ShopBot Camp Austin 2015

On Feb 27 & 28th we made our annual trek up to Austin for ShopBot Camp.

The two day event brings new, old and hoping-to-be Shopbotters and ShopBot reps to give talks, do show and tell, and discuss everything ShopBot related. The Austin Camp is the longest running in the country and is held at Wayne Locke’s workshop, Locke Design. Wayne is an accomplished craftsman after 30+ years and has an amazing collection of hilarious quips. We first attended in 2011. After meeting the ShopBot community and learning more about the possibilities, we quickly placed our order for a robot.

Wayne’s workshop is a large building behind his home where you are always greeted by their goats.

Show n’ Tell

Part of the event is seeing what other people are making. The projects range from 3D carving in wood and MDF, acrylic sign inlays, foam shapes, our small furniture pieces, marble engraving, a precision sanding tool for stringed instrument makers, a digital scarf joint, and a 24ft wooden fishing boat.

In The Future

1. A four horse power high-speed spindle is being developed with a quick release collet. The Quick Release holders will be around $200 each. This will be a new option to the automatic tool changer.

2. The next version of ShopBot Controller is moving to a web browser system, codenamed “FabMo” or Fab Motion, that will run on a stand alone micro-controller. After a quick Google, we turned up a ShopBot GitHub repo. Looking at the code it is running a modern javascript toolchain, node grunt, etc. This means we are getting closer to OS agnostic machine control (we only run Windows for games and ShopBot).

3. SVG file support is coming.

Notes

1. New version of Aspire has been released. Aspire 4.5 -> 8.0

2. The current process for creating is CAD -> CAM -> Controller -> Cutting

3. Vectric spun off from ArtCam

4. Smaller diameter router bits can flex while in motion effecting the actual cut dimensions.

5. There are 10,000+ ShopBots in the field.

6. ShopBot PRS is an acronym for Personal Robotic System.

7. Boat Builders are anti-fastener. They corrode and cause leaks.

Tips & Techniques

1. When machining a part file (keyboard input is mostly blocked)

   SHIFT + > increases speed

   SHIFT + < decreases speed
   

2. To improve cutting time, toolpaths sometimes have extra nodes generated. Some nodes can be removed without effecting a vector’s shape. Fewer nodes can lead to faster machining in some cases. Straight lines are the usual suspects. When machining, pauses in movement can indicate unneeded nodes.

3. Laser Crosshairs can be used to position tool on the material. (A demo of an attachment being tested for the Handibot was shown.)

4. Horse power of a router or spindle decreases linearly with RPM. A 4hp spindle at half speed only outputs 2hp.

5. VCarve/Aspire should be able to unfold SketchUp pieces to define toolpaths.

6. When the back of a violin are carved, areas are shaped by hand to tune to different notes.

7. Design the part file for the ideal material and adjust toolpaths for the actual material.

8. Rubbing alcohol and baking soda can be used to accelerate Super Glue.

9. A cotton patch can be used to seal wounds with Super Glue.

10. Spring clamp handles can be used to apply pressure outward to hold materials.

11. To make a wooden chain, cut individual links. To assemble, crack every other link length wise. Gluing them back together hides seams.

12. When possible running a single pass can save bit wear. This can be by adjusting cutting depth or aligning parts together within the bit diameter. (Using a compression spiral, they were able to cut 3/4” Baltic Birch at 4IPS.)

13. When using a Compression Spiral, first pass should be about 0.25” to get a smooth top edge.

14. 3D software - MasterCAM, ArtCAM, Mud Box, Maya, Inventor, ProServe

15. Vortex Tool 4533 is a Downcut Low Helix bit for finishing and plastics. 4233 is an Upcut Low Helix bit.

16. Adding a powered USB hub can decrease communication errors to the ShopBot Controller.

17. Regularly clean out the ShopBot Control box to prevent operating errors.

18. To protect a machine and job from utility power outages, put the Controller and Computer on UPS. Wire a relay to the machine’s Stop button that triggers when power drops.

19. Tape a box on the floor around machine for a safety margin for visitors.

20. A plastic guard would prevent gear grease from staining clothes when leaning over the rails.

21. Glue pieces over wax paper to prevent sticking to the wrong parts.

22. Screw holes can be waterproofed with Super Glue before installing the screw.

Materials to Investigate

1. PVA Glue - Polyvinyl Acetate Glue (White or Carpenter’s Glue)

2. Centroplast - plastic manufacturer

3. Rustoleum Spray-on Copper finish

4. G10 - Phenolic material

5. 3M 410B - double-sided tape

6. Modern Masters

7. Trex

8. Polyester Resin

9. MAS Epoxy

10. PL Adhesive

11. Helmsman Spar Varnish

12. Renshape - Polyurethane foam

13. Rosco Foamcoat

14. Aqua Resin

Quotes

Beware of pilot error - I sent the bit to Australia but don’t remember why.

Why would I want a fix for $1.50 when I can pay $30 for it.

Testosterone is an evil drug.

That happened sometime farther back than this morning so I don’t have the details.

If you can’t fix it, feature it.

If you go to a surgeon, they operate on you. Go to a turner and everything is round.