Re: To tool change, or not tool change

Doug,

Yes, the radial and multiple head methods are pretty standard in the
wood industry. The radials are usually on "point-to-point" machines,
with multiple heads on the "flatbed" routers. Thermwood has a radial
for a "flatbed", tho... www.thermwood.com

I haven't seen the SCMI "face gear" approach, but it sounds
interesting. It would seem that for an r8 using the ratchet drawbar
technique, it might be easier to simply add a capscrew/dowel pointing
down (toward the mill table) which would engage a similar capscrew
inserted radially in an endmill holder. Then, with the removal of the
internal "key" (in the spindle), the previously described system
would be a little better.
In this way, the possibility of an incomplete tool change is
minimised (due to the holder simply spinning in place, on the end of
the drawbar: yes, I know inertia,etc. but it seems likely to me that
the system described could easily end up doing this). And if it does,
Murphy will assure thast it does so at the worst time or in the worst
way)

Can't say that I've ever seen any homemade changers I'd want to work
next to... except several which were using a spindle designed for
tool change; but then it isn't really home made is it? (although they
still had to deal with all the other issues i wrote of before).

I've been kicking the idea around for several years tho', and have a
few ideas I'd like to try, aimed at pcb milling machines, mill-
drills, and sherlines...

I still think the best way for a router is multiple heads;either
radial or parallel. But that may be just the memory of a 3lb. ,
routerbit/taper holder whizzing past my ear at 25K rpm talking :-)

I've never been in combat, and that is about as close to shrapnel as
I ever want to be...

Ballendo

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "doug98105" <dougrasmussen@c...> wrote:
> Ballendo,
>
> SCMI CNC routers have a neat way to get around the need for spindle
> orientation. The holders and the spindle nose both have face gears
> that loosely mesh as the toolholder is pulled up into the spindle.
> The gear teeth are pointed so they'll mesh no matter how they're
> oriented. This method would be easy to retrofit onto almost any
> machine.
>
> As to having machines that'll automatically "switch" tools, I've
seen <snip>