ShopBot CNC Router Certification

From Claremont MakerSpace
This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
ShopBot CNC Router Certification
Version 0.1.0
Approval Date 2020-11-03
Prerequisites
Document/Printout ShopBot CNC Router Certification
Required For Tools/Shops

Training Check-Off List:

Tool Anatomy

  • Parts of the Shopbot are identified properly
    • Spindle
    • Gantry
    • Rails
    • VFD (variable frequency drive)
    • Control Box
    • Spoilboard
    • X, Y & Z axis directions

Pre-Operation

  • Student can explain general safety protocol:
    • Safety glasses, hair tied back, no flowing clothes
    • Ear protection is recommended
  • Student can identify 2 ways to stop ShopBot:
    • Control Software
    • Emergency Stop switch
  • Student can identify location of nearest fire extinguisher

Set Up and Control Software

  • Start Shopbot from cold (control box and VFD)
  • Run warm up routine
  • Select and install appropriate bit/tool - explain general uses of primary ShopBot router bits at CMS: http://www.shopbottools.com/Training/Videos/Info on bits.pdf
    • Compression
    • Spiral Up
    • Spiral Down
    • Straight flute
    • V-Flute
    • Planer
  • Zero X and Y axis using proximity switches
  • Zero Z axis (to bed or material)
    • Student imparts difference between zeroing Z to bed and zeroing to material
  • Explains how to zero X & Y to specific, alternate location
  • Student fixes workpiece to table bed using screws
    • Checks for clean bed first
    • Keeps screws clear of planned tool paths

Operation

VCarve - Design and File Prep

  • Set job dimensions and selects correct location (bed vs material) for Z-zero
  • Uploads a file

VCarve - Toolpaths

  • Pocket
  • Profile w/ tabs
  • Calculates Chip Load using ShopBot Chip Load calculator
  • Communicate role of tabs, ramp, climb vs conventional milling
  • Calculates toolpaths and notes proper order
  • Saves toolpaths to desktop - include user name in file name

Cutting

  • Opens file for preview in ShopBot Control
  • Opens file for cutting in ShopBot Control
  • Turn on dust collector
  • Cuts piece
  • Use oscillating multi-tool (or razor) to cut tabs

Post-Operation

  • Turn off VFD
  • Turn off Control Box
  • Remove bit and return to bit holder
  • Remove leftover materials from spoilboard
  • Vacuum spoilboard
  • Sweep or vacuum floor surrounding work area
  • Close VCarve and ShopBot software - save your files to a personal thumb drive if you don’t want them deleted!
  • Close computer

Problems with the ShopBot CNC Router

Student explains proper steps to take when/if there is a problem with the ShopBot:

  • Double check work - if easily fixable (ie. general user error), then fix it.
  • If not easily fixable or obvious: Turn machine off, place “Out of Order” tag on spoilboard, notify Front Desk immediately (if during Staffed Hours) and email Woodshop Lead at [email protected]