Related Manuals for ShopBot HandiBot
Summary of Contents for ShopBot HandiBot
- Page 1 Handibot User’s Guide This is a guide for app developers, and other "first adopters" of our HandiBot Tool. It provides an introduction to our control software and the basic functions of the Tool. ©2013 ShopBot Tools, Inc.
- Page 2 Calculating cut speed and RPM using Chip Load values 4. Holding down material for cutting Please note: this document was written for our full-size tools, some hold-down methods may not apply to use with a HandiBot ©2013 ShopBot Tools, Inc.
- Page 3 HandiBot Setup Guide HandiBot Setup Guide Written By: ShopBot Tools © 2014 shopbot.dozuki.com Page 1 of 15...
- Page 4 Step 1 — Safety As with any power tool, there are inherent risks to using the Handibot. Following these safety rules can reduce your risk of injury. Eye and ear protection MUST be worn at all times by the operator and anyone in the area.
- Page 5 HandiBot Setup Guide Step 2 — Handibot anatomy Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the major components of your Handibot. We will refer to the tool using these terms, so they are helpful to know. It is very important to understand the axis orientation of your tool, as well as the location of XY(0,0).
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Page 6: Step 4 - Loading The Software
Locate the ShopBot USB drive that came with your HandiBot and plug it into your computer. Alternatively, you should have received an email containing a link to download the software. Do not plug the USB cable from your Handibot into your computer until instructed to do so in Step 5. Open the install_shopbot.exe file Follow the on-screen prompts ©... - Page 7 2D CAD/CAM program that enables you to design parts, import vectors, apply toolpaths, and create part files that your Handibot can cut. Partworks 3D is a 3D CAM program. It allows you to import a 3D model that was created in another program, and apply toolpaths to create a part file.
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Page 8: Step 6 - Connect To Your Computer
HandiBot Setup Guide Step 6 — Connect to your computer Your Handibot runs on 110V / 15A power like any other portable power tool. Simply plug into the wall and you're almost ready to go. However, we do not recommend plugging it into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet. - Page 9 HandiBot Setup Guide Step 7 Turn the Handibot on using the main power switch on the back of the machine. Keep in mind that there is also a power switch on top of the router, which will need to be turned on before you cut anything.
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Page 10: Step 8 - Launch The Software
The latest version of ShopBot control software can always be downloaded for free from the Shopbot website. Double-click on the ShopBot 3 icon to launch the ShopBot control software. The first time you open the program you will be prompted to load a settings file for the machine. - Page 11 X and Y axes. Making this distance .05" allows you to use your full cutting area. Navigate to the Tools drop down menu and select ShopBot Setup. When the popup box appears, click next. At the bottom of the next window, check the box next to "...
- Page 12 HandiBot Setup Guide Step 12 — Switch to FULL mode By default, ShopBot 3 opens up in "Easy Mode." This offers a streamlined interface that makes it easier for beginners to use the software. Full mode can be used to fully explore the functionality of the software for the coming steps.
- Page 13 HandiBot Setup Guide Step 14 — Software fundamentals The ShopBot Control Panel: this gives you access to essential machine information and controls. Start by clicking on the yellow button shown here. This will bring up the Keypad panel. The Keypad panel allows you to manually move the X, Y, and Z axes of your machine.
- Page 14 1/2" of the shank is exposed. If inserting an end mill bit, insert just until the machining for the cutting edges starts. Hold down the spindle lock button and tighten the collet nut. Use the Keypad to move the router bit up above the base plate before flipping the Handibot back onto its base. © 2014 shopbot.dozuki.com...
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Page 15: Step 16 - Zero The Z Axis
Step 16 — Zero the Z axis For safety, you should turn your router's power switch OFF. Position the Handibot on the material that you will be cutting. Use the Keypad to move the router bit (X and Y axes) towards the center of the work area. -
Page 16: Step 17 - Zero The X And Y Axes
XY(0,0). You should perform this step each time your turn your Handibot on to ensure accurate cuts. If you wish to check that you have full travel in the X and Y axes... - Page 17 HandiBot Setup Guide Step 18 — Ready to cut For light jobs (shallow engraving, etc), the weight of the Handibot is enough to keep it from shifting. For deeper cuts, you will either need to clamp the Handibot to the material or hold it using the outboard handles.
- Page 19 Selecting the right bit for your project Bit material: Router bits are made from a variety of materials. The most common are solid carbide, carbide-tipped steel, and high-speed steel. Both solid carbide and carbide- tipped are good choices. We do not recommend using high-speed steel bits as they dull quickly and must be re-sharpened.
- Page 20 Number of flutes: The number of flutes on a bit is essential to calculating proper feed and speed rates. What’s the difference For most applications you can use a bit with 1, 2, or 3 between a square-end bit and flutes, but you must adjust your reed rates and RPM an end mill? accordingly to maintain proper chip load.
- Page 21 The drilling toolpath is saved as a separate part file so it can be run first. Then the material is screwed down through these holes, and the main cut file can be run safely. Copyright 2013 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
- Page 22 T-track tables and rails The Shopbot Buddy and Desktop Tools have an aluminum table base that is ideal for setting up moveable clamps and fixtures. On full-size machines, you can set up your own system using T-track rails (available from woodworking supply stores), inlaid into the MDF deck.
- Page 23 Some people prefer to glue a layer of paper between the workpiece and support board. This can weaken the bond, but it makes removal easier. Try both methods on some scrap so that you can compare for yourself. Copyright 2013 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
- Page 24 Shopbot offers several kits for full-table vacuum systems on our Gantry tools. For other models (or small projects) it is possible to build your own. This document is only meant as an introduction to hold-down systems, so we won’t get into the details of that here.
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