Tormach TTS Tool Rack
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 เม.ย. 2017
- I needed a better way to store all my Tormach TTS tooling for my Tormach 440 CNC. I used some acrylic to make a tool holder that fits right on the machine that holds a total of 40 tools.
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Excellent video as always. Keep up the great work!
Nicely done Robert.
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.
Another great presentation. You make it look so easy.....thanks
Thanks! This one actually was relatively easy, just a bit if planning.
Nice project. Looks Great!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.
John
thanks for watching!
Robert! I love your face logo. Keep up the great videos.
Your videos are awesome, I can tell you put a lot of effort into them! I hope you get a lot of subscribers, you deserve it.
Interesting how most acrylics in the US have paper on them. I've only ever seen the type with plastic on it around here.
Nice work! I learned a thing or two about using my own laser cutter, glad to see it turned out nice and sturdy I was wondering if it would be a bit too flexible under weight.
You forgot the money shot! Load it up!
I know :-/ You'll definitely see it in upcoming videos though.
hi robert...do you have the plans available for the tool holders?
Nice little add to your mill. Any reason you didn't just cut the bolts shorter? Easier to recut the plexiglass? Take too much time? Not think of it at the time?
Nice work sir! I just got my 440 and about to get it up and running, and was looking for a better solution to hold my tools. Have you tried out the Text Functionality in Fusion yet?
Do the tools vibrate when the machine is running?
Robert, how can we get these files to make our own? It's really great!
Do you use any okuma or fanuc machines? It's just what I learned on and was curious.
you have a laser cutter too? Man, you have everything in your shop. When can we open a new company? 😎😎😎
I know right... I need to catch up on some videos.
Great video, If possible would you be willing to share the Solidworks files?
Wow I am actually early good vid
Great, Next add a large Lego robot to change bits for you!!
They do sell an automatic tool change. It's pricey though. I'd really like to try and build one, just not out of legos ;-)
I have been trying to get into machine but really don't now we're to start? Should I consider buying a mini mill or just use my local maker space mill?
GREAT question. I would recommend a maker space. you might even have to take a class or some training on how to use it. Plus, there might be people around that could help you out. I personally like having my own tools, but it's daunting being all alone in your garage and no one to ask questions to. TH-cam is great, but it's nice to be around others that might know what they're doing. That being said, a mini-mill is a great place to start, that's where I got my start (as well as John at NYCCNC I think...).
You could also look at you local community college to see if they have any classes (it may not be called "machining 101" so call the admissions office). If they do take the class learn the basics and get a good foundation. You could always use the makers space at the same time. At that point you will probably know if and when you want to make the investment into owning your own machines and tooling.
Could you please update how is your acrylic holder doing after a year. Have some concerns about the rigidity. Also, the material is so fragile that might be unsafe for tools.. Thanks.
Sure! It's not worth a whole video, that's for sure. It's holding up 100% fine. I have no cracks or issues and I DO keep all my tools on it. When I saw your comment I gave it a look and tried to find any wear/cracks/damage and found nothing. It's been holding up great, I haven't had to tighten anything or make adjustments. I really wouldn't change much at all. I would MAYBE add a magnet to the top, so when you close the door, it holds it in place, but beyond that I really like it. Acrylic can be brittle, but at the thickness I used, it's been great. It's very sturdy and putting tools on the rack feels solid and even heavier tools like the fly cutter or Haimer don't sag the racks at all. It's sturdier than I thought it would be, honestly.
Thanks Robert. Laser is fast and easy. Another option is 3d printing. grabcad.com/library/tormach-tts-interlocking-tool-rack-system-1 took time to print, but really strong and convenient. However, some laser cut protection from sharp tools might be a good idea..
Is there a reason why you did not engrave numbers around each tool holder hole while you were using the laser?
I was hoping no one would notice! There are a couple of reasons. First, I kinda forgot... Second, I didn't have a good way of laying out the text. It sounds weird, but Solidworks doesn't do a good job with text. The laser program isn't very good either. I just need to modify the files in Inkscape or something. Also, I didn't want to just engrave the numbers, I wanted to try filling in the engraving with ink or something. I'll use the rack for awhile and see if I want to make any changes. Then, some day I'll take it apart and add numbers. I just didn't know exactly what I wanted at the time, so I decided to pass on the tool numbers for now. I can easily cut an outline in cardboard and then insert the rack into the outline and etch/engrave letters in them at a later time.
If you want to fill in the numbers keep the milling kind of shallow and then melt crayons into the text. If you have kids, or know someone with kids, they will be easy to get for free. Test the depth on some scrap plexi and see what colors you like.
Robert Cowan, I have been using SolidWorks for that kind of mounting of sheet metal (up to 25mm) to great effect for years, we called it "poke yoking" weird name but kind of descriptive. SolidWorks is a bit painful for text in sketches so I always use a 2D drawing software package like AutoCAD or one of the free ones like Draftsight. You can then edit the exported dxf file and put in the desired text or other features you want before loading it up in your CAM. Hope this helps, keep on sharing your journey in the workshop!
Good to know! One of these days I'll remove the tool trays and number them.
I make a lot of wooden boxes with a laser. I'll design them on inventor export all of the files then set up templates with CorelDRAW. Then on CorelDRAW add custom text to each one. Engraving then spray painting before you peel off the brown paper works really well.
Have you tried cutting vinyl sign making material with your laser? That would be easier than messing with taking it apart and reassembling it.
I just don't want to see you crash because of a wrong tool height offset that could have been avoided.
What's that duct tape in your laser? Where's the controller you installed?
It's just to cover up the hole left by the old controller. The new one doesn't fit in the hole so the wires just run down and it sits on the desk for now. The hole wasn't allowing proper flow of the exhaust, so I just covered it with duct tape. I will eventually get around to mounting the controller properly.
Did you recut the too tray pieces with new acrylic stock, or you recut the messed up ones?
I recut the 'messed up' ones. Once the other two were cut, I just carefully removed the cut pieces and put the bad ones in the place where the ones were cut and just cut over them. I just modified the code to only cut the places I wanted.
Cool trick, recutting and alignment is always tricky to me.
Yeah! It's a neat trick. I will do 2 layers in the software. The first layer is just an outline of the part, the second layer is what I really want to cut. So, I'll just cut the outline in cardboard and remove the middle. Then place the part in the middle, and cut the other layer. It's really easy to get everything aligned this way, and you only waste a piece of cardboard.
Doesn't it feel good to think something in your head and be able to make it? I'm not there yet but maybe someday.
It truly does feel great. Especially when it turns out the way you want, AND it's useful. I've already been using it and I REALLY like having the tools right off to the side. This is why I DIY ;-)
It looks great, I'm glad you decided to use acrylic. It showcases all those tools very well and we got to see laser beams!
Thanks! Yeah, the acrylic really does look nice in person and it just looks like the tools are floating outside the mill. It makes it really easy to see the tools too. Plus, lasers are really fun :-)
that enclosure looks like it should be reinforced more then your rack
Hi, are you will to share the DXF or similar file please - I have also just become a Patreon to support your excellent work!
Sure thing, I'll send you an email with the files.