Shopbot Operational Steps (version 27)

The following outline is the way we will be teaching the operation. As you use the machine more there may be another order that suits you better. That is OK. We will start with this.

Start things up
1. Turn on the computer and log on (Rt hand, lt hnad,ns) and start Shopbot software (bottom task bar)
2. Turn on Shopbot (not spindle rotation) Yellow lever on the left side of the machine.
3. Open the yellow mousepad controller in shopbot software
4. Use blue arrows to move cutting head near front of machine
5. Put in the correct bit - or verify the bit. Write down the bit number for later.
Secure your Material
1. Mount your material you are cutting to the board using a minimum of 2 screws or Hot Glue
2. Make sure your screws will not interfere with your cut.
Set zero dimensions
1. Move head to where you want x=0 and y=0 and use yellow control pad to set these zero dimensions.
2. Use yellow control pad to move cut head to the middle of where you will be cutting.
3. Close the yellow mouse pad (it causes software to lock up on this next step)
4. Use the zero plate and “Cut menu” =>C2
Warm up the motor for cutting.
1. Send head to middle of Shopbot, close the yellow mouse pad menu.
2. Engage the spindle (insert key in machine and turn to engage)
3. Start spindle warmup routine (“Cut menu” C5). Spindle warmup takes about 10 minutes.
Get your design ready (Note: VCarve is Free but the free version does not work with our version :( so you can practice at home but you can't come with a finished file.)
1. Open VCarve (bottom task bar) and upload start a your design. You can import stl or other drawing software files.
2. Program cut paths. (Remember, pocket cuts first!) Save 'cut paths', 'Save design' (closing Vcarve gives you that option).
Start your Cut
1. Open Shopbot yellow control pad.
2. Bring cut head to 0, 0,1 (if you are working in inches. Otherwise 0, 0, 25 if you are working in mm
3. Turn on vacuum and open correct knife valves in ducting so you get vacuum to machine.
4. PUT ON SAFETY GLASSES AND maybe ear protection.
5. Open your file in Shopbot program.
6. Close yellow control pad.
7. Verify that spindle rotation is still turned on and click Green “Start” button
8. Remember how to stop machine (spacebar or red button).
Finish your job

1. Turn off machine,
2. Turn off vacuum,
3. Clean up your mess.