Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] toolchange idea for small mills wasRe: To tool change, or not...

PS. I'd also set up the tool changer to operate as a "separate machine" so
to speak. All it would need is a go signal from the gcode and would
function thru a complete cycle all by itself. After it was done, it would
send a return signal telling the machine to resume where it left off. This
could all be hardwired and wouldn't require any PC code at all. I'd also
NOT use a rotary table. I'd build in a fixed indexing mechanism.

Smoke

> Rab--how exciting!!! Please keep us posted on your progress on the
> 5th axis concept. The thought of doing this to my little Maxnc makes
> me drool!
> One of my earlier thoughts was to have a single power source for the
> turret spindles much like a Burgmaster except would drive from above
> possibly using the existing motor with a driveshaft and spur gear
> extending down behind the turret. Each spindle would have a
> matching spur (helical?) gear to present to the driver gear when
> indexed to machining position. Disadvantage would be the spindle
> would always have to be in vertical position for machining.
> Nelson
>