[vertcnc]

Here is a couple pictures of the ATC I have been working on for my RF45 and MD001 machines. Similar to other designs found here.

Attachment 191334
Attachment 191336
Attachment 191338

[Fastest1]

Nice looking work. Is it driven directly from the stepper or is there a reduction unit of some form in that block? How about a video?

[Mystichrome]

That is a beautiful piece of work you have. Kudos.

Nice looking work. Is it driven directly from the stepper or is there a reduction unit of some form in that block? How about a video?

+1 on those questions

[vertcnc]

Fastest1, Yes there is gear reduction head driven by stepper. Video once prototype is functional. Still have to complete slide assembly, sensors, air blast and electronics.

[Fastest1]

Thanks for the answer. Is there a particular reason that you dont go to a direct drive? I have seen a few variations of tool changers and rarely if ever do I see direct drive. Just curious.

[SCzEngrgGroup]

Thanks for the answer. Is there a particular reason that you dont go to a direct drive? I have seen a few variations of tool changers and rarely if ever do I see direct drive. Just curious.

One reason would be you need more accuracy than speed. You *can't* rotate the carousel too fast, or the tools go flying off it. You do want each tool position to be very close to a full-step on the motor, to ensure accurate positioning.

Vertcnc - Where did you get that nice stamped sheet metal piece you use for the carousel housing? Is it a cake pan or something similar?

Regards,
Ray L.

[vertcnc]

Ray,
Proprietary part. (baking pan) Probably going to change to stainless.

[rwskinner]

That is exactly what I planned on using but I wasn't able to find any I liked. I found some deep fryer pans but I would have to do some chopping.
What size and brand did you get? I use a 14" if I remember correctly.

Richard

[rwskinner]

Very Nice!

Richard

[bill south]

Nice!
I'm going to build one as soon as my RF-45 (lathemaster) is back together. I'm in the process of re-engineering that old piece of iron which I built years ago! Love the cake pan carousel cover! Off to walmart!
Thanks for posting.
Bill

[vertcnc]

Richard,
I am not sure of the brand. I picked them up at a commercial restaurant supply company near Chicago. Mine is 15". I think its 16 gauge. I have them inquiring on getting me some made of stainless. Just would be a little stiffer, but this probably would be fine for now. Working on the pneumatic door now.

[Connor]

What diameter is the carousel disk ?

[vertcnc]

The disk is 10" and the forks are 3" long. I will more then likely post the complete cad files once I complete tweaks here and there and confirm that it functions as required. May even sell complete parts kit. Will see.

[TiagoSantos]

Damn that baking pan idea is genious! I swear the sheet metal is what has kept me away from working on an ATC, I'm being generous when I qualify my sheet metal work of piss poor.

Keep us posted on how this goes, and the plans/parts kits. It's looking good so far!

[bjones]

pity the cake pan idea wasn't his, care to give credit where credit is due vert?

[vertcnc]

pity the cake pan idea wasn't his, care to give credit where credit is due vert?

I said in the first post that the whole ATC was drawn from ideas from others here. I don't know where the baking pan idea originated, but I am sure its from one of the 1000's of posts I have read on one of the forums. I'll be sure to add footnotes to any further posts.

[rwskinner]

No worries, I just hope you didn't get the crazy looks or comments like I did in Walmart I still haven't put mine on. I've been lazy, well not really, just busy do lots of other things!

Richard

[CNC-Joe]

Nice Looking build!

I am hoping that you will post the drawings and your tool change code - so that the rest of us can benefit from your work.

Sure is looking nice, so far !!

I have a round column mill-drill with an R8 collet system - that might have to be the next victim of my CNC addiction... an ATC would be just the ticket. (( You can never have too much CNC in your shop, can you? ))

[CNC-Joe]

VertCNC,

- What are the dimensions of the round baking pan?

- I was able to find a Wilton Decorator Preferred 14 x3 Inch Aluminum Round Cake Pan for $22.98 USD on [url=http://www.Amazon.com]Amazon.com:
- I was also able to find 16 x 3, 18 x 3, and 20 x 3.. in various brands.... the most expensive being $32.40 USD

Thanks for any help that you can give.

Joe

[TiagoSantos]

To be fair, he never said it was his idea But yeah, I'd like to see more examples of it too!