Follow these steps to setup the ShopBot CNC Router.
You can make machine reservations in the following ways:
Safety Check:
Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
Safety glasses and earmuffs must be worn while machines are running.
A dust mask or a NIOSH certified respirator is recommended.
For more information on shop safety visit Digital Fabrication under "Safety."
Members and daypass users must supply their own bit.
Note: A Community Technician will complete the spindle warmup routine every morning before opening. Check for the "This Machine Has Been Warmed" sign on the ShopBot station.
If your machine reservation is late in the day, or the machine has not been warmed, please complete the spindle warmup routine.
The warmup procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Make sure the spindle is empty.
Type C5 into the command line. Command C5 can also be accessed under Cuts > C5
Press the green Start button on the controller. Once you hear the spindle turn on, click "OK" in the dialog box on the desktop.
The spindle warmup routine has been succesfully completed!
Check the wasteboard for debris. Make sure wasteboard is flat. You can clear off any burrs with a chisel.
Move the gantry out of the way.
If you type an X value of 90 in the red Position box, the gantry will move to the far end of the bed.
To place your material somewhere else on the bed, you can reset the X-0 and Y-0 position.
See "Set X and Y Zero" below for more information or ask a Community Technician for help.
The pneumatic nail gun is loaded with nylon nails, which are safe to cut through. Approximately one nylon nail every 6 to 10 inches should suffice, depending on material size. Nylon nails are the preferred method for securing material to the wasteboard.
Metal screws are available. They are not safe to cut through and the user must make sure that the cutter path does not cross them.
You have successfully loaded your material!
Click here if you need help selecting a bit.
Jog the gantry to a reachable location and height where you can comfortably install the tool.
Turn the key to disengage the spindle .This safety feature will ensure the spindle does not turn on while installing the bit. While you're over there, get the spanner wrench from on or near the control box.
The spanner wrench is attached to the key so you do not forget this step.
Take the collet and push the collet up inside of the chuck. You should hear a click when the collet is secure inside of the chuck.
Insert the bit into the collet, until about 1/2 an inch of the shank above the cutting flutes is visible outside of the collet.
If a bit is already installed, remove the chuck and collet and clean out any dust with the overhead compressed air gun. Please return the bit to a Community Technician.
Take care not to the drop the bit. Dropping can damage the bit or your workpiece.
Attach the chuck to the spindle and hand tighten.
With the crescent wrench in your left hand and the spanner wrench in your right hand align the teeth of the spanner wrench with the grooves of the chuck. Align the crescent wrench with the flats of the spindle above the chuck.
With both wrenches aligned push away from yourself to tighten the collet.
Do not overtighten - it only needs to be as tight as a food jar lid.
You have succesfully installed the bit!
Homing is the process of setting the X, Y, and Z zero positions. This positions the toolpath in relation to the material.
Move the cutter until it is aligned with where the origin/home was set in the VCarve file earlier.
Use the buttons to set the home position.
You have succesfully set the X and Y zero!
Safety Check: Make sure you are wearing safety glasses.
Remove the copper alligator clip from the top of the YZ car, and clip to the bit just below the collet.
Place the aluminum plate below the spindle.
Select the Z-0 button in the red Position panel.
Hold the plate down with your fingers to account for flex.
Press "OK" in the dialog box to touch off the plate. The bit will begin to descend.
A second dialog box will pop up to confirm the Z has been zeroed.
You have succesfully set the Z zero height!
The dust boot attaches around the spindle and cutter through the power of magnets. It reduces the amount of chips the cutter throws.
You have succesfully attached the dust boot!