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:

Has the spindle warmup routine been run within the past 4 hours, or someone else was using the machine?
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)

Spoilboard!

Gouging the spoilboard affects all users. It most often happens for two reasons.

Using the top of your workpiece to set the Z axis and your workpiece height is incorrectly set. Plywood is almost never the exact height specified - 3/4" plywood is .7 inches tall instead of .75 inches tall, for example.
Bits slipping. Check the collet for embedded sawdust - it can stop the collet from tightening sufficiently. Also, stressing the bit so it vibrates can cause the collet to momentarily and repeatedly lose grip.

A few tracks from the bit grazing the spoilboard is understandable. Gouges are not.

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

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

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

You must show up within 15 minutes of your start time, or lose your slot.
Please cancel your slot ASAP if you know you're not going to make it.
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.

Abuse

The schedule is a privilege. User making a habit of not using their scheduled times, or cancelling last minute are subject to losing privileges.
Last minute cancellations make it difficult for others to plan ahead.

Documentation

File:Shopbotassembly.pdf

File:Squaringshopbot.pdf

File:Programming handbook.pdf

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

QuickStart

X, Y, Z probe: https://pumpingstationone.org/2015/09/xyz-finder-for-the-shopbot/

"Dr Shopbot" wiki

"Maintaining Connections"

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

Shopbot Forum

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
- In Fusion 360, when you select Actions > Post Process, under Settings select Personal Posts for the Source

Chip Load Calculation

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)

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)

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.

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.

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

- Post a picture on our Blog please!

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.

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:

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.

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.

Shopbot PRS CNC router

Contents