You need to create a border file first to give the flat section height and width.

You will do this in the Part Wizard or ArtCAM model that you create. First create a model with the height and width that reflects your flat section size. For example I want to create a section that uses a 6X6 cedar post. I would put the height at 5.75 as my 6X6 measures approximately that and the width at say 5 inches for a rail mortise section that I want on the post. The thickness is 5.75 inches.

The actual rail mortise would be in the center of the model and would not give me the actual border – one reason we need to create a border file.

Then create a rectangle the size of the model. 5.75 height and 5 width.

Create then center the rectangle using F9.

This is your border vector.

Go to toolpath tab and select machine along vectors.

Leave Start Depth and Finish Depth at 0. Select the bit you plan on using for your first toolpath.

Calculate now.

Close.

Save toolpath as Shopbot(inch)(*.sbp) toolpath format.

Now create the rail mortise vectors and toolpaths. Note: you could be putting any 2D or 3D vectors in at this time we are just using a simple example.

We will just use a simple 2X4 rail so make the rectangle 3.5 wide by 1.5 high and hit F9 to center. You can position this wherever you want on the model.

Now go to toolpath tab and select area clear.

Set the Finish Depth to whatever you would like I used 1 inch.

Select your bit make sure it’s long enough to reach the bottom without hitting the collet.

Calculate the rail mortise now.

Close.

Save toolpath using the same Shopbot(inch)(*.sbp) toolpath format as above.

Now we are ready to convert the section toolpaths for the indexer.

Assume you already have the setup done – if not see the setup documentation.

In this example we only have 1 section and it is from a square blank so we do not need to round and sections of our blank. Enter n.

Select 1 for the number of sections for our example.

Select flat as the indexer type for this section.

Select 1 copy to setup the border.

Click on the select files button.

Select the border file we created before.

Select yes on the next screen which asks if you want to overlay the section. We will add the rail mortises on the overlay.

Select flat for the indexer type on the overlay. Notice the Section number now says 2 as the files for this overlay are different from the first Section files and need to be kept separate.

For our example select 2 as the number of copies. Note: if you select 2 copies the program will assume you want them on opposite sides of the square. If you do not want them on opposite sides you will need to enter 4 copies and select the files where you want them – keeping in mind that you can use the border file from above on a side where you do not want anything toolpathed.

Click on select files.

Select the rail mortise .sbp file as the first file.

We want a rail out the other side so select the rail mortise.sbp as the other file for overlay of section 1.

For our example we do not want to overlay any other files. Note: this could be used for Z level roughing and finishing of a 3D object for example.

Select no for the overlay for our example.

We are now ready to create the .sbp indexer converted output file.

Select the name and where you want to save the file and save.

You will be sent to a couple of screens asking for bit length from the collet nut to the end of the bit.  There will be one bit length screen for each file.

Notice the final measurements on the screen below. Program adds 1 inch on headstock and tailstock end of blank to miss indexer hardware and screws etc. This is only added once for the entire blank so if you have more than 1 section it still only adds 2 inches.

You are now ready to run the indexer file on the ShopBOT. Remember to carefully monitor the file as it runs especially the first time.