Shopbot PRS CNC router
 | |
| Owner/Loaner | PS:One |
|---|---|
| Serial Number | TBD. |
| Make/Model | Shopbot PRS #10108 96-48 |
| Arrival Date | 2014 |
| Usability | yes |
| Contact | CNC Area Host |
| Where | Wood Shop |
| Authorization Needed | yes |
| Hackable | no |
| Estimated Value | $16000 |
| Host Area | CNC |
ShopBot PRS #10108 96-48
- OEM website and specs
- Nominal Cutting Area 96"x 48"x 6" (2.44m x 1.22m x .15m)
- Total Movement Area 102" x 50" x 8" (2.59m x 1.27m x .20m)
- Max spindle speed: 18000 RPM
- Min spindle speed: 4100 RPM
The spindle uses ER25 collets. These eventually wear out, so check before using them. Collets are a durable expendable.
Some people buy their own collets, which may be worth it as it helps prevent slips and ruined jobs. There are a number of suppliers of collets, nuts, and related accessories. Techniks and Shars are both brands that have been recommended by experienced CNC users, although other brands may also be of equivalent price and quality:
- Shars ER25 Collet Ultra Precision 5 Micron
- Techniks 1/4" Super Precision ER25 Collet .0002 Accuracy
- Amana CNC High Precision Spring Collets for ER25 Tool Holder
- HHIP 3900-5215 ER-25 Spring Collet, 1/4"
- Dorian Tool ER25 Alloy Steel Ultra Precision Collet, 0.236" - 0.276" Hole Size
Status
June 2020: Keyed switch replaced.
August 2017: Dust collection system out of commission.
June 2017: There is an intermittent break in the wiring for the Z-axis Zero Plate. Check for continuity before using (the #1 input should light up on screen when you touch the contacts together). It usually works near the front of the table, but not halfway back. This will get fixed eventually, but it's a good idea to be in the habit of checking.
12/27/16 - Fixed Shopbot x-axis homing. The cable had been pulled on hard enough that some of the conductors broke inside the cable. It has been spliced, soldered, and heatshrinked back together.
How to Get Authorized
Canvas has a course to help you get started with 2D CNC (requires login). There are two tiers of classes to be authorized. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 authorizations can be found in the calendar.
Scheduling and Reservations
We will be using the PS1 Skedda platform for scheduling ShopBot time.
Click this link to sign up or sign in and make a reservation. Select any available time and click the plus button or the green BOOK button to reserve your time on the machine.
The guidelines are as below and only those who are fully authorized may access the scheduler.
ShopBot Scheduling Guidelines
-Reservations can be made from 2 weeks out to 12 hours before the time you would like to schedule.
-No unreserved use.
-Please account for clean-up time in your reservation and be considerate of others when scheduling as there is no current time length limit for reservations.
-If you finish your time early, end your appointment so others know the machine is free.
Documentation
File:PRS Maintenance Schedule.pdf
File:ShopBot USB Connection Troubleshoot.pdf - USB Troubleshooting Guide
File:ShopBot Tech Support FAQ 2016 09 12.pdf - Tech Support FAQ
File:SBG00142 User Guide 2013 05 01.pdf - User Guide
File:B17P.763 Schematic.pdf - Omer Nail Gun Documentation
X, Y, Z probe: https://pumpingstationone.org/2015/09/xyz-finder-for-the-shopbot/
File:Shopbotmagnets.ai.zip - Template for the dust skirt and magnet placement.
Shopbot PRS CNC router/Aluminium notes on cutting aluminum.
Tutorials
Part 1 of our Shopbot Authorization - This is available as a refresher only. You still need to go to the class when it happens to get access to the hands-on Part 2.
Router Bit Basics for CNC - VERY USEFUL
Shopbot Threads on Member List
Overview of Cut Load calcualtions for setting bit feed and speed rates
Vertanux1: This user teaches at Elgin Community College and has very good tutorials and downloadable textbook on Autodesk Inventor (which applies to Fusion 360 as well: http://www.vertanux1.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/vertanux1?reload=9
Online chipload calculator: https://gdptooling.com/chipload-calc/
Fusion 360 Videos
NYC CNC - Several videos that provide an overview of downloading software, preferences, and basic sketch terms and steps. https://www.nyccnc.com/fusion-360/
Lars Christensen - CAD/CAM instructor hired by Autodesk to produce their Fusion 360 videos. The Absolute Basics and #LarsLive series are worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5bc9c3S12g&feature=youtu.be
Maker's Muse CAD for Newbies Series - Provides a detailed overview of sketch dimensions, constraints, revolving, sweeping, and lofting, among many other topics. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTCCNNvHC8PC40tcEqaJcgUMb97LNkLIn
Krenov Coffee Table - A fantastic overview of the design of a coffee table from scratch. Lots of CAD best practices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J22j8RfETjs&feature=youtu.be
Fusion 360 V12 Engine - A long playlist series on a complex topic that demonstrates how powerful real CAD software can be. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQl9vsO6sGSlasKFP-CAgnDs324Z6IW8s
Software Tool Chain
- Illustrator
- Inkscape
- Vectric Aspire
- Allows for 2D and 3D linework and toolpath creation
- Only available on the Shapeoko Computer
- Vectric V-Carve Makerspace Edition Version 9.0 (earlier versions may not be supported here anymore)
- http://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve/trial.html
- Allows for 2D linework and toolpath creation
- Allows at home use of V-Carve - output only at PS1
- Our Makerspace Code is: E4793-F6472-BB9E5-9B114-3FEEB-73649-16F4F
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- The ShopBot computer does not have this and may not be fast enough to run it.
- You MUST use the custom post-processor below. Otherwise, you will bypass the safety check to make sure the spindle really is running!
- For Cloud (Probably best since it should work on any computer you use Fusion 360 with)
- Open Fusion 360 and choose preferences under the "head" icon in the top left. Choose CAM, then "Enable Cloud Libraries"
- Navigate to Libraries > Assets in the Data Panel (top right, where you normally choose designs)
- Double click the Assets > CAMPosts folder to enter it.
- Use the Upload button to upload the desired post processor from your local machine to the Assets > CAMPosts folder. This will upload the post to the cloud and allow you to access it anywhere you may login to your Fusion 360 account through My Cloud Posts.
- After enabling cloud libraries in Fusion 360, you will be able to access your cloud post processor library by setting the Configuration Folder (Windows) or Source (Mac) to My Cloud Posts. Both of these dialog boxes are shown below. You will then be able to select the Cloud post you uploaded in the Post Configuration field (Windows) or the Post Processor field (Mac).
- For local Windows, to install this on your local computer:
- Unzip and install this in C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Fusion 360 CAM\Posts
- Note that AppData is often a hidden folder!
- Inside Fusion 360, when you select Actions / Post Process, under Configuration Folder, hit Setup and select Use Personal Posts.
- For local Mac
- Unzip and install in Macintosh HD> Users> USERNAME> Autodesk> Fusion 360 CAM> Posts
- For Cloud (Probably best since it should work on any computer you use Fusion 360 with)
- In Fusion 360, when you select Actions > Post Process, under Settings select Personal Posts for the Source
Chip Load Calculation
- Chip Load Calculator by GDP Tooling
- Bit Parameter Overview by PDS Spindles
- Monster Tools Chip Load Calculator
- Chip Load Chart by PDS Spindles
- How to install Makerspace Version
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User Tips & Troubleshooting Reports
Some feed and speed recommendations for small bits
Add your experiences with feeds and speeds or other tips here: Shopbot_User_Tips
Add troubleshooting reports here: Shopbot_Troubleshooting_Reports
Materials
Authorization Checklist
This is here as a checklist for proctors to follow when authorizing people. It can also help remind you of things after you are authorized. Just reading this does not authorizing you.
- How to get authorized
- Watch the meetup group for a recurring class on the second Thursday and last Sunday of the month. Sometimes check the forum for announcements or ask on the forum if no announcements have been made for a few weeks.
- Authorization group size
- There is no cap to the software instruction preceding the machine usage portion of the class. If you come to this portion it is easier to get fully authorized at a later date.
- 3 machine users - each person will run a job (~1/2 hr each) and everyone will assist each other in completing a job profile and pocket cut. You must be present for the entire authorization
- Safety
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Dust Protection
- What can go wrong (and what to do)
- How does machine work
- Axes
- Motors
- Spindle
- Daily Maintenance
- Spindle bearing warm up.
- The "C5" warm up routine should be run on the first job of the day. It runs the spindle at 3 speeds for 3 minutes each to warm up the bearings. (When it doubt, warm it up)
- Spindle bearing warm up.
- Extended Maintenance
- See maintenance schedule file under documentation.
- Grease the racks
- Use Grease type: Manual states any type is safe there is some in the draw
- Machine Control
- Turn on sequence
- Log into computer
- Turn on Shopbot big red and yellow twist switch (see zeroing below)
- Insert Key and turn to "engaged" position.
- The VDF should light up, the spindle fan should be on.
- Start "Shopbot 3" program.
- Open Tools...Spindle RPM Control menu (to allow RPM control)
- Make sure collet is tightened or no tool or nut is installed
- Run the C5 warm up routine
- Jogging
- Keypad
- Arrow Keys + Page Up, Page Down (ctrl for fast jog)
- Turn on sequence
- CAM Software
- Vectric V Carve
- Just the basics...separate class for advanced V Carve.
- Online videos
- Running your Job
- Zeroing X & Y
- With machine off slow push gantry towards X0 until it hits hard stops (optional)
- Turn on big red switch while still holding gantry.
- Jog machine away from X0 Y0 so machine will find switches
- Click X, Y zero button.
- Zeroing Z (top of work piece)
- Jog over your work piece
- Place Z zero plate on work piece under the bit
- Place clip on bit
- Test connection by touching plate to bit and watch for light #1 to light
- Click the Z 0 button (it will touch off twice!!!)
- If Z is critical, you may want to verify that your bit has been zeroed properly by using a "MZ,0" command over the surface you have zeroed the bit to. Repeat zeroing if not correct.
- Zeroing X & Y
- Waste Board and clamping
- Collets, Bits, Feeds and Speeds
- Feeds and Speeds
- Use a Cut Load Calculator to determine which feeds and speeds you should be using for your specific bits. An overview is avaialble at: [1]
- Collets
- We currently have collets for 1/2, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16 and 1/8" shank bits.
- Try to keep them clean and store them away from dust between uses. Dust between the gaps will produce runout. The drawer mounted under the Shopbot is the right place to store these items.
- If the collet nuts are not threading smoothly try cleaning the threads with a small brush, spindle threads as well.
- Bits
- Use bits designed for the material you are cutting. Don't just steal a bits from the Bridgeport. They won't do a good job and will probably overheat.
- For cutting out things, use the smallest appropriate bit. Using a 1/2" bit to cutout will just create a lot of mess.
- Feeds and Speeds
- ShopBot should not be used for...
- Metals
- Cutting anything that requires coolant or lubricant (it will ruin the waste board)
- Ripping lumber (use the table saw)
- Thickness Planning (Use the planner if you can)
- Drilling holes with drill bits (a small end mill works better)
- How to leave the machine (be excellent)
- Machine
- Home the machine to X0, Y0
- Turn off both switches
- Remove Key
- Remove bit and collet.
- Place both collet wrenches on top of electronics box
- clean up work area
- Smooth out waste board if you puckered it at all.
- Check if the dust collector needs to be emptied
- Machine
- Post a picture on our Blog please!
Use checklist
PS1 is experimenting with the use of checklists to encourage the safe use and proper care of tools in the workspace. The latest version of the checklists for this tool is stored as a Google Doc that can be edited by anyone. If you make changes, update the effective date at the bottom of the document. Print a new copy, and replace the old one.
Physical checklists are necessarily constrained in length. Following is a more extensive pre-flight checklist:
- Did you home the machine?
- Is the dust collect gate open?
- Are you sure you have the right X, Y orientation for your file and material?
- Did you set the proper X,Y zero for your work piece on the Shopbot.
- Is the correct bit installed and tight?
- Is the key in and turned on?
- Is the dust skirt set right so it does not get smashed.
- Is Z zero set to the work top?
- Are the touch plate and clip returned?
- Is the material properly secured?
- Open the Shopbot spindle control dialog (Tools > Spindle RPM Control)
- Safety glasses, hearing protection on.
- Start the job with the E-Stop ready to hit.
- Turn on dust collector ( I like to wait so I can hear that things sound right on the shopbot before turning on the collector)
List of Currently Authorized Users
If you have been authorized but cannot log in, request to be added to the "ShopBot Authorized" Samba group (send an email to info (at) pumpingstationone.org with your username and the name of the person who certified you) so that your login works. If you don't have a log-in on https://members.pumpingstationone.org/ you will have issues here - sign up on that site first if you haven't already.Maintenance
Maintenance Log
| Qualified Member | Trained By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Koprucki | Danger Committee | |
| Bart Dring | Danger Committee | |
| Ryan Pierce | Danger Committee | |
| Nathan Ellis | Danger Committee | |
| Michael Skilton | Danger Committee | |
| Arturo Duarte | Bart | |
| Derek Bever | Bart | |
| Everett | Bart | |
| Vincent Colombo | Bart | |
| Justin T. Conroy | Bart | |
| Hugh Sato | Bart | |
| Sergey Nekrasov | Bart | |
| Valerie Moore | Bart | |
| Patrick Schless | Bart | |
| Tom Forajter | Bart | |
| Todd Allen | Michael Skilton | |
| Roger Moore | Bart | |
| Tim Saylor | Bart | |
| Hef | Bart | |
| Jeff McBride | Bart | |
| Maxwell ? | Michael Skilton | |
| Samuel Swope | Michael Skilton | |
| Khoi Nguyen | Michael Skilton | |
| Brian Chojnowski | Michael Skilton | |
| Josh Cooper | Bart | |
| Andrew Camardella | Bart | |
| Adam Glick | Bart | |
| Yehuda Braun | Bart | |
| Jeff Kantarek | Michael Sklton | |
| Justin Miles | Michael Skilton | |
| Will Garza | Michael Skilton | |
| Clarence Risher | Michael Skilton | |
| Eric Beauchamp | Michael Skilton | |
| Jason | Michael Skilton | |
| Eric Stein | Bart | |
| Colin Parsons | Bart | |
| David Ditzler | Bart | |
| Ray Doeksen | Bart Dring | |
| Ron Bean | Khoi Nguyen & Michael Skilton | |
| Thomas Wright | Khoi Nguyen & Michael Skilton | |
| David Morton | Bart Dring | |
| Ron Olson | Bart Dring | |
| Kyle Bieneman | Bart Dring | |
| Tom Judge | Michael Skilton | |
| Bryan Gleason | Michael Skilton | |
| Dave Schact | Ryan Pierce | |
| Chris Agocs | Andrew Camardella | |
| Doorman Dave | Andrew Camardella | |
| Alec Weege | Andrew Camardella | |
| Sam Reicks | Andrew Camardella | |
| Touly Phiachantharath | Andrew Camardella | |
| Lucas Goossen | Andrew Camardella | |
| Tina C | Andrew Camardella | |
| Ryan Neuman | Andrew Camardella | |
| Dan Loeser | Andrew Camardella | |
| Ben Bogler | Andrew Camardella | |
| Erin Banwell | Ryan Pierce | |
| Brad Rios | Ryan Pierce | |
| Aaron Carlock | Andrew Camardella | |
| James Villalpando | Andrew Camardella | |
| Connor Jansen | Andrew Camardella | |
| Tait Leswing | Bart | |
| Raj Perera | Khoi Nguyen | |
| Keith Hultman | Andrew Camardella | |
| David Srebro | Andrew Camardella | |
| Erik Wessing | Andrew Camardella | |
| Leeswann Bolden | Andrew Camardella | |
| Josh Myers | Andrew Camardella | |
| Kurt Ziegel | Andrew Camardella | |
| Glenn Powers | Andrew Camardella | |
| Mahmoud Al-Qudsi | Andrew Camardella | |
| Casey Olson | Khoi | |
| Mike Jones | Andrew Camardella | |
| Aaron Feigen | Andrew Camardella | |
| Jim Baker | Andrew Camardella | |
| Eric Reusche | Khoi Nguyen | |
| Ralph Brendler | Andrew Camardella | |
| John McDonald | Andrew Camardella | |
| Alex Al-Hamdan | Andrew Camardella | |
| Eugene Liokumovich | Andrew Camardella | |
| Randal Cox | Andrew Camardella | |
| Simon Pyle | Andrew Camardella | |
| Jean Michel Crettaz | Andrew Camardella | |
| Brian Zable | Andrew Camardella | |
| Daylan Dufelmeier | Andrew Camardella | |
| Steve Kruse | Matt Meshulam | |
| Mike Mandrea | Andrew Camardella | |
| Jeff Zelnio | Andrew Camardella | |
| Aaron Stoddart | Matt Meshulam | |
| Koun Park | Matt Meshulam | |
| Dan Baltudis | Matt Meshulam | |
| Curtiss Cooke | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jeannine Chuchan | Matt Meshulam | |
| Brennan Koziarz | Matt Meshulam | |
| Brandon Love | Matt Meshulam | |
| Mike Vitale | Matt Meshulam | |
| Emma Purola | Matt Meshulam | |
| Chris Kohl | Matt Meshulam | |
| Daniel Sojka | Matt Meshulam | |
| Naguib Azab | Matt Meshulam | |
| Mark Zumwalt | Matt Meshulam | |
| Joseph Juhnke | Andrew Camardella | |
| Alex Berkowitz | Andrew Camardella | |
| Andy Muhic | Matt Meshulam | |
| Adam Stein | Matt Meshulam | |
| John Farmer | Matt Meshulam | |
| Joshua Havenga | Matt Meshulam | |
| McTavish McArdle | Matt Meshulam | |
| Frank Bowles | Matt Meshulam | |
| Joe Iklov | Matt Meshulam | |
| Matthew Quigley | Matt Meshulam | |
| Derwin Umali | Andrew Camardella | |
| Doug Mahoney | Matt Meshulam | |
| Rob Robinson | Matt Meshulam | |
| Dan Sloboda | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jacob Collins | Matt Meshulam | |
| Donald Wells | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jim Brink | Matt Meshulam | |
| Matt Keith | Matt Meshulam | |
| Victoria Morris | Matt Meshulam | |
| Bob Loos | Matt Meshulam | |
| Peter Muth | Matt Meshulam | |
| Guillaume Emont | Matt Meshulam | |
| Erik Funkhouser | Matt Meshulam | |
| Max Rashes | Matt Meshulam | |
| Juan Ramos | Matt Meshulam | |
| Joe Dowling | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ashley Matrisciano | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ryan Kapp | Matt Meshulam | |
| Idris Raja | Matt Meshulam | |
| Danny Blanchard | Matt Meshulam | |
| Aaron Mintz | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ian Stubbs | Matt Meshulam | |
| Sky Nova | Matt Meshulam | |
| Chris Ruhland | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jay Pee | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ryan Fiebing | Matt Meshulam | |
| Shawn Blaszak | Matt Meshulam | |
| Tony Iacullo | Matt Meshulam | |
| Mark Haughey | Matt Meshulam | |
| Chris Iacullo | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ian Monroe | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ashish Jasani | Matt Meshulam | |
| Kurt Gilman | Matt Meshulam | |
| Abel Greenwald | Matt Meshulam | |
| Vaidotas (Vai) Staugaitis | Matt Meshulam | |
| Leo Battikhi | Matt Meshulam | |
| Matt Schaid | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jamie Vollmer | Matt Meshulam | |
| Bhairavi Warke | Matt Meshulam | |
| Denis Kuznetsov | Matt Meshulam | |
| Brian Carstensen | Matt Meshulam | |
| Rob Dumas | Matt Meshulam | |
| Mark Weiser | Matt Meshulam | |
| Tom Burtonwood | Matt Meshulam | |
| Steve Madonna | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jason Araujo | Matt Meshulam | |
| Bruce Alan Mace | Matt Meshulam | |
| Molly Adamski | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jeremy Shaw | Matt Meshulam | |
| Sam Chen | Matt Meshulam | |
| John McBride | Matt Meshulam | |
| Adomas Tautkus | Matt Meshulam | |
| Tim Buckley | Matt Meshulam | |
| Martina Josimovska | Matt Meshulam | |
| James Jacobs | Matt Meshulam | |
| George Shaw | Matt Meshulam | |
| David Earl | Matt Meshulam | |
| Eduard Breuer | Matt Meshulam | |
| Matthew Kim | Matt Meshulam | |
| Corey Peoples | Matt Meshulam | |
| Paul Graham | Matt Meshulam | |
| Matt Grunstad | Matt Meshulam | |
| Rolf Scheidt | Matt Meshulam | |
| Arjun Sharma | Matt Meshulam | |
| Chris Laurent | Matt Meshulam | |
| Dan Locks | Matt Meshulam | |
| Zack Sasnow | Matt Meshulam | |
| Ben Stringer | Matt Meshulam | |
| Jacob Snyder | Matt Meshulam | 8/24/17 |
| James Beck | Matt Meshulam | 9/13/17 |
| Sam Gates | Matt Meshulam | 10/01/17 |
| Tommy TBones Cramer | Matt Meshulam | 09/24/17 |
| tee | Matt Meshulam | 10/26/17 |
| Nathan Witt | Matt Meshulam | 2017-12-09 |
| Steve Griegoliet | Matt Meshulam | 12/09/17 |
| Chinbayar Davaatseren | Matt Meshulam | 12/09/17 |
| Theo T | David Earl | 1/20/18 |
| Jeremie Davis | David Earl | 1/21/18 |
| Armani Barron | Matt Meshulam | 9/16/17 |
| Scott Fullman | David Earl | 02/24/18 |
| Michael Donovan | David Earl | 03/04/2018 |
| Damon Carrvesco | David Earl | 03/26/2018 |
| Ryan Kelly | David Earl | 03/26/2018 |
| Will Coffin | David Earl | 03/26/2018 |
| Shabab Mustafa | David Earl | 03/26/2018 |
| Bruce Mace | David Earl | 03/26/2018 |
| Shahnawas Khokhar | David Earl | 03/26/2018 |
| Seth Cothron | David Earl | 04/22/2018 |
| Matthew Currey | David Earl | 04/22/2018 |
| Adam Hall | David Earl | 04/29/2018 |
| Kevin Huemann | David Earl | 04/29/2018 |
| Donzell Gordon | David Earl | 04/28/2018 |
| Nelson Reyes | David Earl | 05/26/2018 |
| David DesRoberts | David Earl | 05/26/2018 |
| Brendan Fortune | David Earl | 06/02/2018 |
| Chris Albert | David Earl | 06/17/2018 |
| Nate Myren | David Earl | 06/23/2018 |
| Eli Scholssberg | David Earl | 06/23/2018 |
| Szymon Mirek | David Earl | 06/24/2018 |
| Dan Willmott | David Earl | 06/24/2018 |
| Mark Treiber | David Earl | 10/28/2018 |
| Charlie Kepner | David Earl | 02/20/2019 |
| Kevin Cluff | David Earl | 02/20/2019 |
| Greg Bell | David Earl | 03/23/19 |
| Paul Ocampo | David Earl | 03/28/19 |
| Fritz Sullivan | David Earl | 03/31/19 |
| Daniel Gulick | David Earl | 12/10/2018 |
| Alex Biardo | David Earl | 05/07/2019 |
| Brendan Byrne | David Earl | 05/07/2019 |
| Sam Vuchetich | David Earl | 09/29/2019 |
| Antina Lee | David Earl | 09/29/2019 |
| Rob German | David Earl | 09/29/2019 |
| Ryan Zoghlin | David Earl | 01/25/2020 |
| Ellen Lustig | David Earl | 10/29/2020 |
| Jackson Miller | David Earl | 12/22/2021 |
| Date | Preformed by | Service Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/16/2017 | Ryan Pierce | Created new AutoDesk Fusion 360 Post Processor. Modified Vectric Post Processors. | Created new Fusion 360 Post Processor. It includes the changes listed below for the Vectric Post Processors. For Vectric, modified the Post Processors so that if the spindle does not spin up, it gives the user a Retry/Cancel dialog box instead of Abort/Retry/Ignore where Ignore is identical to Retry. Also, these Post Processors broke the Preview mode in the ShopBot software because the preview mode did the real spindle check and it failed because, of course, the spindle wasn't running. The new version will ignore the spindle check in preview mode. |
| 11/8/2014 | Ryan Pierce | Updated VCarve Post Processor | Previously, installed new Post Processor to preset an Abort / Retry / Ignore dialog box when the spindle is started but doesn't spin up. Usual culprit is that a job is started when the the interlock is disabled, which results in the non-spinning bit crashing into the workpiece. Abort stops the job. Today, fixed Retry code. If you power on the VFD and the motor start is enabled, the VFD refuses to start. So I've re-programmed the Retry button to stop the VFD, wait 2 seconds, start the VFD, wait 2 more seconds, and check again to see if it is running. The Ignore button actually acts as Retry because we don't want someone clicking through this dialog box and damaging the machine. NOTE: The Aspire PC in the shop also has this Post Processor, but if you use Aspire, VCarve Pro, etc. on your personal computer, you will need the latest Post Processor to support this safety check. |
| 11/8/2014 | Ryan Pierce | Updated ShopBot software | Did upgrade from 3.8.14 to 3.8.26. Installed latest firmware on ShopBot controller. (This was mandatory.) Two features of interest: Fixed occasional erractic behavior after repeated Stops and Resumes (and Nudges or Command Insertions). Reduced liklihood of Keypad lockup. |
| 5/31/2015 | Ron Olson | Created new VCarve Post Processors | For drag/engraving bits, it's important that the spindle be turned off so as to not destroy the bit. Instead of manually modifying the sbp every time to remove the check that the spindle is turned on, I created a couple of new post processors (inches and mm, similar to Ryan's), that explicitly turn off the spindle. The user is given two opportunities to cancel the job if that is not what he/she wants. |
Outstanding Maintenance Issues
Lack of True E-Stop
As shipped, the ShopBot PRS does not support an Emergency Stop. This could be hacked, but it runs the risk of damaging the machine if engaged in a non-emergency situation. Suggested solution: Installing a 10A double pole 24V coil DIN mount relay, and powering the coil via the 24V supply through a normally closed E-Stop button. One pole will disconnect the 63V stepper motor current. One pole will break the control signal that enables the VFD and will cause the VFD to brake to a stop.
Limit Switch Issues
Every time you start the ShopBot, it resets itself so that the limit switches are disabled! You can turn them on (if memory serves) with the Values -> Input Switch Assignment menu item. Limit switches are really useful - but they need to be enabled. When they are, they will stop manual jogging when the limit is hit (although pressing the key again will let you continue moving the gantry) and they will also stop a running job (but give you the option of ignoring the limits.)
I found a couple more problems when testing all the limits. When I took the gantry to X maximum, the dust collector hose pulled off! I put it back on, but I'm not sure how stable this is. Also, when I originally set the Y maximum and minimum, I wanted as much spindle travel as possible. But it appears that if you're at the Y max and move in the X direction, you can hit the middle support with the dust collector boot. We've got several inches Y travel beyond the nominal 48", so we may want to look into reducing this to clear the supports.
Resources
File:ShopBot PSOne Post Processors.zip - Post Processors for Vectric Aspire and VCarve Pro 8.0 which includes the change to check that the spindle actually started.
File:ShopBot TC PS1-NO-SPIN.zip - Post Processors for Vectric Aspire and VCarve Pro which include changes to explicitly *disable* spinning
File:ShopBot PSOne Fusion 360 Post Processor.zip - Post Processor for Autodesk Fusion 360 which includes the change to check that the spindle actually started.