New tool rack setup and configuration with Masso G3 and Jianken ATC spindle

I recently designed and machined an upgraded linear tool rack which now holds 24 ISO20 toolholders.
In this video I give a summary of the steps I used to set it up and configure it with my Masso G3 controller. It is not meant to provide a detailed how-to, but I do show all the main steps including: leveling the rack, determining and recording the tool slot locations, and using a tool setter, and the auto tool zero function, to measure and record the tool length offsets in the tool table.
Note that I purposely am using very conservative feed rates during the setup and configuration stage - all these can be adjusted to suite your own needs and goals.
The Masso G3 controller, Jianken ATC spindle, and EMG Sprite10 tool setter were upgrades I added to my Onefinity X50 Woodworker CNC.
Other videos on my KZbin channel show some of my CNC build and modifications, including one showing the design and machining of this new tool rack.

[@adam-usa]

Hello, so cool. I bought the same spindle and Onefinity elite forman, this is exactly what I am thinking to do but I have no idea how. Can you please show how to correctly wire air valves to Masso.

[@tmtoronto3741]

Thank you for your interest. Are you referring to how Masso controls the pneumatics for tool changes? Have you looked at the Masso documentation describing various tool change logic yet? Do you want to set up a pick and place type tool changer like the one I have? I am away from home and my machine for a few days, but can confirm the wiring and connections when I return. I have a pneumatics diagram that I got from Jianken. I can share it with you if you do not have one - it describes the types of valves needed for tool changes.

[@rhilliard377]

Very nice video. When you set your tool locations, does that tell the Masso not to cut there any longer so it creates a soft limit? Thanks.

[@tmtoronto3741]

Masso allows tool locations to be outside of the soft limits to protect them from accidental machining. The tool setter needs to remain inside the soft limit area however. I use my tool setter once to set z offsets for all my tools, so I usually toggle soft limits off and on as needed.

[@solafidedesignskc]

Great Job man!

[@tmtoronto3741]

Thank you! I appreciate the positive comment.😃

[@billcarriveau]

Awesome, what model number for the spindle? Thanks!

[@tmtoronto3741]

JGL-80/2.2R24-20 www.jian-ken.com/automatic-pneumatic-tool-change-spindle-motor/jgl-80-1-5kw-2-2kw-2-5kw-24000rpm-40000rpm.html

[@williamnorris1516]

HI Bill hear from Australia Thanks for such a detailed video as this is what I will have to sort out with my Jianken ATC spindle and Masso controller as well, not sure I will go 24 tool holders as I may not have the room possibly 16 yet to cross that bridge . Did you 3d print the holders ? now that you have the pick up height sorted do you feel that they need to be spring loaded ? just thinking how I would make mine some, people seem to just have some flex in there holder plate anyway lots of time to think on that . A big thank you for posting this video cheers Bill

[@tmtoronto3741]

Hello from Canada. I am happy you found the video helpful. I designed both this and my previous version of spring loaded holders, and the main components are 3D printed. Even though the initial testing went well, I may still modify the tool change height to allow for a bit of push on the holder, so the spring action will still be of benefit. Our spindles use a gripper clamp, vs ball bearing and sleeve, and I want to avoid wear on the action when the pull stud is grabbed too far down the four gripper arms. Here is an image of how it works - highspeedtechnologies.com/portfolio/cms-brembana/cms-brembana-spindle-repair-and-rebuild_gripper-assembly-cut-away/#iLightbox[postimages]/0 Jianken also sent a picture and video of the clamp and mechanism when I enquired about it. I found when setting up my previous tool holders, that it does not take much height difference to go from clamping to getting an error if clamping happens to high. Having the spring means I can avoid any issue with clamping errors by making it safe to have a lower pickup height, knowing the spring avoids any wear or damage to the holder or rack. I built my rack using aluminum extrusion and 5 mm thick sheet for rigidity, so it has no give at all. Enjoy your build adventure. Tom

[@williamnorris1516]

@@tmtoronto3741 Thanks Tom that's something I did not know ok I will do spring loaded holders as well regards Bill

[@tmtoronto3741]

@@williamnorris1516 it is just something I wanted to do, partly because of the movement I always see when watching videos of CNCs dropping/removing toolholders from those plastic forks. I only ever remember seeing one commercial machine - European I think - that used a tool rack with spring assisted holders (for the vertical movements not side to side, as I have seen some forks for larger CAT tools that use springs in the fork arms). You are correct though in your initial statements - it sure looks like my video makes them appear to be functionally unnecessary (-:

[@williamnorris1516]

@@tmtoronto3741 Yes the movement is mesmerizing and I love watching as well I have a piece of 6061 alloy 1000mm x 200 mm x 12 mm that I will use looks like I can also get two rows of 12 tool holders, what spacing are your holes and would you share the file to print the holder I can give you my email if that works better for you thanks Bill

[@tmtoronto3741]

@@williamnorris1516 if you have the same spindle as I do, which has an outer diameter of 80 mm, then the smallest spacing I calculated was about 55 mm - I used a spacing of 60 mm in all directions on mine. If you have a larger spindle, this will be different as the diameter of it and its tool holders will be larger. I am happy to share my file - I work in F360. You will need to modify it as my plate was 5 mm thick, and yours is 12. Please share your email and we can continue this and future discussions that way. Tom