¶ Introduction
Digital Fabrication is equipped with three CNC[1] routers. Two ShopBot PRSalpha CNC routers for wood, plastic, and other soft materials, as well as a Laguna Swift CNC router for wood, hard plastics, and soft metals.
There are additional steps for milling metal on any of the CNC Routers, talk to a Community Technician for help.
- You must complete CNC Router 1 Shop Safety in order to use Shopbot #1 and Shopbot #2.
- You must complete CNC Router 2: Laguna in order to use the Laguna.
The setup and controls for the ShopBot PRSalpha CNC routers and the Laguna Swift CNC router are different.
¶ Shop Access
A membership or day pass is required to access Digital Fabrication
The Shop Safety Class CNC Router 1 Shop Safety is required to operate the ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Routers. The Shop Safety Class CNC Router 2: Laguna is required to operate the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router.
¶ Machine Overview
CNC Routers utilize toolbits to cut, drill, and mill material to file specifications. CNC technology allows users to efficiently produce large-scale replicatable designs without sacrificing quality or artistry. Whether creating a singular art object or mass producing furniture, CNC routers are a valuable tool for many types of makers.
¶ Popular Uses of CNC Technology
- Furniture making.
- Cabinetry.
- Instrument making.
- Sculpture.
- Sign making.
¶ Machines Available
- 2 ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Routers
(ShopBot #1 and ShopBot #2) - 1 Laguna Swift CNC Router
The available collets are sized for 1/8th, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch bits.
¶ Machine Comparison Chart
| Name | Axes[2] Orientation | Affixing Material | Controller | Spindle[3] Warm Up | Tool Path File Type | Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShopBot | X = 8', Y = 4' | Screws or Plastic Nails | ShopBot 3 (SB3) Software on Desktop | Shortcut "C5" on Sb3 | .sbp | Do Not Exceed 15,000 RPM |
| Laguna | X = 4', Y= 8' | Vacuum Bed, Screws or Plastic Nails | Control Panel and Pendant | Manual by operator | .tap | Do Not Exceed 18,000 RPM |
The bed size of all three CNC routers is 48'' x 96''.
¶ Parts of the machine:
Click to expand
%%INSERT PICTURE¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials:
Untreated lumber.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS :
Steel
¶ Machine Reservations
You can make machine reservations in the following ways:
Click to expand
- In person at the front desk.
- Reserve a machine any time through our Mind Body Portal.
- Call the front desk during business hours at (410) 862-0424.
- Email us at frontdesk@openworksbmore.com. Please include your name, the machine you'd like to reserve, and the date(s) and times of the reservation(s).
¶ Safety and setup for CNC Routing
Safety Check:
¶ Step-by-Step Guides for the ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Routers
¶ Before You Begin
¶ Using the ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Routers
- ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router controls.
- ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router setup.
- Run a file on the ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router.
- Clean up.
¶ ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router Machine Maintenance
¶ ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router Troubleshooting
¶ Step-by-Step Guides for the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router
¶ Before You Begin
¶ Using the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router
- Power on the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router.
- Operate the Laguna Swift Series controller.
- Run a file on the Laguna Swift Series CNC Router.
- Clean up.
¶ Laguna Swift Series CNC Router Machine Maintenance
¶ Laguna Swift Series CNC Router Troubleshooting
¶ References
¶ Video Walkthroughs
¶ Glossary
CNC: Computer numerical control; a type of automated manufacturing process which uses computer code to control machines. ↩︎
Axis: The lines along which a machine moves through space. On the CNC routers at Open Works, the axes are X, Y, and Z. X and Y move forward, backward, and side to side, and Z moves up and down. ↩︎
Spindle: The rotating axis at the heart of a CNC machine which contains the bit. ↩︎