Would anyone be interested in gantry riser blocks for the Shapeoko 5 Pro?
I designed these to increase the Z capacity of this machine by 30mm. It should give me that much needed clearance to fork-rack tool holders.
Bonus desire is to fork-rack the huge SlabSlayer bit:
I don’t wanna get off-topic… but I’m thinking never mind the riser blocks… what’s up with the fork style tool rack?
An alternative to pick and place tool racks for our ATC
LOL… well I know that. Is it something you’re selling to be used with your ATC system?
The riser blocks in the photo will be made out of aluminum for production.
It is almost a vital component when used with the tool-forks.
We know everyone won’t be racking their tools the same way so we’re trying to offer lots of options. Tailor your ATC to your specific needs/wants kind of thing. These tool-forks are simply another option for racking tools.
Tool-forks allow for racking of larger diameter bits… so seems like the better way to go?
For compatability with larger bits, yes.
For ease and speed of setup, not really, but it is insignificant
For dust collection adaptability, it would require further investment (if there is a commercial option, but pretty sure there’s not) or be absent.
Thanks Chris. Obviously some things I didn’t think about… definitely makes more sense to stick with the surface mount racks and just do an MTC on the rare occasion I need a larger bit.
Mike
Just trying to be fully transparent. Like everything else, pros and cons. There’s nothing saying you can’t store it in a fork (and leave the slot unallocated) and use it as a storage place then switch into and out of mtc mode.
Process to change from atc to mtc with the bits in masso is less than a minute or so.
Change the tool changer to manual tool change
T#m6 (tool not in rack)
MTC button old tool out, new tool in.
Zero z
Run job
T#m6 (tool in a rack)
MTC button old tool out, new tool in.
Change the tool changer back to linear tool change 2
Zero z again
You can skip the duplicate zero z’s IF you can get the bit to touch off the tool setter and you have a dedicated holder for it.
Personally it’s easier to run 5 or 6 surfacing tool passes with a Z reset in between than it is to try to figure out how to get a solid 10" wide piece of 8/4 cherry down a 6" jointer.
A dozen sample sets have been produced and they are very nice. Anodized black aluminum blocks.
I 3d carved with the 3d printed blocks and they worked perfectly well. These aluminum blocks will add a lot more stability to the risers.
I should have these in-hand in a few weeks. Excited to get them listed for others who are interested.
I just bought a set, I don’t have the ATC but I am running SMW fixture plates and I have some features that need to go on the tall side of a section of rectangular tube, and I just barely can’t fit under the gantry - this is the perfect solution. Thank you!
