Do I need an automatic tool changer?

Question

Accepted Answer

For most shops, no. An automatic tool changer only pays back on very high-volume indexed production — think three or more tool changes every four to five minutes, all day. Below that pace it adds purchase cost, a learning curve, and ongoing maintenance without increasing feed rate, cut time, or linear board feet off the table. Most cabinet, furniture, and sign shops do better with quick-change collets and, if volume grows, a second standard table instead of one ATC machine.

Read Automatic tool changer (ATC) guide