Improved Tormach ATC Tool Holder for PCNC 440, 770M and 1100M Automatc Tool Changers

Custom machined tool holding forks for the Tormach PCNC 440 ATC. These replace the plastic forks that come with the Automatic Tool Changer. There's something special about using a machine to make new parts for that machine.
The background for this project is that the stand plastic tool holding forks tend to bend and deflect either from having heaving tools like the JT2 drill chuck with a large drill bit or they deflect slowly but permanently over time if you leave heavier tools in the ATC. The ramifications of this effect is that occasionally your spindle may bind up with the tool as it comes down to grab it. This causes the spindle to strip/break the nylon screws or break the tool holding fork. The tool holding forks are suppose to break like this when there is a misfeed, however there's no way to predict when it's going to happen and I've personally experienced it more times than I'd like.
To fix this I'll be machining an aluminum tool holder out of 6061 Aluminum and I'll be using a 3D printed detent to lock the parts into place.
Let me know what you think in the comments, this video actually got to cover a lot of ground. I'll cover some of the solidworks settings, feeds and speeds, ATC alignment, fixturing, 3D printed fixtures, cutting strategies ect.
Buy single tool holder:
www.etsy.com/l...
Buy tool holder set for PCNC 440:
www.etsy.com/l...
Buy tool holder set for 770M:
www.etsy.com/l...
Buy tool holder set for 1100M:
www.etsy.com/l...
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[@viknives]

Do you sell them?

[@GarageScience]

Yes I do. The link to my Etsy page is in the video description.

[@EZ_shop]

Very well thought out engineering. Loved it!

[@htmotorworks799]

BRAVO! this is awesome. I sent you a message on your Etsy store. Also I wanted to let you know on my PCNC1100R3 I have a Torch Super Fly Cutter and it's amazing! I also have recently been using their 3/4" Inserted Hog cutter and it has cut my machining time a TON! Definitely worth the investment.

[@GarageScience]

I sent you an email, I can absolutely get you a set of forks that fit the PCNC 1100R3. I'll be making a fixture plate eventually but probably not until I atleast get the fly cutter.

[@jacobfriesen7078]

Most machines use plastic and I assume it so that the plastic breaks before something else does in case of a tool changer problem. Definitely something to consider.

[@GarageScience]

For sure. Which is why I stress continuing to use the nylon screws to attach the tool holders to the carousel. At least on 440 I've almost always had a tool misfeed push the tool holder out of the carousel and strip the nylon screws. Only on one occasion did the plastic fork itself break first. Thus the Aluminum forks. 😀

[@louie_ooeygui]

ohhhhh.... I've been fighting alignment issues for awhile, I didn't consider the sag issue. Brilliant solution!

[@GarageScience]

Glad you think so. They've had hundreds of tool changes with no issues.

[@Meraut66]

What would that line to move the table look like? Just got an ATC up and running on a Tormach 440. Just like you said, some of the longer drill bits may hit the work pieces. Any tips for this? Using Fusion 360 as my CAM.

[@GarageScience]

G0 G53 X0 Y0 G54 The G54 line shouldn't be necessary since the G53 absolute WCS should only apply to the G0 rapid movement. But I add it anyways to make sure I stay in the right WCS.