Shopbot Machine Operation

This video covers the steps below with the tool path from the Fusion 360 CAM guide. 

Parts of the Shopbot

Z Zero Plate: 

When you change a bit or place a new workpiece on the spoilboard you need to zero the Z axis using the Z Zero plate. 

*For how to use this check out Zeroing X,Y, and Z* 

Anatomy of a CNC bit:

Control Box & VFD:

Control Box: To turn on the shopbot, flip the red switch on the control box.

VFD: Variable Frequency Drive controls the rpms of the spindle

Machine OPeration

Changing Bits

When choosing a collet, make sure it is the correct size based on the shaft diameter of the bit

When placing the collet into the collet nut, make sure the larger ended is inserted into collet nut. 

*See picture above*

The collet will snap into the collet nut 

Insert the shank portion of the bit into the collet. 

*The cutting end of the bit should not be inserted in the collet* 

Keep some space between flutes and collet. Around 1/16" space between collet and flutes  (cutting portion of bit) 

Thread collet nut by hand on then use collet wrench in left hand. 

Use router wrench in right hand and tighten collet nut. Do not overtighten.

*Collet wrench in left hand to tight* 

To loosen the collet nut, swap the router wrench and the collet nut wrench. Then loosen by hand and remove bit from collet. 

When removing a bit, be aware that the bit can fall out of collet - This can damage the bit.

Changing Bits mid job

If you need to change your bit/tool mid job, You must run the Z zero process again after you change the bit. 

Place the Z Zero plate on the material that has not been cut! If all material has been removed from surface. Find a scrap piece of wood that is the same thickness of what has been cut. It's best to plan ahead if you are changing bits so you have material left to zero out the Z axis. 

Reference the Zeroing the Z axis section for steps on how to use Z Zero plate. 

Turn on Spindle / Emergency stop switch

This is the handheld controller to turn on the spindle and pressing the red button will activate the Emergency stop. You can also press the space bar on the keyboard and it will do the same. 

Flip the black switch to turn the power on for the motors and the spindle. 

You should see the blue box to the right of the shopbot light up (red dialogue) This notifies you that the spindle has power. 

Important to turn on spindle prior to moving motors or spindle warm up routine

Spindle Warm up Routine

Prior to running your tool path. Start the spindle warm up routine with the bit in the spindle. 

*Takes roughly 5 minutes*

While the warm up routine is in process it's good practice to ensure your toolpaths are ready to go within the Vcarve software and prep your workpiece. 

Workholding

There are various types of ways to hold down the material depending on the types of cuts that are being made. For more information check out this resource

Screws:

If you have a spoilboard set up, you can screw the workpiece directly to the table. This is a quick and easy method that works well for most materials. However, this requires careful planning to make sure that all the screws are clear of the cut path. 

Clamps:

Whether working with a metal T-track table or a spoilboard, there are a variety of clamps that can be used to secure the material. Clamps offer strong holding power and are ideal when there is no excess material to drive screws into. This method, however, requires careful planning to avoid running the tool into the clamps 

Press fit jigs:

A press-fit jig provides good holding power and can be made quickly and accurately using the Shopbot. This is a good solution for holding small work pieces, extra-thick stock, or if the material has already been cut to its final size and there is no room for screws 

Adhesives:

Tape: To use tape adhesive, both the table and work piece must be clean, flat, and dust-free. If you plan to cut all the way through the material, keep the tape away from the planned toolpath if possible (it may gum up the cutter, reducing cut quality for the rest of the part).

Spray:  Spray adhesive can form an extremely strong bond within minutes. To avoid damaging your table, bond the workpiece to a scrap board that is clean and flat, then clamp or screw this board to your table

Zeroing X,Y, and Z axis 

The X and Y Axis

Tool movement:

Within the shopbot control software, click the yellow icon to open the keypad in order to control the movement of the tool.

 Use the arrows on the keyboard or yellow control keypad to move the tool. 

To Zero the X and Y axis. Move the tool to the bottom left corner of the workpiece using the keypad. 

Align the center of the tool to the corner of the workpiece. 

*See picture above*

Align the center of the bit to edge of the workpiece along the X and Y axis. For smaller increments of movement change the keypad movement to fixed - 0.01

Once the bit is in the correct location, on the keypad controller within the shopbot software select Zero Axes then click X and Y and press ok. 

The Z Axis

To zero the Z axis, use the Z Zero plate: It is located above the VFD to the right of the tool. 

Place the Z zero plate on top of workpiece (roughly in the center) 

Move the tool over the Z zero plate and lower the Z axis until the tool is just above the plate. 

Place alligator clip on collet nut. Make sure it is secure and collet nut is clean.

Within the shopbot control software press the Z zero height button then follow the prompts. 

Double check prior to pressing "Ok" that the alligator clip is attached to collet nut and z zero plate is underneath bit. 


Once the z axis process has been completed. Remove alligator clip from collet nut and place Z zero plate back above VFD to the right of tool. 

Starting your Toolpath

There are many programs you can use to generate the toolpaths for the shopbot. The ones we recommend are Vcarve Pro or Fusion 360 CAM. 

When creating these toolpaths it's best to save each cut type as a separate toolpath. 

For example: A profile and pocket would be two separate toolpaths even if you are using the same bit. This gives you more control over what's happening. 

If there is a change in a bit you must save separate toolpaths since the shopbot does not have an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). 

To load your first toolpath.

 Select File > PART FILE LOAD > CUT PART

To start the cut select CUT PART on the red shopbot control software. 

Series of pop ups will show verifing you have, zeroed your Z, the correct bit is inserted, and the last dialogue box notifes you what the spindle speed is. 

If any of these prompts are incorrect for your part, double check your toolpath before running. 

Clean up