ShopBot

First, take this little readiness test:

The result of the little test in the right hand panel will give you a pretty good estimate of the number of hours it is going to take for you to get up to speed with your new CNC router (hours of real effort, not goofing around hours) ... it will be longer if you are under time pressure to get a specific job out that makes use of your new CNC tool. (And of course, you might also factor in how good you usually are at this sort of thing ...)

This estimate of learning time isn’t meant to be discouraging to those with little experience with computers, only to be realistic. ShopBots and our PartWizard design software together are the easiest and most integrated CNC systems around. At ShopBot we believe that everyone can learn to use CNC tools and that the increased productivity and capability these tools offer will pay for your efforts many times over. It’s not hard, but it does take time. We have had a lot of experience with ShopBotters getting up to speed, and we want you to have an honest appreciation that it may take some extra time and effort if you are not familiar with computers and have not worked with any type of CAD drawing or design software.

It's all about learning how to use a new tool. There are software things to learn and there are mechanical things to learn. We review some of these below.

Understanding Cutting files, also called ShopBot 'Part Files'

Learning how to use the ShopBot Control Software to run the ShopBot is pretty easy. We've only set aside 5 hours for mastering it. But this is only a small part of using CNC. Although you can enter individual commands with the ShopBot Control Software to move the cutter, most of the time you will want the ShopBot Control Software to run cutting files. (By the way, we call these cutting files ShopBot Part Files and they all have the file extension .sbp.) A project may require one or more cutting files. These files tell the cutter what path to follow to cut out the pieces. You will need to learn how to create these files in what we call design or toolpathing software.

There are many different ways to design and create cutting files for your ShopBot. For simple shapes and cutoffs, you can type command directions directly into the ShopBot Control Software. Or use the ShopBot File Editor (or any text editor such as Notepad) to write and save the commands into an .sbp file. You might even scan a 3D sample with our digitizing probe to make a Part File that is ready for cutting. Usually however, cutting files are made with drawing or design software. The ShopBot Part Wizard that comes with your CNC router is one of the best and easiest to use entry-level CAD/CAM software programs available. Using Part Wizard, or some other design software, will be where much of your effort is invested in learning how to effectively use your new CNC router. Mastering a method of going from design to cutting file is of primary importance in becoming productive with CNC tools.

Mechanical Considerations Related to CNC Cutting and Machining

A CNC tool pushes a rapid-turning cutter through material with a great deal of force. You must think about cutters, speeds, direction-of-cutting, waste, and dust collection. These considerations are part of the new “craft” that you will be mastering. The most important new issue, though, will be how you are going to hold your material in place during cutting. There are many hold-down solutions and you will need to decide on what the best solutions are for your specific production situation. In general, material needs to be held firmly and flat. Even the slightest movement of the part during cutting will contribute to uneven cutting or poor edge quality. Your hold-down can be as simple as a screw or clamp. For repetitive production tasks, a fixture or jig that utilizes mechanical force or vacuum can be very effective. The most general-purpose solution is a universal vacuum that draws through a sacrificial bleeder board using a heavy-duty industrial vacuum pump/blower. ShopBot offers these general-purpose, vacuum hold-down systems, but they are expensive and are not optimal for every situation. If you have not had experience with CNC and vacuum systems, please give us a call and discuss your hold-down needs with our technical/sales people. It might also be a good idea to use your ShopBot for a while before committing to a specific hold-down approach. Experiment with holding down your parts in various ways and test different approaches in your production environment. A vacuum system can always be added later.

Recipe for Frustration (if not disaster ...)

Buying a CNC tool to complete a contract that you've already accepted puts you under tremendous pressure. Not only must you install the tool and get familiar with using it, but you must also master the CAD/CAM software needed for the project and get the project fixtured and set up for efficient production. It's pretty easy to clamp an board down and cut a simple shape as soon as your new tool is running, but it's a lot more difficult to create an efficient and reliable production system for multiple parts or to machine an intricate or complex part. We recommend that you do not accept a contract for CNC work before you've gotten your CNC system up and running and understand how you're going to put it to work. If you must take on a project before having your CNC system fully operational, consider purchasing our optional installation and training package. We also provide part-design and production set-up services that can help you get going. We have a technically skilled and creative team ready to work with you. Additional production services are not cheap, but may be a bargain for you in the long run if you must get something out the door in a hurry.

Even though we can provide installation services, what we really suggest is that you set up your own ShopBot and spend a little time getting familiar with its operation when you are not under the pressure of getting a job out. Our tools are very straightforward; you will get a thorough understanding by just doing the small amount of assembly required to position and set the tool up. Do some sample designing and cutting, and practice holding-down or fixturing parts. Then, accept that contract — you are still going to pay for your new ShopBot in a few months.

If Price is Your Primary Consideration

If you are reading this note, you are already aware that ShopBot is committed to providing high quality, and very affordable robotic tools. But if cost is making it difficult for you to get going with a CNC tool, there are several things you can do to keep the initial dollar layout to a minimum. Your tool will be no less capable than a tool with more expensive options, but you may invest a little more of your time and effort in getting it fitted out. Here's what to consider:

• Purchase one of our entry-level PRTstandards. You can upgrade to a PRTalpha (our higher-performance, closed-loop CNC) later if you wish.
• Build Your Own Table. An owner-built steel table can be just as sturdy and robust as our tables. Please paint it blue!
• Build Your Own Accessories. We provide a variety of accessories for our ShopBots. Plans or instructions are usually available here and in the manual so that you can make your own version of many of these accessories. You should be able to make them at considerably less expense than our manufactured models, and you'll have the advantage of fully understanding them. Many ShopBotters have been able to make variations on the standard accessories that are even better suited to their own applications. (Examples: Z-zero sytem; proximity switches; digitizing probe; hold-down systems or fixtures;etc.) But do not use dull or poor quality cutters -- they are a false economy.
• Develop Your Own Hold-Down System. As mentioned above, a general-purpose, high-volume, vacuum hold-down system is expensive but it is not the only choice for holding down your material. If you need vacuum, consider a more affordable shop vacuum that can be used with templates for effectively securing your parts. Appropriately placed clamps or double-sided tape are other options.
• Go with a Standard Router instead of a Spindle. A high-frequency spindle offers many advantages over a router (power, reduced run-out, less noise), but consider initially using a standard router to evaluate what you will actually need in your particular production situation. A spindle is more expensive and will probably require an additional electrical circuit and wiring. Go with a router to reduce your initial investment.
• Attend a ShopBot Training Session. We offer a two-day Training Class at our facility monthly. Training covers use of your ShopBot and its Control Software as well as a thorough introduction to the Part Wizard design software. We focus on getting from your idea to a Part File. Also, try to find a “Camp ShopBot” in your area [Camps]. These are user-organized, weekend sessions where ShopBotters share techniques and projects … a great place to learn new approaches to your work. Training and Camps can also clarify for you what you really need and what you don't need.
• Pick Your Tool Up at ShopBot. Especially if you plan to attend a training session, you can save $200+ in shipping expenses if you pick your tool up while you are here. Please note that you must furnish us with a manufacturers certificate or you will be charged full NC state sales tax if you pick up the tool at ShopBot. With a manufacturers certificate, you pay $80. Give us a call if you have questions about this one.

If Convenience, Timing, and Efficiency Are Your Priorities

We can provide a complete package that includes tool installation and training, as well as part design and production set-up if you need it. We have a technically skilled and creative team ready to work with you. These additional services are not inexpensive cheap, but may be a bargain for you in the long run if you are anxious to be productive quickly.

Even if we are going to train you, get involved with your design software early. Start using your design software before you get the tool and learn how it relates to the ShopBot Control system, which you will be able to run in Preview Mode even without a tool. You will get maximum benefit from our training if you are already acquainted with the software.

Unpack your ShopBot before we get there. Have the set-up area ready and any new electrical service installed (and an electrician on call to hook up the Control Box if not already wired). Set up the computer you intend to use with your ShopBot. This will improve assembly efficiency and give us more time to spend with you on training.

Explore the resources available on this website to better understand your new CNC router and CNC production processes.