Introduction: Getting Started With the ShopBot

About: Autodesk Technology Center San Francisco is a hub for research, development, and demonstration of new manufacturing technologies and workflows relating to configurable microfactories.

Step 1: Allowed Materials for the ShopBot CNC Router

Allowed Materials

  • Wood
  • Some plastics
  • Some foams

Banned Materials

  • Metal
  • Carbon ber and composites

If at Pier 9, see Shop Staff first before using these materials:

  • All other materials

If you are working from another studio or workshop, refer to the tool's instruction manual to see if your desired material is suitable for tool use.

Step 2: Safety

Our most important safety callouts are highlighted in yellow throughout this course.

Step 3: Machine Specifications

The ShopBot CNC router is a large 3 axis router with the following specifications:

  • 3 horsepower spindle
  • 18,000 RPM maximum spindle speed
  • Work envelope of 8' x 4' x 12" (X, Y & Z)

Step 4: Required Knowldege

Before you start your work, make sure you understand

the following skills:

  • Types of cutting tools
    • Which cutting tools you can use, and how they work
  • Tool holding
    • The correct way to attach a cutting tool to the ShopBot
  • Workholding
    • How to hold your workpiece to the ShopBot bed
  • ShopBot software interface
    • Operating the computer that controls the ShopBot

Step 5: Required Materials

Before you start your work, make sure you have the following materials:

  • An .sbp file from your completed CAM file.
  • A thumb drive to copy the .sbp file to the router.
  • Setup Sheets from your CAM software.
  • A copy of this Quick Start Guide.

Step 6: Steps for Successful Use

To make a part, you need to complete each step in order.

  1. Start up the controller & router.
  2. Secure the workpiece to the table
  3. Install the rst tool.
  4. Set Z zero.
  5. Set the XY Home.
  6. Load the program.
  7. Make an air pass.
  8. Reset Z sero
  9. Run the program.
  10. Clean up.

Step 7: Measuring Material

After preparing your material for the router, measure it carefully and change the setup in your CAM program if needed.