¶ Introduction
Open Works has two ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Routers available to reserve.
- You must complete CNC Router 1 Shop Safety in order to use Shopbot #1 and Shopbot #2.
¶ Machine Reservations
You can make machine reservations in the following ways:
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- 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).
¶ Machine Overview
The ShopBot CNC[1] Routers are machines designed for cutting and milling wood, plastic, foam, and other soft materials.
Accommodates sheet material up to 4' x 8' with cutting/machining depth (Z-axis) of 6 inches.
¶ Machines Available
¶ Machine Comparison Chart
| Name | Axes Orientation | Affixing Material | Controller | Spindle Warm Up | Tool Path File Type | Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShopBot | X = 8', Y = 4' | Screws or Nails | ShopBot 3 (SB3) Software on Desktop | Shortcut "C3" on Sb3 | .sbp | Do Not Exceed 15,000 RPM |
| Laguna | X = 4', Y= 8' | Vacuum Bed, Screws or Nails | Control Panel | Manual by operator | .tap | Do Not Exceed 18,000 RPM |
¶ Parts of the Machine
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¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials:
Untreated lumber.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Epoxy and resin.
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS :
Steel
¶ Safety and Setup
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
¶ Before You Begin
¶ Using the ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Routers
- Turning on the ShopBot and using the software controls to move in the X, Y, and Z directions.
- Machine Setup: running the spindle warmup routine, installing a bit, setting the home location , and attaching the dust boot.
- Running a job.
- Free your material and clean up.
¶ ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router Maintenance
¶ ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Router Troubleshooting
¶ References
¶ Video Walkthroughs
¶ Glossary
CNC: Computer numerical control; a type of automated manufacturing process which uses computer code to control machines. ↩︎
Feed rate (IPM/IPS): the speed of the tool (bit) traveling through the material. It is measured in either inches per second (IPS) or inches per minute (IPM). Most calculations are in IPM, to get IPS - divide by 60. Start with a slow feed rate (around 2 inches per second) and increase as needed. ↩︎
RPM: Revolutions per minute; the speed at which the spindle is rotating on a CNC machine. Used in calculating feed and speed rates. ↩︎
Zero (home, origin): The starting point or "home" for each axis on a digital fabrication machine. ↩︎