Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Multi tool sector

I can imagine this being one of those things which ends up three times more
expensive than it was planned to be. : ) I just found ~£700-800 down
the back of the couch which puts me in a position to actually consider
buying something. The tool changing idea is just curiosity. Now to consider
things, I should get more catalogues first.

John

> John,
> If it was not for the pesky little keyway in the R-8 spindle, I'd say

it

> would be easy to do. Other tapers may be more or less difficult. I have

run

> R-8 mills with the keyway removed and they run OK as long as one takes

care

> to properly torque the drawbar. So, if you could set up a rack or bar

type

> tool carrier, it would be easy to set up a tool changer. I 've been
> considering using a Kurt or Aussie pneumatic drawbar unit. Remove the

stock

> push button setup and replace with a solenoid valve run via PLC. I would

hang

> a few sensors to verify actions have occured or nasty tool crashes could
> occur. It's gonna be a chore to keep the tapers clean as the tool rack

would

> be inside the mill's work envelope. Perhaps a trap door arrangment with an
> air blow off to be double sure. Would be nice to switch from rougher to
> finish end mill and or to a drill etc.
> Peter
> THRD, Inc.