Convert ShopBOT files to indexer file – rounding options.
Example of a border file for a round section.
You need to create a job (model) which has the dimensions of the section you are going to turn. For our example we want a blank with a 5 inch diameter.
Width is easy that is the width or length you want for the section.
Height is actually going to be the circumference of the blank. Circumference = diameter * 3.141818. So for our example Circumference = 5 * 3.141818. Circumference = 15.7409. Rounding that down a bit gives us 15.7. By the way, my program is not for the super precise. I consider it an artistic program. If you are looking for super precise this is not for you.
Thickness will be 5 inches - the diameter of the blank.
Next, create a rectangle the exact size of the job (model). In our example it would be 24 wide by 15.7 high.
Create then center the vector using F9.
Go to the toolpath tab and select machine along vectors.
Start and finish depth are 0.
Select ½ inch ballnose as the profiling tool.
Calculate the toolpath and close.
Save the toolpath as Shopbot(inch)(*.sbp) format.
Now we are ready to go to the indexer converter program:
If you already have a round blank of the correct diameter hit the no button.
Otherwise hit the yes button.
Square blank option:
You have a blank sized to the correct width but has not been rounded yet (the size is determined by the program depending on the .sbp file you use as input and displayed both on the screen and in the output file). Zzero on the top of one side level with table. The procedure for this option is to take off the corners first rastering in the X axis. After the corners are removed to the amount calculated by the program the whole blank is turned to a rough diameter. You then have the option of taking off more with a different finishing bit or the same bit if desired.
Log or round blank option:
You have a log or round blank that is not quite the right diameter. Zzero at the high point of the log or round blank. The program then asks you how much per pass you would like to take off. It will stop after each pass and ask again. When you have taken enough off enter ‘n’ to continue with the file. Note: you will need to create a border file in order for the program to know the length and height of the turning. This consists of a .sbp file which was created using a Parts Wizard or ArtCAM model of the size you desire as described above.
Click on and select the type of rounding you need.
If you do not want the extra inch added at the headstock and tailstock to miss screws to hold the blank etc. just click on the radio button for not adding extra to the blank otherwise continue.
If you have not already done so you will need to enter the setup values.
Select 1 section for our example program.
Select indexer type round for this section.
Select 1 copy to go around the blank.
Now click on the select files button.
Select the border file we created earlier.
At this point select no on the overlay option as we just want a round blank.
The overlay option is to for example add flutes ( which would be added to the Parts Wizard job or ArtCAM model that we created as a border file). You would just create spaced vectors (lines) on your model and toolpath them with a ballnose or ?.
You could also add a 2 dimensional v-carving or 3 dimensional carving .sbp file as input as long as they are created using the Shopbot(inch)(*.sbp) format and have the same job or model dimensions.
Select a name to save the converted .sbp file as.
The next screen will be asking for the bit length for rounding. This length is measured from the collet nut to the end of the bit. This measurement is important as it tells the program how much space is left from the bit to the blank for safe clearance. If the bit is too long a message will come back informing you to try a shorter bit - if you can't use a shorter bit you would need to re-do your model for accepted clearances or extend your Z capacity.
Next the bit measurements are needed for each file in our example there is only 1 file and is using the 1/2 inch ballnose bit which has the same measurement.
Notice the final measurements are calculated in the ### IMPORTANT MESSAGES #### box.
The output file should be ready to run on you indexer. Please make sure and monitor these files as they run.
