I am toying with the idea of adding an Automatic Tool Changer to my Avid 4 by 2 machine. Since I am a hobbyist who typically does only 4 tool changes per project, I am considering adding an ATC Adapter to my existing air cooled 3 HP GMT spindle. I have read that it is not common to add the ATC Ada…

[image] TimG: So that leads me to believe that my GMT spindle with an ATC Adapter could potentially increase the possibility of damage to my GMT spindle I just fried my first NEMA stepper ever a few months back. The coupler came loose and the spider twisted up and pushed the shaft of the step…

We have the same philosophy about 'machines have no brains"!!! I put people in that category too, sometimes! Lol! You have given me a good idea of risk associated with an ATC - , what type and results. That is a big part of weighing the benefit of getting an ATC Adapter with the cost / potential…

I have actually thought about waring some sort of body armor at table level in case something catastrophic like you mention happens! Lol! But, I think my fat layer will protect me somewhat!

[image] TimG: My initial feeling was that an ATC Adapter would save me a little time and hassle as the major benefit. Now I know the other side of the coin. There is a time and place for a tool changer. Personally, I just don’t see that GMT spindle being retrofitted and performing well enough…

Thanks Subnoize!!! Instead of spending about 4k on a ATC spindle or 1k on a spindle adapter, I think I will get a laser attachment kit and expand the size of my 4 by 2 table to 4 by 4 or 6!!!

Expand the table size, skip the laser. You should pay me all this cash I am saving you :grin:

Actually, you told me to get a 4K ATC spindle!!! Lol!!! I need the laser more than the larger table because I want to engrave roads and streams on the 3D topographic maps I carve. I have a couple lasers but need one on the Avid machine to follow the topography to keep the best focus of the laser …

[image] TimG: Actually, you told me to get a 4K ATC spindle!!! Lol!!! $4k? That is what you would spend if you just bought the spindle and left it in the box. Nice examples though. Go post your intent in the laser topic. I know it seems rather dead over there but the folks are still around. …

So you were going to make me spend even more than 4k - Lol! I have the laser mostly figured out - just need to finish getting some of the parts and install it. I will check on the laser topic though. The decision now is there have been more powerful LED laser’s introduced. I only need a 7 watt b…

[image] TimG: So you were going to make me spend even more than 4k - Lol! Oh! That would be Alex Burt over at CNCDepot.net I am not in the spindle business. [image] TimG: Maybe this forum will have info on that! Lively bunch over there. I think the last post was Feb :laughing:

ATC Adapter for AVID 4 by 2 Machine with 3HP GMT Air Cooled Spindle

Stephen May 8, 2023, 7:08pm 30

Brian, maybe ping @woodenyaknowit . He had a post early on about a topography/bathymetry carving:

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ATC Adapter for AVID 4 by 2 Machine with 3HP GMT Air Cooled Spindle

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