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Related Manuals for ShopBot PRS Alpha
Summary of Contents for ShopBot PRS Alpha
- Page 1 Page ShopBot User’s Manual International Version For PRS Alpha and Desktop Models ShopBot Tools, Inc. Technical Support 3333-B Industrial Drive, support@shopbottools.com Durham NC 27704 1-888-680-4466 ShopBotTools.com SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
- Page 2 Page Revision History Date: ECO: Change: Changed By: 2015 11 16 Updated format. No change to instructions M. Cummings SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Loading Software and Drivers ..................... 8 Connect Shopbot to Computer ....................8 Loading the correct settings file ....................8 Understanding the Shopbot control software ................9 The Basic ShopBot Command Principle ..................9 Entering Values (Parameters) ...................... 9 What's in a Part File ........................10 Switching from English to Metric units: .................. - Page 4 Running the cut ......................... 22 Pausing or stopping a cut ......................23 Surfacing the table ........................23 Maintenance ................................. 24 Daily checklist:........................... 24 Weekly checklist: ........................25 Resources ................................26 SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
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Page 5: Introduction
If a small part catches the edge of a spinning bit, it can be thrown forcefully in any direction, causing injury or damage. Never place hands on the rails of the ShopBot. Be aware that the machine may move unexpectedly in any direction, which can cause serious injury if hands are in the path of movement. - Page 6 Wear eye and ear protection. Ignoring Follow Safety Instructions while instructions can result in serious injury or operating machine. Ignoring equipment damage. instructions can result in serious injury or equipment damage. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
- Page 7 - Insure that collet is in good condition and that bit is fully inserted. - Machine must be supervised while in operation. - Read user’s guide for more information about proper work piece mounting and use of router bits. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
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Page 8: Section 2: Software Setup And Orientation
Loading the correct settings file All ShopBot machines are controlled by the same software, so it's important to let the program know what kind of machine is being used. All settings can be set at once by loading a default settings file. -
Page 9: Understanding The Shopbot Control Software
The Basic ShopBot Command Principle Whether issuing instructions to the ShopBot from the Control Console or from a Part File, there is a standard Com- mand Language for controlling the tool. Each ShopBot Command starts with two letters. For example, a [Z3] com- mand stands for Zero the location of 3 axes (X, Y, and Z). -
Page 10: What's In A Part File
The list of instructions is provided through Part Files that are written or generated in other software and brought into ShopBot. The list of instructions looks just like the list of Commands you would enter from the keyboard. On each line of the list, there is a two-letter Command followed in most cases by parameters. A Part File can be a short and simple list that looks like the following: JZ, .5... -
Page 11: Testing Each Axis Using The Keypad
Some of the keys may not apply, for example the A and B axes are accessories and not found on all machines. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc... -
Page 12: Understanding Axis Orientation
CAD/CAM software. Shown below is an example of a job and its corresponding orientation on each machine model. The bottom corner is referred to as the XY home location or “zero zero.” SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc... -
Page 13: Testing The Router/Spindle
If not already done, connect the RPM controller into computer. This is the black USB plug coming from the VFD on a gray cable. Do not plug it into the hub alongside the main Shopbot USB; it should go straight into an empty port on the computer. -
Page 14: Section 3: Technical Basics & Planning Your Cuts
Ideal for: plywood and laminates (pocketing) Ideal for: general-purpose cutting Ideal for: plastics, aluminum, or any material where heat buildup Ideal for: plywood and laminates is a concern (profile cutting) SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc... -
Page 15: Calculating Feeds/Speed With Chip Load
When calculating feeds/speeds for a toolpath, do not rely on the defaults in the tool database. Those values are only placeholders and are not intended for any particular material. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc... -
Page 16: Changing Bits
NOT apply more force. Stop and try again until it goes smoothly. Once the nut is finger-tight, check the bit again to make sure that it has not slipped, and then use the included wrenches to fully tighten the nut. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc... -
Page 17: Holding Down Material For Cutting
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. With the Gantry (full-size) machines, T-track rails (available from woodworking supply stores) can be inlaid into the wood table. -
Page 18: Vacuum Hold-Down Systems
Shopbot offers several kits for full-table vacuum systems on Gantry tools. For the Buddy and Desktop tools, consider building a vacuum table or using a modular “puck” system. There are many resources online for instructions on building small-scale vacuum tables. -
Page 19: Section 4: Running A Part File
VCarve Pro). Failure to do this can result in ruined material and/or broken bits! The Shopbot comes equipped with an aluminum plate and grounding clip, to allow for quickly and accurately zero the Z-axis using a software routine. -
Page 20: To Set Up For The Zeroing Routine
Click on Cuts > zero the XY axes (or type a C3 command). To make a permanent adjustment to the location of the 0,0 point based on switches, click on Tools > Shopbot Setup. Click “next” until the screen that’s marked “Shopbot setup: Prox switches”... -
Page 21: Warming Up The Spindle
To maximize the life of the spindle bearings, warm up the spindle each day before cutting. For PRS Alpha Tools: Run the automatic spindle warmup routine: Click on Tools > Spindle RPM control to open the spindle control window. Refer to section 1 for instructions on how to set up the RPM control with proper settings. -
Page 22: Previewing A File With An Offset
“Offset in 2D or 3D” is set to “no offset.” Now click Start, or hit Enter. The following screen will appear: For an Alpha model, press the Start button BEFORE clicking OK. For Desktop models, click OK and the router/spindle will start automatically. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc... -
Page 23: Pausing Or Stopping A Cut
The top layer of material on the table (sometimes referred to as a “spoilboard”) is sacrificial and will be periodically replaced as it wears down. Before cutting the first parts, run a surfacing file, found in the Shopbot software. Note: It is not necessary to surface the aluminum table on Buddy or Desktop Tools. Only surface the spoilboard that was bolted onto this table, if applicable. -
Page 24: Maintenance
Page Open the Shopbot control software and switch to move/cut mode. Then click on Tools > Table surfacer. The following window will appear: Shopbot table size: enter the actual measured length and width of the spoilboard. Cut about half an inch (or about 1cm) larger than the area of the table, to make sure there is no extra material. -
Page 25: Weekly Checklist
(shown below left) and then remove the set screws holding the pinion onto the motor shaft. New pinions for all models are available from Shopbot. SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16... -
Page 26: Resources
100K Garages: A new way to get things made. Post your information, bid on projects, and connect with people who need your services as a digital fabricator! http://www.100kgarages.com SBG 00360 Owners Manual CE Version 2015 11 16 Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc...
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