Prototype Roll way cover for CNC router Part 2

I have a Onefinity Woodworker CNC router with a Jianken ATC spindle controlled by a Masso G3 controller. I am always looking for ways to protect the linear motion components from chips and debris. After researching options, I found that the cost of industrial solutions from manufacturers were cost prohibitive.
This video, the second of two, continues to show the design and machining of my own roll way covers. I have installed one on my X axis gantry, and will see over time its effectiveness.
The two videos show a variety of toolpaths, endmills, used to machine the HDPE and aluminum parts, for example:
*Boring in aluminum and HDPE with a Datron 5 mm 4 in 1 endmill
*2D contour of aluminum with a 1/4" SpeTool O flute endmill
*Drilling in aluminum with a Datron 5 mm drill
*Thread milling aluminum for an M6 screw with a Scientific Cutting Tools single form thread mill

[@carlslater7492]

So the question is how well does it work? Still waiting on mine, but this looks very promising.

[@tmtoronto3741]

I agree, and am interested to find out. One thing I like about this design is that I do not lose any X axis travel at either end, as this is important for both homing, but also to be able to access all 24 tool slots in my new linear tool rack. Installation is also very simple.

[@carlslater7492]

@@tmtoronto3741 24 tool slots ... Sent me off to look at how many the G3 supported... 100 tools! My piggy bank is not that deep. Assuming you don't put the 3D probe or the dial indicator in the rack, how many tools are comfortable to work with? 6?, 12? or all 24?

[@tmtoronto3741]

@@carlslater7492 I remember a few years ago when I first considered CNC machining as a hobby, the advise and information shared on the many forums I frequented. One that always stood out was 'remember to consider the cost of tooling, it can add up to more than your CNC cost'. It is an investment for sure, but one I wanted in order to take full advantage of my ATC.
Using my roll way cover project as a recent example, for all the parts and toolpaths I used:
Datron 5mm 4 in 1
Datron 4.2 mm drill
Datron 5 mm drill
90 degree chamfer endmill
Spetool 1/4" O flute
SCT threadmill
If I wanted a better surface finish (it was already very good though), I have 2 and 3 flute endmills for that.
Additionally, I have surfacing endmills for wood and aluminum, a diamond drag tool, 1/8" and 1/4" (plus metric) cut diameters, and some endmills dedicated to a particular material (I bought a new Datron 4 in 1 just for acrylic), and some with and without coatings.
So the short answer is I am using all 24😁
but it really depends on what I (you) plan to machine. It wasn't until a few months ago that I really started gaining confidence in my abilities, and with that came more complex projects and therefore a greater variety of tooling used. My suggestion is to build the largest tool rack possible, and fill the slots as needs change and budget allows.

[@craigjohnson5189]

Awesome curtain design. Just wondering what you used for a spring?

[@tmtoronto3741]

I purchased spiral flat wire coil constant force springs. I found some for a reasonable price on Aliexpress.

[@craigjohnson5189]

@@tmtoronto3741 Thanks for the quick reply! Sorry to be a pain but do you happen to know what thickness you used? I found a few and am thinking of doing some similar to you. Cheers

[@tmtoronto3741]

@@craigjohnson5189 you are not being a pain (-: Here is the store link - www.aliexpress.com/item/4000310913714.html?gps-id=pcStoreLeaderboard&scm=1007.22922.271278.0&scm_id=1007.22922.271278.0&scm-url=1007.22922.271278.0&pvid=8441d942-eb90-40a2-a06d-ea61f8649818&_t=gps-id:pcStoreLeaderboard,scm-url:1007.22922.271278.0,pvid:8441d942-eb90-40a2-a06d-ea61f8649818,tpp_buckets:668%232846%238112%231997&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%2110.22%2110.22%21%21%217.30%217.30%21%402101e58b17129111345716659eb9c8%2112000027272554377%21rec%21CA%212566286070%21&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.smartLeaderboard_833793140.4000310913714 I purchased two sizes, but found the 0.2x12.7x3700mm size seemed to be the best with respect to force and travel distance for this application (Woodworker model).