Customers looking to set up Automatic Tool Changing (ATC) on their CNC often run into a flurry of considerations — especially when thinking about tool rack placement, dust boot styles, and future-proofing the machine for different carving styles.
This article will clarify those interdependent components so you can confidently move forward with your build without accidentally painting yourself into a corner.
✅ Let’s Start with the Goal: Automation vs Flexibility
You’ve already identified that you want to pursue automation but don’t want to get locked into a system that limits you from exploring relief carving or 2.5D jobs later.
Good news: you don’t have to choose one or the other.
Our ATC system is designed to be modular and flexible so it supports multiple use cases — including tool rack setup with both Z-dependent and Z-independent dust boots.
🔧 Tool Rack Setup: The Core of a Reliable ATC
Here’s what matters most when placing your tool rack:
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Tool Rack Must Be Fixed: The tool rack must not move with the Z-axis. It should be bolted securely to the spoilboard or machine frame.
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Positioning Is Critical: Ideally, the tools sit low enough that the spindle can descend and engage/disengage with no interference from the dust boot.
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Tool Holders Must Be Vertically Aligned with the spindle when parked. Misalignment will cause tool crash or improper gripping.
🧹 Dust Boots: Z-Dependent vs Z-Independent
This is where many customers get nervous — but here’s the truth:
| Feature | Z-Dependent Boot | Z-Independent Boot |
|---|---|---|
| Moves with Z? | Yes | No (stays at fixed height) |
| Obstructs Tool Rack? | ✅ Can if not removed or retracted | ❌ No — ideal for ATC |
| Best for Relief Carving | ✅ Allows max Z-depth visibility | ⚠️ May interfere if not carefully mounted |
| Best for ATC? | ⚠️ Only if removed before ATC ops | ✅ Designed for hands-free ATC use |
If you plan to do relief carving, you may like the visibility and flexibility of a v7 or v10 Z-dependent boot. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use ATC — it just means you’ll need to remove or retract the boot before running ATC routines.
If you want hands-free automation, a Z-independent boot like our v3 or v9 Boots are ideal. It gives your spindle room to approach the tool rack without interference.
Many customers choose to keep both boots on hand and swap based on project needs.
🔄 Manual Tool Changing Still an Option
We totally understand the temptation to go manual with wrenches — especially when the setup feels complex. But manual changing:
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Slows down job flow
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Increases the risk of collet wear/damage
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Requires more setup precision and tool length probing
If you’re investing in an ATC system, we strongly encourage you to give it a fair shot. Once configured, it saves dozens of tool changes per week and makes project batching far easier.
🧰 Here’s What We Recommend
To avoid future regret or a Home Depot-style project rabbit hole:
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✅ Stick with the ATC and plan for Z-independent dust boot usage
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✅ Mount the tool rack permanently to the spoilboard or use our magnetic tool racks
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✅ Consider using our tool rack positioning guide (coming soon)
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✅ Test homing and tool change movements slowly before finalizing rack position
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✅ Use the Z-dependent boot only for relief carving projects where visibility is needed
