Automatic tool magazine system and method for automatic tool changes using standard spindles for cnc mills and routers

A method for installing tools on non-automatic tool change spindles, the method comprising:

• providing a rapid change automatic tool change (ATC) magazine;
• disposing a tool assembly, within a channel of a retaining cap of the rapid change ATC magazine;
• positioning a spindle of a CNC or similar machine above the rapid change ATC magazine, wherein the spindle is centered at an upper opening of the retaining cap;
• moving the spindle downward toward a clamping nut of the tool assembly disposed within a socket in the channel;
• rotating the spindle in a clockwise direction;
• engaging the spindle with the clamping nut, the clamping nut threading onto threads of the rotating spindle with a peripheral edge of the clamping nut engaging with two or more engagement members of the socket that protrude inward;
• continuing to rotate the spindle until engagement of the peripheral edge of the clamping nut and the two or more engagement members resists rotation to cause an abrupt rotational stop of the spindle, transmitting a torqueing force through the clamping nut that urges the clamping nut further onto the threads of the spindle;
• and
• moving the spindle upward and away from the ATC magazine with the tool assembly fully threaded onto the spindle.

A rapid change automatic tool change (ATC) magazine comprising:

• a base having an exterior side and an interior side opposite the exterior side, and one or more passageways extending between the exterior side and the interior side, each of the one or more passageways defined by an interior opening and an exterior opening;
• a spring disposed within each of the one or more passageways of the base;
• a socket disposed within each of the one or more passageways, the socket having a body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface;
• and
• a retaining cap having an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side wherein the retaining cap includes one or more channels extending through the upper side and the lower side, each of the one or more channels being defined by an upper opening and a lower opening, wherein each of the one or more channels aligns with one of the one or more passageways.