Midwest Rapid Tool ATC

[team08]

So I have yet to find ANY review on this clever little device (www.midwestrapidtool.com (http://www.midwestrapidtool.com)). I really need a tool changer despite anyone's try to convince me I don't (so no bashing tool changers in this thread please)! Anyways, has anyone seen it, or used one? I am perfectly fine with the performance of my PC router, so if this allows me to have the same performance with an ATC then great for me! The site does state not to use cutters greater than 1/2" often, but I do have an operation that uses a 3/4" cutter and takes ~20 minutes. If it is a no go with this thing, then I will be pioneering and saving pennies for a spindle based ATC.

Thanks for any advice!

[myxpykalix]

I think i have seen references to this toolchanger in previous posts and the only thing i would advise is to call shopbot to make sure there is nothing that would prevent you from being able to use it.

I'm not adept enough to know if it might need some other type of post processor that might not be available but i'm sure a call might help. It would be a shame to buy it and then not be able to use it.
Besides he who has the most toys when he dies..wins!

[gene]

This would be a good add on item to a shopbot . with all of the R & D that shopbot puts into their design i would not be suprised to see them come out with one.

[dana_swift]

That would make a world of difference, I didn't realize there was a tool-changer on the market for such a low price. That price brings it within reach.

I have seen people slam tool-changers, which I don't understand. If they don't want one, don't buy one. But progress is never made without change. And not all change is progress, but sometimes I have to make mistakes to know I am on the wrong path. A tool changer is a change I am very much interested in.

I have written my own tool-path software, so adding tool change instructions is a non-issue.

My suggestion is to call them and ask them about the problem with a 3/4" bit. It may be their restriction may not apply to your situation.

If you get experience with this (or any other) tool changing device, I for one am all ears.

Greg- Thanks for the link.

D

[bstern]

Not bashing tool changer but, just a thought.
I thought I needed one but realized i could use a 2nd Z and air drills for my application. Using this setup you can have 2 cutters and up to 4 drilling stations. I mention this only because IF you can use this set up its much faster than a tool changer. No time wasted moving to change the tool. If you need more than 2 cutters the ATC is way to go.

I have been keeping an eye on this tool. Great price if you need a ATC and can get by with a router. I look forward to a user review!

After doing real life time studies I found an ATC (or 2nd Z) really boosts production. I say real life in that if you are away from the tool, noticing that the machine has stopped, getting to a stopping point at what you are currently doing and then changing the bit and restarting the machine takes a long time. You also have the effect of interrupting what ever process you were doing making it take longer. A well integrated ATC will make you a lot more productive than most think.

Keep us informed on what you find out.

[bill.young]

I think they demoed it at John Forney's Camp last year...

[billp]

Pix were posted on the Camp Flickr page;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/campshopbot/sets/72157602214378806/
Scroll to the "Ohio 2007" set

[don_roy]

Hello Botters,
I don't often post anything by I read daly. I feel I have more to learn than to tell.
I purchased one of midwest rapid cnc tool changer. I have had it for about 6 month.
I do not have it fully automated yet( time issue) but I certainly enjoy the ease of changing bits.
Changing tools was the task that I use to hate doing. Now I do not even give it a second thought. Push a button and voila the tool is out and the new one is in (2 seconds).
It is true that some of you are not able to justify the price but I'll tell you when something makes my life easier then the item is priceless. It is true that I'm a gadget guy but this one is one of my favorites in my shop.
I'm looking foward for the full automation of the system and then I'll be grinning from ear to ear.
Be good to your selves and and treat yourselves to some trouble free tool changing. You will be glad you did regardless what the payback
I have done some testing and I find that it as good as a collet for my purpussas. Same redidity and smoothness.

Thanks for reading my review
Don Roy

[paul60]

Hi Roy.
i like the idea of the ease of changing bits
what would i need if i need only to setup as manual.
would i only need the control module and tool holders?
thanks paul

[don_roy]

Hi Paul,
The system is built arount the 7518 Porter Cable router. Midwest has modified the spindle shaft so it is actually a draw bar. The draw bar is activated by a pancake cylinder which you have to provide a 110 lb air supply. The dwaw bar grabs a tool holder and pulls it tight upto the spindle taper. The control module is included into the modification of the router.

Unless anything had changed You have to buy the router with the modification done to it. It is not a kit you can buy. I purchased the router, router mounting bracked and a few tool holders to get started. I did not want to fool around making my own bracked for fear of having to make it twice because of some clearance issue I might have overlooked.

All I need now is the spindle control module which is next on my list for controlling the router on and off state for the automatic tool changing capability.

[paul60]

Hi roy
thanks i will look into it
do they have a number i can call
did not see any on there website
paul

[don_roy]

Sorry Paul, no number.

Any of the email addresses should get you what you want
Don