8 AM: Introductions and Orientation

General overview of the machine. Brief history of the various models made over the years and currently available and how they differ. What to look out for when setting up a machine.

Using the ShopBot Control software: Screen layout; Commands; Input and Output Switches; Speed and Ramp settings; Other important settings; Help files and documentation.

Machine setup: Proximity switch settings; Using the Z-zero plate; Zeroing the X and Y axes; Squaring the Y gantry and the Z axis; Start-up routines.

Creating, Reading and Editing ShopBot Part files: Using the ShopBot Editor; Understanding the programming syntax; Understanding the machine code; Creating simple files; Introduction to programming statements.

Custom cuts: Creating and using these handy shortcuts.

Preparing to machine a project: Bit selection; Feed and spindle speeds; Material hold down options.

Running Part Files: Fill-in sheet options; General safety rules.

12 Noon: Lunch

Using PartWorks/Aspire to create cutting files: Basic layout and concept; Vector creation and manipulation; Using layers and grouping; Shortcuts and tricks; Toolpathing options; Tool Library setup and use; Previewing projects; Saving cutting files.

Making sawdust: We will set up and cut a project that was created during the previous demonstration.

Questions and Answers.

8AM: Coffee, juice and donuts

Cutting strategies: Onion skin; Rough/finish passes; Climb vs. conventional cuts; Feed and ramp speeds; Toolpath ramps and lead-ins; Tabs; Chipload; Cutting order.

Students will create and toolpath one or two projects in PartWorks/Aspire. Each student will use their own computer while following the instructor’s actions on the monitor.

12 Noon: Lunch

Making sawdust: We will cut each student’s project. Each student will have the opportunity to change the bit, load and secure the workpiece, and run a part file. Students will be able to take home the parts to their project for assembly and finishing.

Other ShopBot topics: Log files; Table Base Coordinates; 2D and 3D Offset Mode; Student interests and/or projects

If time permits we will work on a second project or discuss an area of interest to the class

Please Note: We will not be using the 3D sculpting or modeling tools included in Aspire as those are beyond the scope of these classes and are covered quite well in the video tutorials included with Aspire and on the Vectric.com web site. Both the Getting Started and Advanced Toolpathing and Introduction to Programming classes concentrate on the 2D vector creation, manipulation, and toolpathing features of PartWorks. Once you have a solid foundation in this area and in the general use of the ShopBot adding the 3D tools, if desired, will be a natural progression.