Setup Procedures – Convert ShopBOT files to indexer files.
Click on the setup menu at top of main screen.
This screen controls where you want the ShopBOT to go for tool changes. Be sure to measure carefully and watch the first time a file runs to make sure it is going where you expect!
The ShopBOT will be positioned to the X value selected. I use -7 so it goes closer to the edge of my table for easier access to the spindle. This is relative to the headstock side of the indexer at the start of the indexer blank and centered on the indexer blank.
The ShopBOT will be positioned to the Y value selected. I use 7 as my indexer is on the x zero side of my table. You may want to go negative if that is the direction you need to go for your setup. This is relative to the headstock side of the indexer at the start of the indexer blank and centered on the indexer blank.
The ShopBOT will be positioned to the Z value selected. To get this measurement you need to run your Z axis up until you get the motor fault. Then reset the motor fault and move the Z down slightly. From this point measure from the bottom of the collet nut to the center of the indexer vertically I use +6.25 for this value as I have a 12 inch Z on my machine. The program uses this value for bit changes. It will go to the safe Z value calculated for the file then goes an additional amount to reach the maximum value. Then it goes to the Y value and lastly the X value.
The last screen of the setup phase is used for the stepdown and move speed values used for rounding and tapering the ends of square blanks also the finish speed which relates to the indexer rotation speed.
Stepdown value is the amount the indexer will take off per pass. I use .125 for hardwood.
XY movespeed is set here. I use 8 with my PRTalpha and spindle.
Z movespeed is set here. I use 5 with my PRTalpha and spindle.
Finish is the rotation of the indexer and affects the speed at which the indexer travels down the X axis. I use 720 for most things which takes less time than 360 or fine. You need to experiment with this to see the results for yourself.
Just added stepover for the rounding and profile toolpaths created by the program. This can significantly speed up run times. Needs to be played with.
