Install the Control software and connect the USB cable
If you have not installed the ShopBot Control Software on the computer, do it now before connecting the USB cable for the first time! This will install the driver for the USB connection between your ShopBot and your computer. If you installed ShopBot Software on your computer earlier to try it out and chose not to install the USB drivers, you may want to repeat the installation.
After installing the software, plug the USB cable from the Control Box into a USB port on your computer. On many computers, there are multiple slots for the USB cable. Once you have decided on the one you are going to use, always plug the ShopBot USB cable into the same slot.
The USB cable provided is 10 feet long. If it is necessary to increase the length of the USB cable, use a USB 2.0 hub to connect 2, 10’ USB cables. Using a cable longer than 10 feet without a hub as a booster may result in loss of signal or increased electrical interference. If extending cable, do not use a powered 2.0 hub, just one of the small simple ones. Do not use USB equipment made by Belkin. If you should have a USB communication problem from electrical noise of the spindle or router, try shortening the cable.
PartWorks and PartWorks 3D Design Software
PartWorks and PartWorks 3D are the design/toolpathing programs that most people use to create the Part Files that run their ShopBot. The two programs, PartWorks and PartWorks 3D, can be installed on your ShopBot Computer and a separate design computer if you wish. Tutorials will be copied to the computer as part of the installation process. Go to Start > All Programs > ShopBot > Tutorials to open them. The accompanying videos can be downloaded from the support section of our website www.shopbottools.com.
Stopping (or shutting off) your ShopBot
You will discover a number of situations in which you need to temporarily stop cutting or halt movement of your ShopBot and then resume your work. There will also be situations -- hopefully not many -- in which you need to abruptly terminate the action of your tool and shut it down to prevent damage to people, material, or the tool. This section discusses several different methods for stopping the action of your ShopBot -- starting with an emergency safety stop. Note that the following instructions apply to PRS ShopBots running ShopBot Control Software 3.6.x or higher. Go to http://www.shopbottools.com/ to download the latest control software. If you have a ShopBot Desktop the ON/OFF switch is also the EStop, so refer to your Desktop manual for instructions.
Emergency STOP and Disconnect
On all PRS ShopBots the Primary Emergency Stop (E-Stop) is the main disconnect switch on the Control Box. By rotating the RED power knob to the OFF position, on all PRSalpha ShopBots and PRSstandard tools shipped after 8/1/09, you will stop the movement of X,Y, and Z axes and remove the power to all components of your ShopBot including power to the spindle/router.
PRSalpha ShopBots also have an E-Stop Button on the 3-Button Pendant and PRSalpha gantry models have an additional E-Stop Button on a separate cable for mounting in a user-selected location. Hitting the E-Stop Button will stop motion of the tool and shut down power in the same manner as turning the power knob off, including removing power to the spindle/router.
An Emergency Stop activated by the power switch or E-Stop Button removes all power to your tool. Because of the shut-down, the Control Software no longer knows the exact current location of your tool. To go back to work with your tool you will need to:
Release the red button on the E-Stop by rotating it; or turn the Red power switch back to ON.
Press the RESET button on the PRSalpha Control Box to re-engage the safety interlock system in the Control Box and send power to the motors and spindle/router on your tool.
Clear the disconnect message box in the Control Software. It is usually best to exit the software and then re-start after the Control Box has been reset.
Re-zero the X and Y [C2], and the Z axis [C3] to make sure all axis locations are correct before resuming work.
You can return to the location in the file you were cutting and continue from there by using the [FG] Command to start the file in the ‘G’oTo mode.
Stopping and Temporarily Pausing or Quiting a File
Typically, when cutting a PartFile you may discover that you need to temporarily stop or quit the file but are not in an emergency situation. The ShopBot Control Software allows a more controlled pause and resumption in your work than a full Emergency Stop. This might be for a case of needing to change a file setting, adjust a hold-down clamp, or just leave the room.
Such a general Stop can be triggered by hitting the Space Bar on your computer, or hitting the Enter Key or clicking the mouse (the cursor remains on the Stop Button during cutting). In these cases, your ShopBot will come to a gentle (‘ramped’) Stop and if the cutting height is below Safe-Z/A Height the Z or A axis will be pulled up. If your ShopBot is moving below the ‘Fast Stop Threshold’ (.8ips by default; configured in [VR]), it will just Stop. Hitting the ‘S’ Key will produce a ramped Stop and pull-up, even if the tool is going slower than the Fast Stop Threshold.
After Stopping, you will be presented with a menu that allows you to Insert a ShopBot Command, Resume Cutting, or Quit the File. You also have the option of ‘Nudging’ any axis slightly in case it may be slightly out of position. When this type of temporary Stop is used, the tool remains powered and locations calibrated so that you can accurately continue the project you are working on.
If you need to return to a location in a file you have already started, you can return to the location in the file you were cutting and continue from there by using the [FG] Command to start the file in the ‘G’oTo mode.
PRSstandard ShopBots are provided with a ‘Remote Stop Button’. This button can be set up in a convenient location on the tool. Hitting it has the same effect as hitting the Space Bar. That is, the Remote Stop Button stops the tool, but it is not an E-Stop that also cuts power to the system. Additional external ‘Stop’ Buttons can be set up on an unused Input and configured for ‘Stop’ action using the [VN] Command.
Be Smart …
The presence of a Remote Stop Switch does not alter the need for good safety procedures in operating your ShopBot. You should always stand clear of the tool when it is in movement, preferably positioning yourself near the computer controlling your tool’s operation. A ShopBot can be a very safe power tool as long as safety procedures are followed.
Take a test spin
Next we'll go for a quick trial spin with your tool and do a few tests to make sure things are working as they should be. Then you'll be ready to start putting your ShopBot to work for you!
Run Your ShopBot Now and Check out Some of its Basic Functions.
Start the Control Box. If your tool is a PRSalpha, also hit the blue “Reset” button on the box (this activates the relay systems). Your first moves will just be 'air' cuts, so you do not need to have a bit.
Start the ShopBot Control Software. The icon to start the Control Software is labeled “ShopBot 3” and should show up on your Windows Desktop. Double click it to start the software.
If this is the first time you have run the software, you may be prompted to select your tool type from a list. (If you get it wrong, you can correct later with Utilities > Reset.)
As the ShopBot Control Software begins to start, it should indicate that it is “trying to connect” to your ShopBot If you have run the software in Preview Mode previously, just click the ‘Move’ Switch on the Red Panel to switch out of the Preview Mode and into Move/Cut Mode. The connection process will start.
If a connection to a ShopBot Tool cannot be established, a yellow screen will come up with suggestions for you to try. There is information in the Troubleshooting section under Help in the control software if you have a problem.
Once you are connected, the ShopBot Control Software will bring up two windows. The red one is the ShopBot Position screen. This is used as the Location Display for your tool. The second screen is the Control Console, here you will enter Commands that tell your ShopBot what you would like it to do.
You can use the keyboard or mouse to select commands from the Main Menu bar, or you can enter two letter ShopBot Commands right into the Command Box on the Console.
Set the current location to zero by typing “Z3” at the keyboard (the Location Display should now show 0 in all axes).
“Z3” is an example of a ShopBot 'Command' instruction. From here on, and in the manual Commands will be indicated with brackets, for example [Z3]. With ShopBot Commands you only need to type the two letters in the appropriate space. There are drop-down menus that remind you of the meaning of these Commands letters. This is fun, so relax and enjoy.
Now we’ll try a few moves. Before carrying out any of these instructions, make sure that the area is clear for the tool to move. And remember, YOU CAN STOP ANY MOVE BY HITTING THE SPACE BAR!
Try a 1" Z plunge.
Use: [MZ] … first type ‘MZ’ as the Command, then put ‘-1’ in for the parameter. Remember, negative numbers plunge for the Z axis. Then hit ENTER.
You should hear a few seconds of warning beeps, then the Z-axis should start plunging down. It should stop after moving 1" down. You should see the move on the tool, and the new location should show on the display.
Then, return to your starting point at a faster (jog) speed with: [JZ] 0. This should give you a feel for how the Z-axis works.
Now check out the Y axis in a similar fashion.
Let’s go 3" in the positive direction on the Y-axis.
Use: [MY] 3. Your tool should have gone exactly 3" back (away from you on the Y-axis as you are facing the tool from the front) and the computer display should indicate a Y location of 3.00. Try [MY] 6.00… etc.
Then use [JY] 0 to bring it back.
And give the X axis a try using [MX].
The ‘KeyPad’ Control
If all has gone well, it’s time to try the KeyPad Control which is a more convenient way to move your tool from the Control Console when it is not running a file.
Hit 'K' which the shortcut to KeyPad Control (full command = [SK]). You should see a new screen displaying a number of arrow key buttons. You can move your mouse over any of the items on the KeyPad to get an explanation of what they do. But basically, you can click on keys to move your tool, or you can use the equivalent arrow key on you computer keyboard.
Try driving your tool around with the arrow keys. Use the ESC key when you are ready to close the KeyPad.
If you want to Zero the X and Y axes in another location, use the KeyPad control to move the tool to that location, escape from the KeyPad control, and use the Z2 command to re-zero.
If all has worked well so far, jog back to the starting point using both axes. Use: [J2] 0, 0. Your tool should move rapidly back to where you last zeroed it.
Try a Circle
Do a 6" circle using the built-in circle command: [CC] 6 (The 6 is the only parameter you will need to provide on the ’Fill-In Sheet’ that comes up). Your ShopBot should execute a smooth 6" circle starting from the 12 o'clock and moving clockwise. Note: if you start this from (0,0) you may hit the proximity switches or mechanical stops, Use (K) KeyPad mode to move away from corner.
Note that the speeds of the motors change as the tool moves through the circle. The motor speed changes in order to maintain a constant vectored speed at the cutter.
Do an 'Air Cut’ of a ShopBot Part File
Now let’s try running a Part File (a file containing cutting instructions or ‘tool paths’). We will do an ‘air cut’, which means to run it in the air above the cutting bed without the router or spindle running.
Use: [FP] ( for 'F'ile 'P'art) to select the file to run, then use the arrow keys to scroll to the file called "SAMPLE_SHOPBOT_LOGO.SBP" and hit ENTER (If you aren’t in the c:\SbParts folder, you will need to browse to it). All the files which start ‘SAMPLE_’ are sample files of one sort or another … you will probably find them interesting and helpful. Use the [FE] Command to check out what’s in them.
We'll ignore the parameter settings on the fill-in sheet for the moment ... just hit ENTER twice again to start air-cutting the file.
This file cuts the ShopBot logo (normally you would use a 'V' bit), and you can cut it in all different sizes using the proportion feature in the [FP] Command. Note that the underline portion of the logo cuts first, followed by the letters. The file ends with a couple of 3D moves to carve the shape of the flying wood chips in our logo.
Mount the X-Axis Proximity Switch Targets and Check The Y-Axis Proximity Switch (PRS Tools only)
With your PRS tool powered up and moving, we can finish up getting the Proximity Switches set up.
Now (assuming you have the End Stops in position to keep the car from coming off the rails) move the car to about 2” from the end of the X track (you’ll do both ends, so start at either). This is about where we want the limit switches to trigger.
In the prox switch kit there are (2) 5/16”-20 bolts, (2) 5/16” flat washers, (2) 5/16” nuts, and (2) 5/16"” T nuts. Place the nut on the bolt, the flat washer, followed by the T nut. Remove the black end caps from the table side and slide the target into the second slot from the bottom, of the table side extrusion. The target should capture the table side between the T nut and flat washer. Tighten the bolt until it begins to tighten into the slot, back off slightly to allow movement side to side.
Slide the target along the slot until it is just under the Proximity Switch on the X car. Lock the position of the target by tightening down on the top nut and washer.
Then set the distance between the Proximity Switch and the target to about 2mm by adjusting the Proximity Switch position using the two nuts. In this position, the Proximity LED should be off.
Use the KeyPad to back off the Proximity Switch. The LED should come back on. You can test the “Limit” Function of the Proximity Switches with the KeyPad. First use the [VN] Command to turn the Limit Switch functionality on. Now use the KeyPad to drive into the switch. Your tool should stop. After hitting a switch, the KeyPad then overrides switches if you use it again, so you can drive off the switch. After you have driven off and released the arrow key. The switches will again function as limits.
Set the Proximity Switch at the other end of the Table.
Finally, check the Y-Axis Proximity Switches to make sure it is adjusted correctly and functional.
Spindle testing and warmup
A spindle requires a warmup cycle to bring it's precision bearings up to operating temperature. The ShopBot Control Software install includes a Custom Cut file [C5] that automates that warmup for you. This file can also be used to test the connections on your spindle and make sure it's working.
Make sure that everyone and everything is clear of the spindle collet and bit, INCLUDING HANDS AND WRENCHES, and then select "C5 - Spindle Warmup Routine" from the CUSTOM menu, or type "C5" in the command line in the ShopBot software.
A message box will appear that warns you that the spindle will start turning and prompts you to push the green Start button to start the spindle spinning on a PRS tool...a Desktop tool's spindle or router will start when you click the OK button.
The warmup will take 9 minutes to complete and needs to be run at the start of each day and whenever the spindle has been off for long enough for the body of the spindle to feel cold...usually after a couple of hours. If you are just making sure that your spindle is working, though, you can stop the process at any time by hitting the Esc (Escape) key.
Z-axis Zeroing
Accurately setting your Z-axis Zero point is key to cutting accurate parts. Fortunately the process is simple using built-in ShopBot routines and a Z-zero plate.
When creating your toolpaths you'll have a choice of zeroing at the top of the material or the bottom..the table surface. In most cases you'll be zeroing at the top of the material, but if you'll be zeroing at the bottom of the blank...the table surface. The steps are exactly the same except for mounting the blank...it's usually done after zeroing.
Test the z-zero plate by touching the plate to the tip of the bit. The #1 input switch indicator should come ON when the plate contacts the bit...
...and go OFF when the plate is removed and the contact is broken
If the test is successful, place the z-zero plate on your blank directly under bit, or on the table or holding jig surface if you're zeroing to the bottom of the material.
The spindle or router will move down until the bit makes contact with the plate, then move up and down again for a second contact...DO NOT REMOVE THE PLATE UNTIL AFTER THE SECOND CONTACT!
When the Z-zero routine is finished, unclip the alligator clip and return it and the plate to it's storage area . Your z-axis is now zeroed and ready for accurate cutting.
This video shows the process...it's really that easy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNCZiHbvnb8
A First Project: Surfacing your Table Top
One of the first things you'll want to do after getting your ShopBot together and running is to smooth your work surface. Use either the Tabletop Surfacing Virtual Tool [TU] or follow the instructions using the [CR] command.
You should have attached the support board to the table with the carriage bolts (recessed) included in the table hardware. Now, attach a sacrificial board to the underlying support board by countersinking drywall screws. If you can find them, plastic screws countersunk are a good option. If there are warps in the sacrificial board, check to be sure that all the screws are tight
The smoothness of the surfacing will depend on the Z-axis being perpendicular to the table. However, don’t be too disappointed if your surface has distinct tooling marks. After you've finished this surfacing, you will actually be able to adjust the Zaxis with even more precision because you will have a tool-defined, flat plane to measure against. The larger the diameter cutter that you use for surfacing, the less time it will take. But a wider cutter makes it more likely that you will have tooling ridges from the process and increases the load on your router. A .75”- 1.25” diameter bit will work well.
This little project is going to generate a lot of sawdust. We recommend that you have your dust collector hooked up and running before starting the actual cutting.
The instructions use values appropriate for a table that is exactly 96” X 48”. If your ShopBot is a different size, the table surface slightly larger or smaller, or you are working in mm, just replace the ‘96’ and ‘48’ with appropriate dimensions for your table. NOTE: If you are using a router bit that does not have a blade for plunging, you need to plunge to the cutting depth outside of the material, and move into the material. The instructions will give you suggestions on how to do this.
The TableTop Surfacer Virtual Tool
Use the Table Surfacing Tool in the ShopBot Software under Tools. Fill in values for your setup, then “make the flattening file”. Run the flatten_top.sbp file.
That’s it. Run this file whenever you need to flatten the table surface. By default this file is named "flatten_top.sbp" and saved in your sbparts folder.
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