Using the CNC Machine
Once the file is uploaded to the Google Drive folder, I opened it into the CNC software. This showed my pocket cut and toolpath which the machine will follow. We used a jig for this as well to help refocus and home the machine. This was a tedious process because the measurements were not exact and were eyeballed. Once the file was uploaded into the software, we configured the axis to the origin of the wood board. After doing this we made that the home, this is so the machine will think that is the origin and will cut on the board instead of cutting somewhere else. After setting up the machine and following the workflow, it was ready to run an air cut. This was to make sure all the changes made to the machine work and there are no problems with alignment. After this step, the CNC was ready to be used!
CNC Workflow
Desktop Max Shopbot Cutting using Aspire/ VCarve Toolpath
March 16, 2021
Shopbot Machine
Put on eye and ear protection
Close the doors
Check to see that the machine has been warmed up
Check to see bit is not loose
Raise Z AXIS 2.5 inches using the JZ 2.5 command (this is different height than alpha)
Use the proximity switch to set Calibrate. (C3 keyboard command)
Calibrate Z AXIS on the table. (C2 keyboard command)
Raise Z AXIS 2.5 inches using the JZ 2.5 command
Measure thickness of material that you plan to cut.
Attach material to the table using screws
Set new X and Y Origins for your design
Raise the Z-axis so the bit won’t drag on the table
Using keyboard jog to the appropriate X and Y location. (J2 X,Y)
Using keyboard to zero the appropriate X and Y Location. (Z2)
You set origin.
Select Cut
Start up Aspire and VCarve software
Open your file
Select objects you wish to cut
Select Toolpath
Pin Toolpath
Click on material setup
Check Z-0 - it should be off the board not materials
Enter the thickness of the material *
Model position material should be the same thickness of the material.
Go to home start position
Confirm x and y axis are both zero
The z axis should one inch plus the thickness of the material.
Click OK.
Go to TOOL PATH OPERATIONS
Select 2D Profile Toolpath
Under cutting depth, select the cut depth of the material (CLS tools).
Select the proper tool -CLS down bit 1/4
Click add tabs to tool pads.
Hit CALCULATE.
Preview toolpath
Click on CLOSE
Select SAVE TOOL PATH and save the file in a shopbot format
Start ShopBot Command Console
Conduct air cut
Select FILE-LOAD
Load the appropriate file
Select 1 3-D offset
Press ENTER
Turn on the spindle by pressing the big GREEN Button
You should hear a “SOUND” of the spindle now turning
Press ok
After checking that everything is good; press space bar
Return to origin (J2 0,0)
Perform cut
Select FILE-LOAD
Load the appropriate file
Select no offset rather than 1 3-D offset
Press enter
Turn on the spindle by pressing the GREEN Button
You should hear a “SOUND”
Turn on the vacuum
Press enter again to start cut
Cut is done
Turn off vacuum (which is so loud you shouldn’t forget)
Clean up after yourself
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)