For those of us who can't afford a dedicated Spindle on our machines (not that I don't want one mind you), what options are there for doing quick tool changes?? Ideally I'd like to have something along the lines of what the Spindles have so I could easily change a tool and use the offsets table in Mach to not have to reset the Z each time. In fact I've gotten to the point on some pieces I mill for guitars where I will simply not do certain operations like chamfering string holes because to put in a chamfer bit and then zero it for every bridge just takes too long (cause then I have to re-zero the other bit and one and on). I can cut a very good bridge with just a 1/8" downcutter and do %90 of the piece without ever touching the router so I'm loathe to add extra tools to the step.

I am running a quick chuck that I bought for my standard router, at least with it I can use an allen wrench to change bits but until I can afford a Spindle I'd like to find something better. Every piece I make on the machine that I sell goes into a slush fund (currently around $500) that will use to buy a spindle and all the appointments, but until then.... 

Cheers

-Paul-

Not familiar with routers sop dont really know what you are meaning by a quick chuck :-( But I saw somwhere (cant remember where ) an idea that might suit you. What they had was for each tool they fitted a collar and locked it with a setscrew. When they put the tool into the holder the collar butted against the holder stopping it at the same point each time. You could then set up your offsets for each tool and when you place it in the spindle it should be correct.
 Hope you understand what I am meaning, I will do a quick search and see if I can find what I am talking about.

Hood

It's limited to 10,000 rpm, but here's a standard router with an ATC. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28665

Use the 1/2" shank adapter they sell.
http://www.hightechsystemsllc.com/index_files/Page2045.htm

It's limited to 10,000 rpm, but here's a standard router with an ATC. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28665

Use the 1/2" shank adapter they sell.
http://www.hightechsystemsllc.com/index_files/Page2045.htm

Oh Yeah!! That's what I'm talking about, I sent him an email to get the details, Chip also called and mentiond using the rings like Hood was talking about, that's certainly a cheaper alternative. However if his tool can do what I saw on the video I think it would be worth the money, just being able to change a bit in under 10 seconds is worth a lot to me...

Thanks for the info, if I buy this I'll post a full report and pictures...

-Paul-