Before operating the ShopBot CNC machine, make sure you have passed the CNC Router Certification Quiz and had an in-person CNC training. Contact soatechdesk@utexas.edu to find out more. |
Guide last updated |
Solutions to common troubleshooting issues are located at the last page of this guide or soa.utexas.edu/cnc |
Command | Function | Example of use |
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C1 | Automatic Tool Changer (CNC #2 ONLY) | Chooses a new bit (1-9) from the Tool list. |
C2 | Z-axis Calibration (CNC #1 ONLY) | Calibrate the Z-axis for the bit with the help of the Z-zero plate. |
C3 | Home Calibration | Carriage will 'Home' itself to 0,0 |
C5 | Spindle Warm-Up Sequence | Spindle will cycle from low, med, high to warm-up, Takes 6-Minutes. Only required for the first cut of the day. If others are using the CNC prior to you; this has already been done. |
J2 | Dual-Axis Jog (X,Y) | Jogs the carriage by 2-axis, using the format X-axis then Y-axis Example: enter 'j2 12, 24' to send the carriage to 12" on the X-axis and 24" on the Y-axis |
JX | JY | JZ | Single-Axis Jog (X, Y, OR Z) | Jogs the carriage by 1-axis, specify which axis by 'JX' or 'JY' or 'JZ' |
Z2 | Sets temporary 'Home' position | Change the 0,0 reference point from the default corner to the current location of the carriage. |
JH | Jog Home | Moves the carriage to the designated 'home' position from any point. |
FP | File Part Load | Opens a ShopBot.sbt file to run from the start. (default) |
FG | File Load in Goto/Line mode | Opens a ShopBot.sbt file to run from a specified line. For use when restarting a failed/paused job part way through. (additional troubleshooting on last page) |
TR | RPM Spindle Controller | When this window is open the spindle will be able to read the RPM from your file. |
Input | Function | Example of use |
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1 | Aluminum Z-plate | Only on CNC 1; for manual Z-axis calibration |
2 | X-axis Proxy | Proximity sensor for X-axis |
3 | Y-axis Proxy | Proximity sensor for Y-axis |
4 | Emergency Stop Button | Big red Emergency STOP button located above the workstation |
5 | ATC Z-plate | Only on CNC 2; for automatic tool changer |
6 | Z-zero plate | Only on CNC 1; Fixed Z-axis calibration plate |
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Press the blue, reset button (middle) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation
Next, perform the homing calibration; this process differs depending on which machine you're on.
CNC 1 | CNC 2 |
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The operator is responsible for ensuring that the warm up sequence has been ran at least once that day. If the sequence has already been ran, you may skip to 'Part 3: Loading Stock Material' |
Press the green, start button (right) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation to turn the spindle on
Stock material should be at least 20" x 20" or larger in size for the vacuum table to perform correctly. |
Download your ShopBot job file or transfer it from a USB drive and save the file to the desktop to ensure that no errors occur during the operation. |
If a box pops up asking if you have zeroed the bit; click 'Yes/OK'
If a box pops up asking you to start the router/spindle with 'start' button; DO NOTHING and proceed to next step
Press the green, start button (right) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation to turn the spindle on
The dust collection system does not collect 100% of removed materials. |
Jog the spindle out of the way if it is blocking you from retrieving your part 'JZ 4' then 'JX 60'
Open the bleeder valve and turn off the blower motor using the blower control box switch to release your cut part from the CNC bed
Depending on which machine you are using...
CNC 1 | CNC 2 |
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If no one is in the queue to use the machine after you
Turn off the Vacuum Table system
Turn off the ShopBot control box
Log off of the CNC workstation
Use the shop vac, broom and dustpan to cleanup the CNC bed and the surrounding areas
Did an error or sudden stop occur during your job? did you have to press the emergency stop? Try some of these solutions!