Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Sherline Auto Tool Changer

Hi,

I will have a think on this problem over the next week and come up with some
drawings. If a tool-holder is used, fitting into some sort of holder/adapter
which is fitted in the spindle, then there is no reason why the same idea
could not be used for Morse 1 - 3 and 30 int to 50 int and even R8.

I don't like the idea of using parallel sides for the tool-holder but maybe
a self ejecting taper and an air chuck would do the job and still be
scaleable down to fit a Sherline.

A small circuit board/stepper drive(s) using a cheap PIC would take care of
the CNC auto-tool change side of things from the lazy-susan, or even run the
whole thing on pneumatics under PIC control?

Regards,

Terry

> Ballendo;
>
> Now, we're getting somewhere !
>
> Hmm, you're right, the sherline collet is 'handy' cos it ready made
> and seems like the logical choice, but the spindle locking and
> undoing the holder is a problem, you're right that it would be very
> difficult to undo, that was at the back of my mind, I guess I just
> did not want to acknowledge it !!!
>
> The current morse 1 taper limits the collet and cutter size as it
> assumes that the cutter will locate inside the spindle, but there's
> no reason why an adaptor can not fit on the end on the spindle and
> interface to a quick change tool, I think there would still be
> sufficient Z travel even with an adaptor on the end of the spindle.
>
> We have gone through the first rule of troubleshooting which is to
> elimante what it isn't (can't be done) now we only have to find what
> can - so it should be plain sailing from here on in :-)
>
> PeterC
>