Difference between revisions of "How to use the Shopbot"

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A Shopbot is a large CNC milling machine.
+
{{Languages|How_to_use_the_Shopbot}}
 +
 +
 
 +
== What is the Shopbot?  ==
 +
 
 +
The Shopbot is a large milling machine for cutting, phrasing and shaping wood and plastic in various 3-dimensional sizes. It can handle plates of up to 3 meters in size. The machine uses vector graphics and 3d models to get information on what to cut out.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Terms  ==
 +
 
 +
*''VFD'' - Variable Frequency Drive;
 +
*''Control computer'' -
 +
*''Design computer'' - the computer you make your design
 +
*''Spindel'' - f
 +
*''Bit'' -
 +
*''Hz'' eða ''Hertz'' - frequency; 1/s
 +
*''Pedant'' -yellow pedant with ''emergency'', ''reset'' and ''start'' buttons.
  
  
−
== Terms ==
+
== Images  ==
−
* ''VFD'' - Variable Frequency Drive;
+
−
* ''Control computer'' -
+
−
* ''Design computer'' - the computer you make your design
+
−
* ''Spindel'' - f
+
−
* ''Bit'' -
+
−
* ''Hz'' eða ''Hertz'' - frequency; 1/s
+
−
* ''Pedant'' -yellow pedant with ''emergency'', ''reset'' and ''start'' buttons.
+
  
−
== Images ==
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Image:Shopbot controlbox.jpg|Control computer
 
Image:Shopbot controlbox.jpg|Control computer
Line 20: Line 28:
 
Image:Shopbot vfd.jpg|VFD  
 
Image:Shopbot vfd.jpg|VFD  
 
Image:Shopbot wrenches.jpg|Fixing wrench for shopbot tool holder
 
Image:Shopbot wrenches.jpg|Fixing wrench for shopbot tool holder
−
</gallery>
+
</gallery>  
−
== Shopbot steps ==
+
 
 +
 
 +
== Shopbot steps (short version)  ==
 +
 
 +
#Open or Import the vector design
 +
#Select the regions to VCarve or machine
 +
#Specify the tool details and calculate tool paths
 +
#Preview the job in any material
 +
#Save the CNC code (save the tool paths)
 +
 
 +
<br> == Shopbot steps (detailed version)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Prepare your design  ==
 +
 
 +
#Open Partworks -&gt; Create new file -&gt;
 +
##Define material size and units
 +
#Import file to Partworks or make your design there. Partworks og Partworks 3D
  
−
== Prepare your design ==
 
−
# Import file to Partworks or make your design there.
 
−
Partworks og Partworks 3D
 
−
 
 
  PartWorks can import these types of files
 
  PartWorks can import these types of files
 
  * DXF Drawing Exchange Files for CAD systems
 
  * DXF Drawing Exchange Files for CAD systems
Line 32: Line 53:
 
  * AI Adobe Illustrator
 
  * AI Adobe Illustrator
 
  * PDF Portable Document Format for industry standard print data can be done in [[Inkscape tutorial|Inkscape]]
 
  * PDF Portable Document Format for industry standard print data can be done in [[Inkscape tutorial|Inkscape]]
−
Remember to change text to path
+
 
−
Filetypes which Partworks3D supports
+
Remember to change text to path File types which Partworks3D supports  
 +
 
 
  * PartWorks3D can open these types of files:
 
  * PartWorks3D can open these types of files:
 
  * V3D PartWorks3D and Vectric Cut3D files
 
  * V3D PartWorks3D and Vectric Cut3D files
−
  * STL STL Mesh files - binary & ascii
+
  * STL STL Mesh files - binary &amp; ascii
 
  * V3M Vector Art 3D files
 
  * V3M Vector Art 3D files
−
  * 3DS 3D Studio - binary & ascii
+
  * 3DS 3D Studio - binary &amp; ascii
 
  * X DirectX
 
  * X DirectX
 
  * DXF AutoCAD 3D DXF
 
  * DXF AutoCAD 3D DXF
Line 47: Line 69:
 
  * OBJ Wavefront
 
  * OBJ Wavefront
  
−
== Turning it on - checklist ==
+
#When the design is ready you should make toolpaths for the machine.
 +
##Select Tool paths.
 +
##*V-Carve: V-Carving Tool path form which is used to specify the type of carving required, tooling details, cutting parameters and name for the tool path.
 +
##*Profile: Profile Machining options provide the flexibility for cutting shapes out with optional Tabs / bridges plus an Allowance over / undercut to ensure perfect edge quality.
 +
##*Pocket: Pocket Tool path form for machining pockets. These tool paths automatically compensate for the tool geometry - diameter and angle.
 +
##*Drilling: Drilling allows the centers of selected closed vectors to be drilled to a specified depth. The Tool database includes an option to specify the Drill diameter and cutting parameters.
 +
##*Texturing: 3D Texture Machining functionality makes carving stunning sculpted surfaces very simple and perfect for making custom panels and interesting signage. Textures can be calculated inside any selected vector boundaries or if nothing is selected the complete job size.
 +
##*Clearance: The "save" height for the Z-axis. 
  
−
=== Starting out ===
+
##Select Depth: '''Start Depth''' (D) specifies the depth at which the tool path is calculated, allowing Engraving to be machined inside a pocket region. '''Cut Depth''' (C) is the depth of the pocket or profile tool path relative to the Start Depth.
−
# Flip the big switch on the front (cooling fan on spindle will turn on)
+
−
# Press reset button on pendant (VFD will turn on)
+
−
# Set VFD to 150.0
+
−
# Turn on Shopbot 3 software
+
  
−
=== Warming up the spindle ===
+
Do not cut deeper than the material thickness.
−
(This doesn't need to be done if the machine has recently been used and chances are the bearings are still warm)
+
−
# Open yellow hand-control window
+
−
# Check that tool is at safe height above material
+
−
# Toggle output 1
+
−
# Press start
+
−
# Slowly increase the VFD speed up to 270
+
  
−
=== Zeroing the table ===
+
##*Select tool
−
# Use hand control window to move bit to it's zero point
+
##*Clicking the Select button opens the Tool Database from which the required Tool can be selected.
−
# In the main window, select zero->zero three axis
+
−
# Move z axis to safe height
+
  
−
=== Starting a job ===
+
All 4 of the cutter types (V-Bit, End mill, Ball nose, Engraving) are supported and the toolpaths will automatically compensate for the geometry of the selected tool.
−
# Select File->Part file execute
+
−
# ( Check scaling, you normally want scaling to be 1 on all axis )
+
−
# Click ok
+
−
# Press start on pendant
+
−
# Turn on dust sucker
+
−
# Click ok on screen
+
  
−
=== Emergencies ===
+
#Save the tool paths (.shp file)
−
* There are two emergency stop buttons that you can hit
+
#Save the project. (.crv file)
−
* You can press space on the keyboard
+
−
* You can click with the mouse
+
  
−
== Troubleshooting ==
+
<br>
−
* If error 91 comes up, delete c:\Program Files\Shopbot\Shopbot 3\shopbot.ini
+
−
** then, when you turn it on, select settings for PRS Alpha 120x60
+
−
** Set software to mm in the "other settings" tab.
+
  
−
== Settings ==
 
  
−
Depending on type of bits and materials,
+
== Turning it on - checklist  ==
  
 +
=== Starting out  ===
  
−
{| border=1
+
#Flip the big switch on the front (cooling fan on spindle will turn on)
−
|-
+
#Press reset button on pendant (VFD will turn on)
−
| Frequency on VFD ||  Rounds per minute || Material
+
#Set VFD to 150.0
−
|-
+
#Turn on Shopbot 3 software
−
| x|| 3000 || Aluminium
+
  
−
| 200 || 10000 ||| Plastics
 
−
|-
 
−
| 270 || 13500 || Most plywood, MDF, and so on.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 300 || 15000 || Hardwood
 
  
−
  |}
+
=== Warming up the spindle ===
  
 +
(This doesn't need to be done if the machine has recently been used and chances are the bearings are still warm)
  
 +
#Open yellow hand-control window
 +
#Check that tool is at safe height above material
 +
#Toggle output 1
 +
#Press start
 +
#Slowly increase the VFD speed up to 270
  
−
== Assembly ==
 
−
Assembly of the Shopbot can diverge significantly from the instructions in the enclosed instructions manual, mostly due to it being written in a "one size fits all" manner that doesn't really fit in with the different versions of the Shopbot.
 
  
−
== Proprietary protocol ==
+
=== Zeroing the table  ===
−
The Shopbot is connected to a computer over USB (or serial link on older models). A proprietary program written in Visual Basic is used to communicate the Shopbot Parts Files to the machine. These files are written in Gerber language.
+
  
−
It is as of yet unclear whether the machine's control box itself interprets these Gerber files or whether the control is in the hands of the control software. Neither would be particularly surprising, but if the control box interprets the Gerber commands then it is far easier to hack the protocol and create a free interface to the Shopbot.
+
#Use hand control window to move bit to it's zero point
 +
#In the main window, select zero-&gt;zero three axis
 +
#Move z axis to safe height
  
  
 +
=== Starting a job  ===
  
−
== Shopbot skref ==
+
#Select File-&gt;Part file execute
 +
#( Check scaling, you normally want scaling to be 1 on all axis )
 +
#Click ok
 +
#Press start on pendant
 +
#Turn on dust sucker
 +
#Click ok on screen
  
  
−
# Skilgreina stærð og þykkt efnis sem á að meðhöndla áður en þú byrjar að hanna.
+
=== Emergencies  ===
−
# Þegar hönnunin er tilbúin þarf að búa til skurðarbrautir fyrir vélina.
+
 
−
## Veljið Toolpaths. Þar bjóðast nokkrir valkostir um fræsingu:
+
*There are two emergency stop buttons that you can hit
−
##* V-Carve: V-laga skurður gerður með v-tönn
+
*You can press space on the keyboard
−
##* Profile: Einfaldur skurður eftir línu
+
*You can click with the mouse
−
##* Pocket: Fjarlægja efni innan úr lokuðum ferli
+
 
−
##* Drill: Bora göt
+
 
−
##* Texture: Vinna áferð ofan í efnið
+
== Troubleshooting  ==
−
## Veljið dýptina sem á að fræsa úr og í. Yfirleitt viltu byrja í núllpunkti efnisins. Dýptin sem þú grefur í er mismunandi eftir markmiðum, en ætti aldrei að vera meira en þykkt efnisins.
+
 
−
## Veljið Fræsitönn.
+
*If error 91 comes up, delete c:\Program Files\Shopbot\Shopbot 3\shopbot.ini
−
##* Mismunandi fræsitennur gefa mismunandi niðurstöður. Helstu tegundir eru:
+
**then, when you turn it on, select settings for PRS Alpha 120x60
−
##** Bein tönn: Best þegar á að fjarlægja flatarmál frekar en að skera bara.
+
**Set software to mm in the "other settings" tab.
−
##** V-tönn: Góð til að gera fína skurði og áferðir.
+
 
−
##** Up-cut tönn: Togar sag upp úr holum, virkar best á efni sem hafa mikið af fíngerðu sagi en brotnar ekki upp úr, s.s. MDF og spónaplötur.
+
 
−
##** Down-cut tönn: Ýtir sagi niður, virkar best á efni sem brotnar mikið upp úr, s.s. krossviði.
+
== Settings  ==
−
## Eftir því hvernig fræsingu þú ætlar að framkvæma geturðu valið fleiri stillingar - það eru um að gera að pæla í þeim og prófa sig áfram.
+
 
−
# Vistaðu skurðarbrautirnar (.shp skrá)
+
Depending on type of bits and materials,
−
# Vistaðu verkefnið. (.crv skrá)
+
 
 +
<br>
 +
 
 +
{| border="1"
 +
|-
 +
| Frequency on VFD
 +
| Rounds per minute
 +
| Material
 +
|-
 +
| x
 +
| 3000
 +
| Aluminium
 +
|-
 +
| 150
 +
| x
 +
| Model Wax
 +
|-
 +
| 200
 +
| 10000
 +
| Plastics
 +
|-
 +
| 270
 +
| 13500
 +
| Most plywood, MDF, and so on.
 +
|-
 +
| 300
 +
| 15000
 +
| Hardwood
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Assembly  ==
 +
 
 +
Assembly of the Shopbot can diverge significantly from the instructions in the enclosed instructions manual, mostly due to it being written in a "one size fits all" manner that doesn't really fit in with the different versions of the Shopbot.  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Proprietary protocol  ==
 +
 
 +
The Shopbot is connected to a computer over USB (or serial link on older models). A proprietary program written in Visual Basic is used to communicate the Shopbot Parts Files to the machine. These files are written in Gerber language.
 +
 
 +
It is as of yet unclear whether the machine's control box itself interprets these Gerber files or whether the control is in the hands of the control software. Neither would be particularly surprising, but if the control box interprets the Gerber commands then it is far easier to hack the protocol and create a free interface to the Shopbot.  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Power requirements  ==
 +
 
 +
"The DC power supply in the Standard boxes is rated at 500VA. In the US on 110V power the current requirement is 4.5A. In the rest of the world running on 220V single phase the current requirement is 2.17A.  
 +
 
 +
<br> The rest of the power consumption for Routers and Spindles:  
 +
 
 +
    110V Router        15A
 +
  220V Router        11A
 +
  2.2 HP Spindle    24A 1ø 230V    15A  3ø 230V    8A 3ø 380/460V
 +
  3 HP Spindle        24A 1ø 230V    15A  3ø 230V    8A 3ø 380/460V
 +
  4 HP Spindle        33A 1ø 230V    24A  3ø 230V    20A 3ø 380/460V
 +
  5 HP Spindle        33A 1ø 230V    24A  3ø 230V    20A 3ø 380/460V "
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Links  ==
 +
*[http://www.shopbottools.com/ShopBotDocs/maintenance.htm Shopbot Maintenance Documents]
 +
*[C:/Program Files/ShopBot/PartWorks/Help/index.htm Help manual on your computer]
 +
*[http://shopbotwiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page Shopbot wiki]
 +
*[http://www.shopbottools.com/documentation.htm Shopbot tutorial]
 +
*[http://www.shopbottools.com/files/docs/SBG00143060802Safety.pdf Shopbot Safety Reminders]
 +
*[http://blogs.fabfolk.com/aysheshim/?p=86]
 +
*[http://www.onsrud.com/files/pdf/OC-09CatalogR.pdf Onsrud.com catalog (.pdf)]
 +
*[http://www.sgstool.com/catalogs/PDFs/SGSMegaCatalog.pdf SG tools catalog (.pdf)]
 +
*[http://fab.cba.mit.edu/content/tools/shopbot/index.html How to use the shopbot: step by step]
 +
 
 +
How to use and maintain:
 +
*http://wiki.fablab.is/wiki/How_to_use_the_Shopbot
 +
http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/tutorials.htm
 +
 +
Prices:
 +
*http://www.shopbottools.com/PriceList.pdf
 +
 +
How using the ShopBot is taught at Fab Academy:
 +
*http://academy.kaziunas.com/tutorials/make_something_big_overview.php
  
−
=== Festa efni ===
+
== Videos  ==
−
Gætið þess að skorða efni vel. Mögulegt er að skrúfa efnið niður, en gæta verður þess að hafa skrúfur utan þess svæðis sem á að fræsa.
+
  
−
'''ATH:''' Ef að efni fer á flakk meðan verið er að fræsa getur það skotist til, skemmst, brotið fræsitennur, og valdið bruna.
+
=== Shopbot Partworks Quickstart &nbsp;  ===
  
−
=== Að velja og skipta um tennur ===
+
<br>
  
−
Áður en fræsing hefst er mikilvægt að tryggja að rétt fræsitönn sé í. Fyrir flóknari verkefni gætirðu þurft að fræsa í nokkrum skrefum og skipta um tennur á milli skrefa. Tennur eru misjafnar, sjá nánar um [[fræsitennur]].
+
{{#ev:youtube|wSHQsthRajg}}
  
−
Til að skipta um tönn notarðu skiptilyklanna tvo sem fylgja vélinni. Til að losa tönn úr heldurðu við með venjulega skiptilyklinum og snýrð hinum, með appelsínugula haldfanginu, réttsælis. Kollettan sem heldur tönninni er þá oft föst í, en hún losnar auðveldlega ef þú slærð laust í hana með skiptilykli.
 
  
−
Þegar þú setur tönn í seturðu kollettuna fyrst, svo skrúfstykkið, og loks tönnina. Tönnin ætti að fara um 2 cm inn í kollettuna að öllu jöfnu. Þú herðir skrúfstykkið með skiptilyklunum, snýrð þeim með appelsínugula skaftinu rangsælis. Það þarf ekki að herða mjög mikið.
+
=== Spindle Collet Assembly  ===
  
−
=== Kveikja á fræsivélinni ===
+
{{#ev:youtube|D2-wL8jAxVI}}
−
# Kveikja á rauða/gula rofanum (stilla á I) á stjórntölvunni.
+
−
#* Þetta kveikir á stjórntölvunni og kæliviftu spindelsins.
+
−
# Ýta á reset takkann á pendantnum.
+
−
#* Þetta kveikir á VFD tíðnistillinum.
+
−
# Opna ShopBot 3 forritið
+
−
#* Stundum tilkynnir forritið við ræsingu villu 91. Ef það gerist, eyddu þá c:\Program Files\Shopbot\Shopbot3\shopbot.ini og prófaðu aftur. Þá þarftu að gefa upp frumstillingar fyrir vélina. Þær eru í PRS/Alpha/120x60.
+
−
# Tryggja að forritið sé stillt til að vinna í millimetrum.
+
  
−
=== Að hita upp fræsihausinn ===
 
−
Það þarf að hita upp fræsihausinn áður en fræsivélin er notuð. Þetta er vegna þess að það eru legur í fræsihausnum, og þær endast betur ef það kemur bara átak á þær meðan þær eru vel heitar.
 
  
−
# stilla á 150 á tíðnistillinum
+
=== Using Z zero plate  ===
−
#* Við þurfum að hita spindelinn upp. Ágætt er að byrja í 150 og vinna sig upp.
+
  
−
{| border=1
+
{{#ev:youtube|IaUTzTVBFzs}}
−
|-
+
−
| Tíðnistilling á VFD || Snúningar á mínútu || Efni
+
−
|-
+
−
| 200 || 10000 ||| Plastefni
+
−
|-
+
−
| 270 || 13500 || Flestur krossviður, MDF, o.þ.h.
+
−
|-
+
−
| 300 || 15000 || Harðviður
+
−
|}
+
  
−
=== Ferli við fræsun ===
 
−
# Smella á gula takkann á skjánum fyrir ofan "Absolute" til að opna handstýringuna.
 
−
# Tryggja að fræsitönn sé hæfilega hátt uppi til að hún rekist ekki í neitt þegar hún fer í gang.
 
−
# Smella á úttak 1 á skjánum í handstýringarglugganum.
 
−
# Setja upp heyrnahlífar, ath allir inni í smiðjunni eiga að gera það.
 
−
# Ýta á start takkann á pedantnum
 
−
#* Þá byrjar spindelinn að snúast.
 
−
# Hita upp í 2 mínútur
 
−
# Hækka tíðnina smám saman í 270 og hita í 2 mínútur þegar þangað er komið.
 
−
# Núllstilla borðið
 
−
#* Færa endann á fræsitönninni á núllpunkt verkefnisins og veldu ''Zero->Zero three axis''
 
−
#* X ásinn er breiðasti ásinn á vélinni
 
−
# Færðu tönnina upp þannig að hún sé fyrir ofan efnið.
 
−
# Hlaða inn skrá sem á að vinna
 
−
## sækja skrá ( File -> Part File Execute)
 
−
# Kveikja á ryksugu
 
−
# Smella á start á tölvunni, og svo ýta á start takkann á pedantnum
 
−
#* Þá fer spindelinn í gang
 
−
# Smella á ok í tölvunni
 
−
# Fylgjast vel með og ef eitthvað fer úrskeiðis er hægt að ýta á neyðar öryggisrofa
 
  
−
=== Frágangur ===
 
−
# Færa fræsitönn þannig að hægt sé að losa um efni eða skipta um fræsitönn (þetta er gert með shopbot stýrihugbúnaðnum)
 
−
# Slökkva á ryksugu með því að smella á hvítan rofa við rafmagnsinntakið.
 
−
# Til þess að slökkva á, smella á  loka hnapp (X) í shopbot stýrihugbúnaðnum
 
−
# lækka tíðni í 150 á tíðnistillinum.
 
−
# Slökkva á rauða/gula rofanum
 
−
# Taka allar skrúfur og festingar frá.
 
−
# Sópaðu upp sag sem gæti hafa fallið til.
 
  
−
== Links ==
+
[[Category:Tutorials]]  [[Category:Machine_Tutorials]]
−
* [http://shopbotwiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page Shopbot wiki]
+
−
* [http://www.shopbottools.com/documentation.htm Shopbot tutorial]
+
−
* [http://www.shopbottools.com/files/docs/SBG00143060802Safety.pdf Shopbot SBG00143060802Safety.doc Copyright 2006 ShopBot Tools, Inc
+
−
Safety Reminders]
+

Latest revision as of 12:08, 11 September 2017

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What is the Shopbot?

The Shopbot is a large milling machine for cutting, phrasing and shaping wood and plastic in various 3-dimensional sizes. It can handle plates of up to 3 meters in size. The machine uses vector graphics and 3d models to get information on what to cut out.


Terms

  • VFD - Variable Frequency Drive;
  • Control computer -
  • Design computer - the computer you make your design
  • Spindel - f
  • Bit -
  • Hz eða Hertz - frequency; 1/s
  • Pedant -yellow pedant with emergency, reset and start buttons.


Images

  • Control computer

  • Pedant with emergency, reset and start buttons

  • Spindle

  • Spindle

  • Bits

  • VFD

  • Fixing wrench for shopbot tool holder


Shopbot steps (short version)

  1. Open or Import the vector design
  2. Select the regions to VCarve or machine
  3. Specify the tool details and calculate tool paths
  4. Preview the job in any material
  5. Save the CNC code (save the tool paths)


== Shopbot steps (detailed version)


Prepare your design

  1. Open Partworks -> Create new file ->
    1. Define material size and units
  2. Import file to Partworks or make your design there. Partworks og Partworks 3D 
PartWorks can import these types of files
* DXF Drawing Exchange Files for CAD systems
* EPS Encapsulated Postscript for example. Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.
* AI Adobe Illustrator
* PDF Portable Document Format for industry standard print data can be done in Inkscape

Remember to change text to path File types which Partworks3D supports 

* PartWorks3D can open these types of files:
* V3D PartWorks3D and Vectric Cut3D files
* STL STL Mesh files - binary & ascii
* V3M Vector Art 3D files
* 3DS 3D Studio - binary & ascii
* X DirectX
* DXF AutoCAD 3D DXF
* LWO LightWave
* TXT MaxNC Digital Probe
* SBP ShopBot Digital Probe files
* WRL VRML
* OBJ Wavefront
  1. When the design is ready you should make toolpaths for the machine.
    1. Select Tool paths.
      • V-Carve: V-Carving Tool path form which is used to specify the type of carving required, tooling details, cutting parameters and name for the tool path.
      • Profile: Profile Machining options provide the flexibility for cutting shapes out with optional Tabs / bridges plus an Allowance over / undercut to ensure perfect edge quality.
      • Pocket: Pocket Tool path form for machining pockets. These tool paths automatically compensate for the tool geometry - diameter and angle.
      • Drilling: Drilling allows the centers of selected closed vectors to be drilled to a specified depth. The Tool database includes an option to specify the Drill diameter and cutting parameters.
      • Texturing: 3D Texture Machining functionality makes carving stunning sculpted surfaces very simple and perfect for making custom panels and interesting signage. Textures can be calculated inside any selected vector boundaries or if nothing is selected the complete job size.
      • Clearance: The "save" height for the Z-axis.
    1. Select Depth: Start Depth (D) specifies the depth at which the tool path is calculated, allowing Engraving to be machined inside a pocket region. Cut Depth (C) is the depth of the pocket or profile tool path relative to the Start Depth.

Do not cut deeper than the material thickness.

      • Select tool
      • Clicking the Select button opens the Tool Database from which the required Tool can be selected.

All 4 of the cutter types (V-Bit, End mill, Ball nose, Engraving) are supported and the toolpaths will automatically compensate for the geometry of the selected tool.

  1. Save the tool paths (.shp file)
  2. Save the project. (.crv file)



Turning it on - checklist

Starting out

  1. Flip the big switch on the front (cooling fan on spindle will turn on)
  2. Press reset button on pendant (VFD will turn on)
  3. Set VFD to 150.0
  4. Turn on Shopbot 3 software


Warming up the spindle

(This doesn't need to be done if the machine has recently been used and chances are the bearings are still warm)

  1. Open yellow hand-control window
  2. Check that tool is at safe height above material
  3. Toggle output 1
  4. Press start
  5. Slowly increase the VFD speed up to 270


Zeroing the table

  1. Use hand control window to move bit to it's zero point
  2. In the main window, select zero->zero three axis
  3. Move z axis to safe height


Starting a job

  1. Select File->Part file execute
  2. ( Check scaling, you normally want scaling to be 1 on all axis )
  3. Click ok
  4. Press start on pendant
  5. Turn on dust sucker
  6. Click ok on screen


Emergencies

  • There are two emergency stop buttons that you can hit
  • You can press space on the keyboard
  • You can click with the mouse


Troubleshooting

  • If error 91 comes up, delete c:\Program Files\Shopbot\Shopbot 3\shopbot.ini
    • then, when you turn it on, select settings for PRS Alpha 120x60
    • Set software to mm in the "other settings" tab.


Settings

Depending on type of bits and materials,


Frequency on VFD Rounds per minute Material
x 3000 Aluminium
150 x Model Wax
200 10000 Plastics
270 13500 Most plywood, MDF, and so on.
300 15000 Hardwood


Assembly

Assembly of the Shopbot can diverge significantly from the instructions in the enclosed instructions manual, mostly due to it being written in a "one size fits all" manner that doesn't really fit in with the different versions of the Shopbot.


Proprietary protocol

The Shopbot is connected to a computer over USB (or serial link on older models). A proprietary program written in Visual Basic is used to communicate the Shopbot Parts Files to the machine. These files are written in Gerber language.

It is as of yet unclear whether the machine's control box itself interprets these Gerber files or whether the control is in the hands of the control software. Neither would be particularly surprising, but if the control box interprets the Gerber commands then it is far easier to hack the protocol and create a free interface to the Shopbot.


Power requirements

"The DC power supply in the Standard boxes is rated at 500VA. In the US on 110V power the current requirement is 4.5A. In the rest of the world running on 220V single phase the current requirement is 2.17A.


The rest of the power consumption for Routers and Spindles: 

   110V Router         15A
 220V Router         11A
 2.2 HP Spindle     24A 1ø 230V     15A  3ø 230V    8A 3ø 380/460V
 3 HP Spindle        24A 1ø 230V     15A  3ø 230V    8A 3ø 380/460V
 4 HP Spindle        33A 1ø 230V     24A  3ø 230V    20A 3ø 380/460V
 5 HP Spindle        33A 1ø 230V     24A  3ø 230V    20A 3ø 380/460V "


Links

How to use and maintain:

http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/tutorials.htm

Prices:

How using the ShopBot is taught at Fab Academy:

Videos

Shopbot Partworks Quickstart  



Spindle Collet Assembly


Using Z zero plate

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