Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] To tool change, or not tool change

IMO the need for a tool changer is dictated by two things:
1. Can you afford one. This is pretty much self explanatory.
2. How quickly do you want to get the work done. This involves deciding on
what type of tool changer do you need or want. Does your volume of work
require an automatic tool changer or would a manual Quick Change device work
well for you? I've got a simple manually operated Bridgeport clone.
Yesterday I was machining a part for a fixture to use on the MAXNC and
dearly wished I had an air operated QC unit on the big mill because I had to
switch tools very frequently. Even some QC tooling on the spindle end would
have been a big help. I've got some new QC tooling designed for the mill
that don't require air power but none are built yet. These are enlarged
versions of the ones I've got designed to fit the MAXNC QC spindle which
will be available for sale in the very near future.

Smoke

> I did not follow your thread from the start but in my view, the need for

a

> tool changer is dictated by the type of work you do. If you do lots of one
> offs that require a guy to monitor progress anyhow, then one could

probably

> get away without one. If you do large volume production runs, the boredom

of

> waiting and manually changing tools will drive just about anybody crazy.

I

> know I can't take it for more than 2 hours. My next machine will have a 10

+

> tool changer at the least.
>
> Peter