CNC Build Ep 6: Automatic Tool Changer Rack / Tool Stations - DIY Wood ATC Tool Rack for Cheap

Hey CNC Woodworkers!
This is how I made my ATC Tool Rack for my Automatic Tool Changer spindle on my Avid CNC. It's made out of wood, using stock I milled from downed trees, so it was "free". I cover considerations on where to place the tool rack on the CNC machine, including how to orient the tool holder or tool fork, depending on how you are using a dust shoe for dust collection (ie: a slim dust boot to fit over the rack versus docking or moving the dust boot aside). I talk about 3D printing a tool pocket rack, and why I didn't go that route. Finally, I show how I machined the rack out of wood, so you can follow along and make your own! I am using an Avid CNC, but you could easily use this same design on any other regular DIY wood CNC machine. This design works well for all ATC spindles: CNC Depot's S30 / S30C, HITECO QD-1F, and other import spindles.

Tool Rack CAD / STL Files (Free download):

3D Print / Printable Holder (Free download):

Pre-made Slim Dust Boots:

Pre-made steel tool rack:

Thanks everyone!
Corbin Dunn

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:25 Where To Put It?
1:45 Dust Boot Considerations
4:21 Tool Length Considerations
5:58 3D Printed Options
6:20 Wood Rack Build
9:28 Conclusion

#cncwoodworking #woodworking #cnc

[jontaylor]

All of your videos are incredibly inspiring! Thank you for them and the dust shoe.

[fierceflyer]

A tool changer is a game changer, would love to add one for convenience

[joecnc]

LIked-Subscribed -Notified. Nice Shop! Great videos keep up the good work!

[sailorstud]

Great video, I like the idea of a tool holder made out of wood.

[wadecustance]

Great video. I'm enjoying them, thanks!

[ChambersAlec]

Corbin, you're videos have been so important as I've set up a CNC in the high school shop I run. I'm wondering if you have an active link for the skinny dust boot 3D printer file. The current link is dead and I can't find it elsewhere on your site!

Thanks for all the time you put into these videos!

[The-only-true-word]

What I did was use an aluminum extension and put it on the front of the avid raised it 6in. Used slide and angle brackets to hold the tool holder plastic clips. Makes it easy to adjust and looks great on. Cost was 30 dollars.

[peterg]

Thanks for the video - has given plenty of ideas. Your cnc hold-down clamps - is there any info / download file for those please?

[alexandamaryan]

Hi I am looking to buy one of these and add the ATC, I have a question. What size bed did you buy? to allow for the ATC.

[Morgan_]

please tell me How accuracy using pinion rack is giving You and how You avoid backlash, might pinion rack lose steps ?

[MyDanglingUnit]

Great video did you order the Hiteco ATC from Avid I know they sell the manual ones on there website I’m going to upgrade the old electronics of my machine with the Nema kit they sell and probably put an ATC on it with a similar tool rack just trying to decide between cncdepot or something a little bigger like the Hiteco you have

[MILAD.VAHDAT]

I recently do some searching and still didn't get my answer, what do you think if i want to add ATC to my cnc that has open loop motors and drivers? Do you think it's possible or i need servo motors and closed loop systems

[uptechcncpvclt-]

Do you have the script code to run this tool changer in Mach4?
Programing this script is why i switch to Masso CNC controller And is very easy to use and really fast, but i prefer Mach4.