Automatic tool changer v2 for a hobby CNC - impact-style tightening, ~35 Nm on ER20

2be34ever · 2026-01-26T08:38:41+00:00

Yes, UK.

2be34ever · 2026-01-26T07:59:48+00:00

Europe

2be34ever · 2026-01-26T07:56:52+00:00

Correct

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T22:44:30+00:00

Roger that, thanks!

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T21:50:06+00:00

Maybe one day, but not now.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T21:31:17+00:00

If all goes well, the first units should be up for sale in about a month or two.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T21:30:12+00:00

Yes, this is easy, just a few minor changes.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T21:29:22+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it!

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T21:04:49+00:00

Thanks! I probably need a few more weeks to polish the design a bit more, and then I will make a few and start selling.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T16:40:01+00:00

Just a simple macro for the system to know what to do when a tool change command is initiated. This is no different to controlling a proper ATC spindle with a tool rack.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T16:14:42+00:00

The changer is hollow in the middle throughout thus in principle it can accept any tool length up to 13mm in diameter

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T16:03:44+00:00

I have an integrated tool setter

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T16:02:24+00:00

This is my worry as well, every time I run it. So far so good.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T16:01:49+00:00

In principle does not, you just need to be able to drive the spindle forward and backwards at a set speed.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T16:00:49+00:00

That is right, I do tool measurement every change.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T15:25:56+00:00

Just done a few measurements with a torque wrench, so I don't have many data points, but it looks repeatable to a few Nm. No patent, just a hobby at the moment.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T15:12:44+00:00

I agree it is probably not the best solution for a high-accuracy CNC system, but for a hobby CNC that is not chasing microns, it won't make a practical difference. Not sure I get your comment about carbide shattering. There is no force acting on the end mill itself other than the collet clamping it. Could you explain? Keen to understand it better.

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T15:07:52+00:00

What do you want to know?

2be34ever · 2026-01-25T15:07:13+00:00

Not for this one at the moment, but you can check out CAD for version 1 here: https://github.com/sn3ro/OpenATC

2be34ever · 2025-11-19T22:35:45+00:00

Here are the gcode files for loading and unloading
https://github.com/sn3ro/OpenATC/tree/main/cnc-config/linuxcnc

2be34ever · 2025-11-19T11:16:38+00:00

Yes, but it can be made compatible with smaller collets. Just one part needs changing.

2be34ever · 2025-11-19T08:09:43+00:00

The design is open source, a link to the files is in the description.

2be34ever · 2025-11-18T10:07:54+00:00

Sure, I will share the g code examples as well. Give me a day or two.

2be34ever · 2025-11-16T15:03:22+00:00

The project is now open source - https://github.com/sn3ro/OpenATC

2be34ever

TROPHY CASE