Introduction: Getting Started With the ShopBot
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.
- Start up the controller & router.
- Secure the workpiece to the table
- Install the rst tool.
- Set Z zero.
- Set the XY Home.
- Load the program.
- Make an air pass.
- Reset Z sero
- Run the program.
- 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.