Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Greetings all,

I am very near the end of the re-control I did on my router. The reason I decided to do the re-control with ACORN is because MACH 3 failed my big time while implementing a DIY tool change system. This is a very unique (I don't recall seeing anything like it) tool change system and may be worth a few minutes time to watch the video.

https://youtu.be/qwkQbBZi40E



I plan to do some more videos when I have time to explain the details of the re-control, and of the tool change system.

Also wanted to extend my thanks to everyone that helped out with my questions!

Cheers!

Chris D

Very cool Chris! Nice work on engineering and integrating the system!

Marty

Thanks Marty,

In truth, I wasn't sure the concept would work but ran with it. When it failed on MACH 3 (due to problems with its Macro language), I was ready to give up. After looking over Acorn's features, I wasn't too sure it had enough capability to do it either but decided to try it.

Thus far am I happy with the tool changing system and Acorn.

Chris D

Impressive! Very nice and well done! I look forward to seeing your future videos!

Brenden

I've always wondered if something like that could be done, and turns out it can!

What's that gearbox that actually unscrews the collet nut? And do you have some kind of detection to know how tight/loose it is?

Toaster wrote: ↑Tue May 25, 2021 9:25 am I've always wondered if something like that could be done, and turns out it can!

What's that gearbox that actually unscrews the collet nut? And do you have some kind of detection to know how tight/loose it is?

Hi Toaster,

Funny how wonder leads to invention sometimes

As it gets a bit complicated to explain, I will make a video (hopefully this weekend) that explains how that part of it works. When I get it filmed and uploaded, I will post here to let you know about it.

Thanks for checking it out!

Chris D

Here is another video showing the machine running a part passing 10 tools through the tool changer.

https://youtu.be/NdT5LD6asIc


Chris D

Nice work! Can you do a walk around showing the machine running, the operator console showing Centroid CNC12 running and your control cabinet in a video?
Marty

martyscncgarage wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 9:31 am Nice work! Can you do a walk around showing the machine running, the operator console showing Centroid CNC12 running and your control cabinet in a video?
Marty

Hi Marty,

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated!

Here are the videos I am hoping to do in the coming months (I work full time so time is at a premium for me)....

01) Details about the magazine
02) Details about the tool length sensor and part height sensors
03) Details about the actuator (device that tightens and loosens the collet)
04) Reasons why I abandoned MACH3 and why I switched to Acorn
05) Overview of the machine since the re-control of the machine to Acorn.
06) Electrical cabinet "Upgrade" with a special feature for those of us that tinker a lot
07) Overview of my Acorn commissioning & re-control of the machine to Acorn.

Don't know if they will come out in that order or how long it will take to publish them. My work schedule keeps me on the road a lot which cuts into my play time with things like this.

Chris D

Just a simple impromptu video of a walk around while the machine is running, pan to the monitor, show your control cabinet.
You don't have to get into specific details. Just a quick overview of the machine, a little bit how the ATC works just showing what Acorn can do with a fairly complex machine like your design.
It will serve as inspiration to others. Post in the Success Stories forum:
viewforum.php?f=57