Improved Tormach ATC Tool Holder for PCNC 440, 770M and 1100M Automatc Tool Changers

Custom machined tool holding forks for the Tormach PCNC 440 ATC. These replace the plastic forks that come with the Automatic Tool Changer. There's something special about using a machine to make new parts for that machine.

The background for this project is that the stand plastic tool holding forks tend to bend and deflect either from having heaving tools like the JT2 drill chuck with a large drill bit or they deflect slowly but permanently over time if you leave heavier tools in the ATC. The ramifications of this effect is that occasionally your spindle may bind up with the tool as it comes down to grab it. This causes the spindle to strip/break the nylon screws or break the tool holding fork. The tool holding forks are suppose to break like this when there is a misfeed, however there's no way to predict when it's going to happen and I've personally experienced it more times than I'd like.

To fix this I'll be machining an aluminum tool holder out of 6061 Aluminum and I'll be using a 3D printed detent to lock the parts into place.

Let me know what you think in the comments, this video actually got to cover a lot of ground. I'll cover some of the solidworks settings, feeds and speeds, ATC alignment, fixturing, 3D printed fixtures, cutting strategies ect.

Buy on Etsy here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1452972955/improved-tormach-atc-tool-holder-forks?ref=listings_manager_grid

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook as well.