AmericanMaker
Aluminum
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2020
- Location
- Franklin, TN
Before I start loading expensive cutting tools into my 2011 Sharp SV-2412SX, I decided to test all the ATC pockets with empty tool holders. I'm glad I did! A few of the pockets are dropping tools during tool changes. I determined which pockets are repeatedly not engaging the tool holders.
I decided to focus my testing on one specific pocket that repeatedly drops tool holders. I sprayed the inside of the pocket and the ball bearings that engage the pull stud with WD-40. With a clean shop towel I cleaned the inside of the pocket and the ball bearings, applying pressure to, and trying to rotate the ball bearings to see if they were sticky. Problem solved! It now retains tool holders on tool changes.
The manuals for the tool changer and machine offer no detail on side mount tool changer maintenance other than telling me to grease it.
Before I start spraying and cleaning all 24 ATC pockets with WD-40, my question is, how do you clean and maintain the pockets on a side mount tool changer? Is WD-40 a good or bad idea? Should I be using something else?
I decided to focus my testing on one specific pocket that repeatedly drops tool holders. I sprayed the inside of the pocket and the ball bearings that engage the pull stud with WD-40. With a clean shop towel I cleaned the inside of the pocket and the ball bearings, applying pressure to, and trying to rotate the ball bearings to see if they were sticky. Problem solved! It now retains tool holders on tool changes.
The manuals for the tool changer and machine offer no detail on side mount tool changer maintenance other than telling me to grease it.
Before I start spraying and cleaning all 24 ATC pockets with WD-40, my question is, how do you clean and maintain the pockets on a side mount tool changer? Is WD-40 a good or bad idea? Should I be using something else?
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