Re: price of router ATCs
Shopbot stuff is a bit pricey in general, but a decent ATC router spindle is going to be in the range $4 to 5K for a 2.2KW. They are different than a mill spindle in that the motor is integrated into the spindle assembly. Then you have to add a tool turret, or use a stationary tool holder. There is some cost for the software to run it all, but that is pretty much a one time cost for the manufacturer, and thus becomes a nice profit center for them.
Yes, Tormach uses a collet with their TTS tool holder system which works with their power drawbar and requires no modification to the system to use with a tool changer. The BT30 system uses a pull stud system on router spindles and all of the puller hardware is integrated into the spindle assembly.
You are trying to compare apples and oranges here.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA