Originally Posted by
TimTheToolMan
Here's the thinking that I went through. I have to think of this from a business standpoint, hobbyists have to deal with different economics...namely the house ways and means committee, [insert wife's name here]. :argue:
Let's assume that the system can, indeed, be installed on a Tormach with a few custom brackets, etc. Further, let's assume that Mach can interface with it successfully and that you don't need a separate computer to operate it. Two very big "If's".
System cost: $1,499 (Sale price)
Rough cost to install system on a Tormach (IMHO): $500
Cost to modify all your tool holders (assume 24): $229.75
Total cost = $2,228.75
Now, from the point where the Tormach comes to a stop at the tool change position, it currently takes us about 20 seconds to change a tool. It can be done faster of course, but we don't do this 24/7 around here.
Using the tool changer video and a stop watch, I see that this system can do it in 12 seconds. So, the time saved per tool change is 8 seconds.
Now let's assume that you're spending at least $25/hr for the machine (gotta pay it off sometime!) and the operator's wages combined. Very conservative, IMHO.
The tool changer then saves me about $.06 per tool change. That's 37,129 tool changes to break even! At about 4 tool changes per part...that's 9,282 parts machined!
Bottom line...No doubt, the "cool factor" is very high, but for our business it's a VERY bad investment.
That's my ridiculously long 2 cents!