Cool Feature! - STEPCRAFT Automatic Tool Changer's Auto Tool Touch Off

UPDATE (10/19) - At around :42 into the video we mention the M2 Macro - It is now the M4 Macro on new installs.
STEPCRAFT is the only desktop CNC manufacturer that offers an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). Setting the tool length for each tool was a manual process, however, our new software feature gives you the same functionality that you would see on industrial CNC's costing 10 or more times as much. The ability for the ATC to automatically grab each tool and set the tool length and save the settings without any interaction from the user.
For more information, please visit www.stepcraft.us or email [e-mail]

[@berimux]

Your videos are extremely useful, especially for those new to CNC (like me......) - just bought an M700 and currently busy setting everything up. Greetings from Austria !!

[@HariWiguna]

Is it time to update the video description again? As of Oct 30, 2020, I am typing m6t1 in MDI field to choose tool #1

[@NickDanzinger]

Can't believe we have hobby CNCs with automated tool changers, the next generation is gonna make some awesome shit.

[@ipadize]

next step should be closed loop spindle with spindle orientation aswell as 3d touch probe with industrial probe calibration cycles :)

[@StepcraftInc]

We have a 3D Touch Probe too...

[@ipadize]

but i guess no spindle orientation as well as industry standard touch probing cycles and calibration cycles :P Yeah i know its a hobby machine :D

[@benbixel3252]

Thank you

[@gredangeo]

Those macros look like already established M-Codes in regular CNC code. M3? M5? M8? They have definitions. It comes off as confusing.

[@alterstassfurter5743]

What Equipment do i need for using The toolchanger ,what airpressure and what Equipment to generate the airpressure?

[@elsunshine9976]

Could i run that atc spindle with mach3?

[@DianTomov_ST_Dupont_Lighters]

How to set them for 4th axis center hight?

[@stararts_official4369]

Warum sind diese Motoren so heftig laut? Bewegt sich als alles bisschen sehr langsam.

[@Z-add]

Do you have a vacuum table option. Also it takes quite a while to change tools?

[@StepcraftInc]

We do not have a vacuum table. You can make one as there are plenty of plans on the internet or you can buy an aftermarket one. No it takes about 1 minute to change tools manually or you can use our automatic tool changer which does it via the code

[@cptwingnut576]

Hello, can you make the ATC for the Industrial quality small HF spindle?

[@StepcraftInc]

email [e-mail] with your requirements

[@DianTomov_ST_Dupont_Lighters]

Wonderful! How those tools knows the height of zero point?

[@CrudelyMade]

if you're asking how does it know the length of the tool based on the sensor, the sensor is precision made and sitting on the bed. so the zero is off of the bed and known sensor height.

[@unclebob8746]

How does dust collection work with the ATC?

[@bradthesing]

I've got the same question. Does it work with the dust collection?

[@gf6368]

can i use Solidcam instead of your in-house solution?

[@ubbgn]

I guess u can if uses g code! : P

[@muntee33]

So how to use with water bath / vac addition / cooling nozzles?

[@StepcraftInc]

You want to see a tutorial on these things? I am not sure what you mean by "Cooling Nozzles"

[@ipadize]

what if you measure all tools but there is one pocket without a tool?

[@StepcraftInc]

Technically nothing would happen. The machine would not pickup the tool and when Z lowers, it would hit the tool length sensor. It is always good practice though to just put the tools in order that you will use them so if you only have 4 tools, then you can just touch off 4. Also you can enter in 1 and then select which tool you want to re-touch off, in case you decided to change one of the tools so you do not have to re-do all of them

[@rengankrishnaiyer6912]

Sir, how does it know the stock top surface ?

[@CrudelyMade]

the bed is always going to be the base, and the sensor is a precision height. so when the tool triggers the sensor, it's easy to calculate the length of the tool, as relative to the bed. when you have stock on the bed, the stocks dimensions like height are given to the machine, so the location of the tool and the height of your stock are relative off the table.

[@rengankrishnaiyer6912]

@@CrudelyMade thanks

[@jimlenell2636]

Wish there were better "how to" in their videos. Have had nothing but issues with this M1000 with ATC and trying to get it to work. Have watched most of their videos and it starts out with how great they area.....right now, exceptionally frustrated with this system.

[@JD-nq4vb]

Have you figured anything out yet, I am considering this CNC?

[@5kdriving917]

@@JD-nq4vbjust dont buy it. Its awful and the support team will ignore you

[@JD-nq4vb]

@@5kdriving917 ...I decided against it. I went with the Shop Sabre 23, which should be delivered this month or early November. Thanks for confirming that I made the right choice to NOT buy Stepcraft.

[@alaazorba1807]

A Stepkraft machine was purchased, its work is failing, screws come out of its place, the one who buys it will find what I say leave it to the people to try it better

[@BandsawBob]

Why so much Z movement between tools? Should cut that in half.

[@StepcraftInc]

It's adjustable in the Macro file. We leave it at that default in case the customer has a long tool and we need to make sure it clears the other tool holders in the rack.

[@ipadize]

Going to Z Max is the safest way to do it, only thing i would do is, after releasing jog incremental 10mm in Z+ then rapid to Z Max and the same when collecting a tool

[@RichardCournoyer]

All I see is tiny 1/8 collets. Does the ATC work with 1/4 collets too?

[@StepcraftInc]

Yes of course - 1/8, 3/16/ and 1/4" cncfaq.us/ufaqs/what-shaft-diameter-end-mills-can-i-use-on-the-stepcraft-automatic-tool-changer/

[@benshke]

Hi, i have a stepcraft cnc machine for over 2 years, i just watched your video and u are using a stepcraft software. when i bought my machine it wasn't available yet. I bought winpcnc full licence. Can we costumers get the step craft software to?

[@StepcraftInc]

Please email [e-mail] and we will help you determine options for you

[@irishharmonica]

Where can I download this Screenset? I can’t seem to find it anywhere, or is there another way to Zero in each tool?

[@_jonathas.castro_]

I need too

[@crissyhowes]

I've asked them several time and they don't replay , I think they will only let you have it if you buy from them in the states

[@klemenrepensek]

Is it possible to use Auto Tool Touch Off and changer with USB full version or only UCCNC?

[@StepcraftInc]

It only works with UCCNC. You can use the ATC with WinPC-NC but the macros for auto touch off are only written in UCCNC

[@ipadize]

could you put more toolholders on the toolchange position or is it limited to 5 tools?

[@tonyd6762]

you can add another rack of 5 on the 840 (it is the one I own so can only comment on this model)

[@StepcraftInc]

You can add up to 4 racks on the 840. I have customers who also run 2 rows of racks one in front of the other and then change the macro to allow for tool changes that way

[@enrique4322]

@@StepcraftInc hiii, how many revolutions are this motor of the video? Please

[@jdaz5462]

Need some faster rapids on that bad boy. I was falling asleep during tool change :)

[@StepcraftInc]

Keep in mind that it is a Hobby grade machine - not an industrial machine. It is moving at 50mm/sec when doing tool changes. And considering no other machine in this price range/class has a tool changer, I would say it is pretty fast :-)

[@muntee33]

Base Blazer Covebase Dolly what is the cost for this time adventure. With respects to hobbyists use?

[@Z-add]

Are these special bits. There back side has a holder.

[@StepcraftInc]

No the bits are all standard. What you see is the tool holders and rack for the Automatic Tool Changer. which come with the ATC when you buy it. Its the only Desktop CNC with a tool changer in this price range... Very cool product

[@1bulldog998]

pretty pricey stuff

[@StepcraftInc]

As compared to what?

[@muntee33]

Stepcraft Inc Obviously, in relation to accuracy of machine, capabilities of machine and time saved manually changing tooling for ‘desktop’ applications.