[hoss2006]

Decided to get a new thread rolling for the new ATC that I started working on last week.
The old ATC thread was getting a bit long and it's hard to wade thru all the info.
This tool changer will, as you've guessed, have 16 tools using the same holders
as the last one, my versions or the Tormach tool holders.
It should be compatible with any mill, X2 or larger, that can use a power drawbar
to open/close a collet.
The X2 may need to be bolted down to keep from tipping over.
Unlike the last simple ATC, this toolrack won't be attached to the x,y table at all.
It doesn't matter which side the rack is mounted to though I'm putting mine
on the right side since there is more room in the flood coolant enclosure over there.
I've already edited the code in the M6Start macro from Mach 3 to get everything
moving just like I want. Tests show it working great.
Thought of one more thing today, going to add some code to activate/deactivate a solenoid
to open/close a door to keep chips out.
Tool changes should be a bit quicker than the last one too.
There is much less Z axis travel for this one and my Z is the slowest axis.
Probably won't be much updates for a little while.
I've started milling the simpler parts by hand (glad I have dual shaft steppers with crank handles)
but I'll need the CNC back up and running for the complex pieces and I still have a lot of work
to do on the new mill console.
The total cost is ballparked around $300 since I already have the Power Drawbar, C6 and C10 boards
and Tool holders.
Enough yaking, I have wiring to do, Hoss

[jalessi]

Hoss,

Your power draw bar is super kewl!

I reviewed your plans and wanted to know where and how you install the belleville disc springs?

Please post or email a little picture if possible also.

Thanks Alot,

Jeff Alessi

[hoss2006]

Here's a closeup pic of the bellevilles installed.
They stack like this ()() if looking at it sideways.
Hoss

[jalessi]

Daniel,

What do you set the torque on the bellevilles?

Thank You

Jeff Alessi

[hoss2006]

I just tighten the drawbar with a toolholder in the collet.
Then back off the drawbar a little at a time till it just releases the tool
when the power drawbar is activated.
Want it to grab as tight as possible but release and drop the tool when activated.
Hoss

[CROSSHATCH]

Drawbars are sweet! Especially when there pneumatically controlled! Damn!


-Jason

[hoss2006]

X2 Basher be damned, I do like mods.
The power drawbar is one of my favorites.
It isn't necessary for adequate function, but makes life easier and isn't that the point!
Even without an ATC I'd want a Power Drawbar now that I've used it.
You can setup a SATC(semi-automatic tool changer) with one.
Just line up the tools you need for a job and when the program calls for a tool change,
it's just pssh, pssh by hand and you're ready to go.
Harrisson machining is coming out with a cool simple power drawbar design soon (bottom of the page).
I do like things simple.
Hoss

[dang]

Wowsers Penney!

A 16 tool changer'll beat the tar outta that $1500 changer on LMS. It must be scary to live on the cutting edge.

[tooManyHobbies]

Harrisson machining is coming out with a cool simple power drawbar design soon (bottom of the page).
I do like things simple.
Hoss

I don't get it. How is Harrisson's power drawbar simpler than yours?

Same principle. Maybe simpler bracketing, but not by much!

tom

[hoss2006]

Hey Tom,
I like the lack of the side plates like mine but the air cylinder in front is a little obtrusive though.

Working on a screen set for Mach 3 to go along with the 16T ATC.
Using Screen 4 to modify the old 1024.set. Pretty simple to use once you get into it.
There's a video tutorial here.
Want to have the functions I use most on the main page instead of jumping back and forth.
I have lots of extra buttons I can assign on the new mill console.

Hey Dang,
Maybe I should get in cahoots with LMS like Ron Steele did.
I think I've proven that the X2 is a formidable little mill that can be pushed beyond
factory recommendations and untap it's potential.
The cast iron construction and R8 spindle give it a great foundation to explore the possibilities.
I used it for 2 years straight out of the crate with amazing accuracy for the money.
(I'm used to running Bridgeports at work)
Then I got the mod bug and the rest is history.
Once you go CNC, can you go back?
Hoss

[wombat]

Any updates on this project?

[hoss2006]

Hey wombat,
I have all the prints finished, received the stock and bearings and made the programs to cut the
complex parts with CNC.
Just have to order a stepper yet and cut the parts when the mill is running.
Shouldn't be too much longer, maybe.
Hoss

[skip20]

This should be gooooood !!!!

[hoss2006]

Progress is being made again now that the mill is running again.:banana:
Think I used too much of the stock I bought for it on a rash of Stock kit sales along with DVD-ROMS. :cheers:
Must have been the stimulus checks.
I'll have to take inventory just to be sure I have everything so that I could crank
out all the pieces over a weekend.
I'll get around to making a tutorial for the programs I use to go from CAD drawing
to Gcode too.
Hoss

P.S. I'll keep a log of the progress here too, a lot easier than constantly updating my webpage.
Membership is free but not necessary to view.

[hoss2006]

Back to work.
Have all the programs made to cut the parts.
Ran into a little snag milling some pockets for the bearings that were not coming out perfectly round.
Checked and found the mill developed some backlash, might be time to replace the ballscrew mount bearings.
Till then I searched and figured out how to get the backlash comp working properly in Mach 3.
Works awesome,:cheers: Art!
Good thing since this is one of the parts I have to make, backlash slop would have ruined it.
Hoss

Made a tutorial video to show the before and after.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A27nOkTFYDY"]Mach 3 Backlash Compensation[/ame]

[wombat]

What is that last thumbnail drawing of? I am still very interested to see how you do the carousel.

Any chance you well sell kits for this ATC when you are done?

[digits]

What is that last thumbnail drawing of? I am still very interested to see how you do the carousel.

Isn't that thumbnail a portion of a tool carousel for differently sized tool holders?

[hoss2006]

Isn't that thumbnail a portion of a tool carousel for differently sized tool holders?

Give that man a cookie

Any chance you well sell kits for this ATC when you are done?

Will surely sell a DVD-ROM and probably some of the large parts such as the wedge
which is 12 inches long.
Got off my butt and made one this evening.
Hoss

[galtx]

Hoss, how about a bill of materials so we can get started acquiring the parts
ans materials ahead of build.

Paul K.

[digits]

Give that man a cookie

Chocolate chip please


If that segment's anything to go by, that's going to be a pretty impressively sized tool changer! Are you going to have springy fingers to keep the tools in place, or are you just relying on gravity and the shape of the cut-outs?

Keep up the good work!