ShopBot Checklist

This is a Checklist to operate the ShopBot, developed by John Houghton on 4/17/2023.

In VCarve:

• Verify Z-zero surface, X-Y Datum in lower left
• Verify orientation of job to work-piece
• Measure material thickness, make sure that overcuts are limited to 0.05".
• Save toolpaths to your subdirectory of ShopBot User Files (or USB drive). Do not use the Desktop.

Prepare machine:

• Turn on the ShopBot
• Press blue RESET button on control pendant
• Wake up computer.
• Login to Admin password admin
• Run SB3 from quickstart bar
• If the spindle speed window is not present, [TR]
• Home XY to machine [C3] or button on red window
• Check collet nut - off the spindle if no bit, properly tightened if bit is inserted
• Warm-up spindle if more than 4 hours since it ran:
• Move spindle to safe location with J2 x,y command [or use arrow keys]
  • Ensure that spindle key is on
  • [C5] then press the green START key on the control pendant when prompted
  • Verify that the spindle is running, then press "OK" to run warm-up

Mount material to spoilboard appropriately

Insert bit into mounted collet and tighten appropriately and put tools away immediately

Zero machine to material:

• Use [J] or [M] commands or arrow keys to locate bit to lower left corner of material or starting place for cut, then [Z2] to set the XY zero for the job.
• Move the spindle to an appropriate place and use the Z-zero plate and clip, then [C2] or the button in the red SB3 window to start the Z-zero routine, press "enter" when ready then immediately check that plate is remaining in position (the spindle will have the bit touch the plate twice).

Raise the Z axis for clearance and attach the dust shroud

Air cut to verify toolpath is in appropriate location (Optional):

• [JH] to move carriage to job home location
• Ensure that bit is more than total depth of cut above material if not, use [MZ,z] to fix
• In SB3 Control Panel click "CUT PART" select your outside profile toolpath file, and follow the prompts, select 3D offset on the fill-in sheet.
• Turn the key on for the spindle
• When asked, press the green START button on the pendant.
• ENSURE that SPINDLE is RUNNING before hitting "Enter" at the spindle start dialog box.
• When you are sure the cut will not cause problems, click "STOP" and then "QUIT" to stop the toolpath running.

Run job:

• In SB3 Control Panel click "CUT PART" select your toolpath file, and follow the prompts.
• ENSURE that SPINDLE is RUNNING before hitting "Enter" at the spindle start dialog box.
• Start dust collector
• You must stay next to the machine whenever the spindle is running.

Clean-up:

• Remove bits, collet and collet nut. Blow dust from collet and collet nut, and put away.
• Remove material from spoilboard
• Shutdown SB3 program
• Remove your USB stick if you used one
• Power down ShopBot
• Sand any ragged over cuts and any nail or screw divots flat, leave machine bed with nothing proud of the surface (overcuts into the bed are OK).
• Vacuum up sawdust on and around machine
• Empty dust collector if needed.
• Deal with leftover material:
  • Toss small parts in barrel
  • Large scrap to dumpster or "Trash Barge"
  • Saved material to you storage or take with you

Logistics:

• Report machine problems to ShopBotShop@ArtisansAsylum.com
• If machine unusable, also fill out and post red tag and email Shopbot-Users@ArtisansAsylum.com