the way top to bottom of he gantry walls ...

[Art Ransom]

You should look at making money from your idea. Maybe a Dummies Guide to ATC or production of the product. Personally I would have no problem paying $100 for complete how to manual. As a newbie to CNC I would be the perfect proof reader.
I am in final stages of my mill to do wood columns up to 24" by 12' and already have people asking me to build them a machine. see http://turningaround.org/4_axis_mill.htm . I realy don't want to get in the machine business and am looking for someone to work with as a consultant. What can I do to encourage you in your endevor? Be glad to add section on my web site , www.turningaround.org , if you want. Also a great way for me to learn more about your briliant idea.

[Chris Ghent]

I do all cutting in Fixture 1 (G54).

etc...


Jerry

Jerry,

thanks for the detail. This may be the project that finally forces me to learn how gcode works, so far I have been sheltering behind Sheetcam.

Chris

[Bloy2004]

Hi,
I've been enjoying all this, but the videos aren't there anymore.
Is there a new place(location where these can be viewed?
I saw one that depicted the machine routing a sign and returning to change tools but can't find it anymore.

Help anyone?

Had to break up video in sections.



http://home.comcast.net/~jlt313/Router/Mov00427.mpg
http://home.comcast.net/~jlt313/Router/mov00429.mpg

[David Da Costa]

Bloy2004, I have made a few video of my build, you can see them at http://web.mac.com/dacostad.

I will be making another one next week of the finished machine.

David

[Bloy2004]

Hi David,
Nice site! I've been watching you too as you progress.
Will you be building the auto tool changer rack using the Hightech "rapid changer"? I'm wondering where those videos went...?

I just ordered the changer system and am planning to set up a rack for tool holding/changing.

Thanks,
John (bloy)

P.S. here is my build from quite a while ago:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5049

[David Da Costa]

I would like to have an ATC, but I am a little concerned about the safety of the HighTech current offering running at speeds well above it's design parameters (it's great on my Sherline).

HighTech are working on an ATC solution for for higher speeds so I shall probably wait and see what they come out with.

[Bloy2004]

yes, that is my concern too (the higher speeds), but Derek, at High tech has the heavy spring which will work for my router since it is variable speed and can function well in the 8Krpm to 11krpm range.
One thing I have found is that changing tools manually is SOoooo inconvenient! :

Thanks,
John (bloy)

[Switcher]

Hi,
I've been enjoying all this, but the videos aren't there anymore.
Is ther a new place(location where these can be viewed?
I saw one that depicted the machine routing a sign and returning to change tools but can't find it anymore.

Help anyone?

I have all the videos that JLT posted on the toolchanger. I tried to post them all as 3 zip files (less than 8.58mb each) I got tired of waiting for the upload.

PM me, I'll email them to you.



.

[JLT]

I needed the room for other things.

3 Videos back up for ATC. Testing Joe's ATC

Spindle speed at 12000 rpm.
Last video is with 1/4" spiral up cut end mill 1/4" deep at 45ipm one pass in cherry.

Had to make 3 modifications to the the Rapid changer with 1/2" shaft from HTS for use with the router.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...11940888627972
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...45240137833037
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...91859906584476

[Switcher]

I needed the room for other things.

3 Videos back up for ATC. Testing Joe's ATC

Spindle speed at 12000 rpm.
Last video is with 1/4" spiral up cut end mill 1/4" deep at 45ipm one pass.





http://home.comcast.net/~jlt313/Router/Mov00482.mpg
http://home.comcast.net/~jlt313/Router/Mov00483.mpg
http://home.comcast.net/~jlt313/Router/Mov00484.mpg

Dead links?


.

[joecnc2006]

nice videos, and i also like the white splash quard you installed.

joe

[JLT]

Here are some samples done with Joe's build.

Corian inlay, cupboard doors, jewelry box.

[Jason Marsha]

Excellent results, the inlay sign is especially impressive.

Jason

[bp092]

nice videos JLT, I like the "garage door" of sorts you've added to the tooling storage, what kind of mechanism did you have to create to get that to work?