Shopbot software

[Robert Edwards]

I was looking at the wiki on how to use equipment. I didn't see the shopbot on there, but I did see the smaller one listed. Do I use the same software? I have an idea for something I wanted to make for Christmas and thought I might come by this week to try.

Is plywood all that should be used or can oak or other hardwood work?

Thanks.

[Daniel Johnsen]

Hey there.

Unfortunately the ShopBot is only for members to use due to danger to the user and the machine itself.

We have hosted classes before to start to share the knowldge, terms, machine use, etc.

Currently no trainings are scheduled before the holidays.

If you have an immediate need and want someone operate it outside of training you may offer a few times that work with your schedule and maybe an offer of something for their time. Be sure to list what you are trying to do as the ShopBot may not be the best tool.

Keep an eye out on this list for training dates in 2017 in addition to our event calendar at lvl1.org

If you have an immediate need you could pay by the hour at FirstBuild www.firstbuild.com

I will try to get the wiki updated.

Daniel

[Robert Edwards]

Essentially, I am wanting to make something like this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/178205269/wooden-paintbrush-holder-for-craft only out of something like oak or maple. I might also want to use the laser etching machine to burn something on the sides. I can pretty much get down there any day after work and the weekend is pretty open coming up I think.

Thanks,
Rob

[Ben Hibben]

If you're careful you can drill all those holes manually one at a time in the drill press.  If you set the drill bit to only go down a certain amount you can stack the two pieces of wood on top of each other and drill completely through the top one and only partially through the bottom one making holes that will exactly mirror each other so that if you make a mistake it will still result in the paintbrushes sitting up straight.

If the smaller CNC is up and working it should be sufficient to create starter holes that might make it easier to keep the holes even.

Lacking that you could print out a template to drill through or laser-etch spots to aim for with the drill press.  I can show you some techniques to make using the drill press easier if you like.

Blenster

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[Divinity Rose]

Also, there are only a few people authorized to use it and one of them is out of the country currently.

[Robert Edwards]

I'm not so much concerned about the holes. I'm pretty familiar with a drill press. I was hoping to use he shopbot to cut out the box joints on the edges a little easier than trying to do it with a dado or router table was all.

[Ben Hibben]

I completely understand!  :-)

Blenster

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On Sun, Dec 11, 2016 at 11:18 PM, Robert Edwards <raed...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm not so much concerned about the holes.  I'm pretty familiar with a drill press. I was hoping to use he shopbot to cut out the box joints on the edges a little easier than trying to do it with a dado or router table was all.

[Daniel Johnsen]

Few items:

The ShopBot has at most a 1/4" bit to create joints; we do not currently own a dovetail bit for the ShopBot

Creating the dovetail joints isn't as simple as just laying out the files as documented here: http://www.shopbotblog.com/2008/08/dovetail-and-mortise-jig/ You'd have to purchase a dovetail bit, then make a jig to do it as your link provides

You'll need to create a file that has the joints in it and the measurements, etc. in a format that can be imported; the file format is identical to what you'd use for the laser -- DXF is the most popular; use tools like Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, CAD programs like SketchUp or AutoCad; also glance at thingiverse.com for more inspiration

The holes won't be a problem and are the easiest to do in the design

Honestly use of the ShopBot to make the joints for a 1 off project is a bit overkill and would take more time setting up the machine, securing the wood than manually doing it with traditional tools.

We do, however have a the dovetail jointer used in cabinet making along with the the router, not 100% sure of the bit tho.

Here's what I would do:

- Cut the lengths that you want for each side of the holder from your stock

- Printout a template for where the holes will go and secure it to the top of your stock

- Use the drill press to cut out the holes with various spade bits or regular drill bits depending on the size required

- If the fancy joints are needed, use the dovetail unit we have to make them