How to use the CNC Router

Owned by Courtney Morshed
Last updated: Aug 09, 2024 by Courtney Morshed
7 min read

Training Requirements

Before operating the ShopBot CNC machine, make sure you have passed the CNC Router Certification Quiz and had an in-person CNC training. Contact soatechdesk@utexas.edu to find out more.

Revision Date

Guide last updated  

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common troubleshooting issues are located at the last page of this guide or soa.utexas.edu/cnc

Command Quick Reference

CommandFunctionExample of use
C1Automatic Tool Changer (CNC #2 ONLY)Chooses a new bit (1-9) from the Tool list.
C2Z-axis Calibration
(CNC #1 ONLY)
Calibrate the Z-axis for the bit with the help of the Z-zero plate.
C3Home CalibrationCarriage will 'Home' itself to 0,0
C5Spindle Warm-Up SequenceSpindle will cycle from low, med, high to warm-up, Takes 6-Minutes.
Only required for the first cut of the day. If others are using the CNC prior to you; this has already been done.
J2Dual-Axis Jog (X,Y)Jogs the carriage by 2-axis, using the format X-axis then Y-axis
Example: enter 'j2 12, 24' to send the carriage to 12" on the X-axis and 24" on the Y-axis
JX | JY | JZSingle-Axis Jog (X, Y, OR Z)Jogs the carriage by 1-axis, specify which axis by 'JX' or 'JY' or 'JZ'
Z2Sets temporary 'Home' position

Change the 0,0 reference point from the default corner to the current location of the carriage.

JHJog HomeMoves the carriage to the designated 'home' position from any point.

FP

File Part LoadOpens a ShopBot.sbt file to run from the start. (default)
FGFile Load in Goto/Line modeOpens a ShopBot.sbt file to run from a specified line. For use when restarting a failed/paused job part way through. (additional troubleshooting on last page)
TRRPM Spindle ControllerWhen this window is open the spindle will be able to read the RPM from your file.

Input Quick Reference

InputFunctionExample of use
1Aluminum Z-plate

Only on CNC 1; for manual Z-axis calibration

2X-axis ProxyProximity sensor for X-axis
3Y-axis ProxyProximity sensor for Y-axis
4Emergency Stop ButtonBig red Emergency STOP button located above the workstation
5ATC Z-plate

Only on CNC 2; for automatic tool changer

6Z-zero plateOnly on CNC 1; Fixed Z-axis calibration plate

ShopBot CNC Process

  • Double-check that the bit you are using is the exact type of bit mentioned in the CNC Templates page. If you don’t use the right bit, your part will not come out correctly.
  • The ShopBot CNC will perform ANY command given without question. It is important that YOU question every command to ensure no damage is done to the machine or to the surrounding shop patrons.

Part 1: Machine Calibration

  1. Sign-in to the CNC Workstation using your EID credentials
  2. Clear the CNC bed off to ensure no collisions occur
  3. Ensure that the brush is magnetically attached to the end of the CNC router
  4. Ensure that the dust collection gate is open and clear of obstructions; feel for airflow to ensure dust collection system is working

  5. Turn on the ShopBot using the red switch on the control box
     

  6. Press the blue, reset button (middle) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation


  7. Check the fan above the spindle and ensure that it is powered on

  8. On the workstation, launch the ShopBot 3 program from the desktop or search 'sb3' on the start menu

  9. Next, perform the homing calibration; this process differs depending on which machine you're on.

    CNC 1CNC 2
    1. Ask a Build Lab staff member to install your router bit
    2. Enter command 'C3'
      1. ShopBot will home in the X-axis and Y-axis
    3. Enter command 'C2'
      1. ShopBot will home in the Z-axis
    4. ShopBot is now homed
    1. Enter command 'C3'
      1. ShopBot will home in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis automatically
    2. ShopBot is now homed
  10. Enter command 'JZ 4' then 'JX 80' to jog the spindle to a safe location in preparation for loading your stock material
  11. Enter command 'TR' to open the auto RPM Spindle Control window

Part 2: Spindle Warm Up Sequence

The operator is responsible for ensuring that the warm up sequence has been ran at least once that day. If the sequence has already been ran, you may skip to 'Part 3: Loading Stock Material'

  1. The ShopBot CNC MUST go through the spindle warm up sequence to prevent damage to the spindle.
    This process takes 9 minutes and only needs to be done once per day.
    1. Enter command 'C5' to start the spindle calibration routine
    2. A dialogue box will pop up asking you to start the router/spindle with 'start' button; DO NOTHING and proceed to next step

    3. Press the green, start button (right) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation to turn the spindle on

    4. Verify VISUALLY that the bit is now rotating in the spindle
    5. Click 'Yes/OK' to start the spindle warm up sequence
    6. Once the operation is complete, proceed to the next step

Part 3: Loading Stock Material

Stock material should be at least 20" x 20" or larger in size for the vacuum table to perform correctly.
Smaller footprints will require an additional plywood sheet be mounted beneath your stock to create a larger surface space for the vacuum table.

  1. Place your stock material on the home position 0,0 reference point
  2. Ensure that the bleeder valve is OPEN to relieve pressure from the vacuum system
  3. Open/Close the appropriate zones for your stock material, ensuring uncovered zones are turned off at the ball valve to provide the best vacuum hold down to your stock.

  4. Turn on the vacuum table with the red switch on the blower control box mounted to the wall
  5. Ensure that 1 or more zones are open, then close the bleeder valve; failure to perform this action correctly will result in damage to the blower motor
  6. Give your stock material a solid push to ensure that it is held down tight with the vacuum table suction
    1. Use the provided airflow redirect sheets stored against the wall to block off and redirect airflow to your stock
  7. If your stock material budges after the last step, you should redo the steps for 'Part 3: Loading Stock Material'

Part 4: Running a Job

Download your ShopBot job file or transfer it from a USB drive and save the file to the desktop to ensure that no errors occur during the operation.

  1. Ensure that your file is saved locally to the desktop
  2. Enter command 'FP' to load your file
  3. A yellow notepad window will appear, you can ignore this and click the green 'START' button on screen
  4. Pay extra close attention to what the dialog boxes tell you on these next steps
    1. If a box pops up asking if the right tool is in the spindle; verify that it is and click 'Yes/OK'

    2. If a box pops up asking if you have zeroed the bit; click 'Yes/OK'

    3. If a box pops up asking you to start the router/spindle with 'start' button; DO NOTHING and proceed to next step

  5. Press the green, start button (right) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation to turn the spindle on

  6. Verify VISUALLY that the bit is now rotating in the spindle
  7. Once the spindle is on and spinning you're ready to cut!
  8. Click 'Yes/OK' while keeping your hand near the red EMERGENCY STOP button while the operation starts
  9. Your job will now start!
    Keep an eye on the cuts to ensure they look accurate to your original file and the simulation. If you notice something, it is best hit the EMERGENCY STOP and review your file and or calibration steps.

Shutdown & Cleanup Process

The dust collection system does not collect 100% of removed materials.
Please spend time at the end of each CNC session to clean up the surrounding space using the Build Labs shop vacs, brooms and dustpans.

  1. Jog the spindle out of the way if it is blocking you from retrieving your part 'JZ 4' then 'JX 60'

  2. Open the bleeder valve and turn off the blower motor using the blower control box switch to release your cut part from the CNC bed


  3. Depending on which machine you are using...

    CNC 1CNC 2
    • Asked a Build Lab staff member to retrieve your bit from the spindle
    • Jog the spindle to the resting home position by entering command 'J2 5,5' then place the white PVC tube under the Tool. 5, 5 is outlined on the table with a blue circle.

  4. If no one is in the queue to use the machine after you

    1. Turn off the Vacuum Table system

    2. Turn off the ShopBot control box

    3. Close the dust collection vent

    4. Log off of the CNC workstation

  5. Use the shop vac, broom and dustpan to cleanup the CNC bed and the surrounding areas

Troubleshooting

Did an error or sudden stop occur during your job? did you have to press the emergency stop? Try some of these solutions!

CNC Troubleshooting | Router | Nudge / Nudging

Problem

Your print is not cutting through to the desired depth; this can be caused by a file issue, tool tip calibration or a worn table surface.

  • Table is surfaced once per semester and should be assumed flat
  • Tool tip calibration parameters may be incorrect
  • File issues can cause unrepeatable damage to the CNC machines and if the issue is suspected due to a file you should stop you cut immediately and fix the problem in Fusion360.

If you experience any of these issues please send an email to soatechdesk@utexas.edu to ensure that a staff member is aware of machine or table damage.

Solution

Proceed with caution when using the NUDGE command. Any damage to the spoil board should be reported so that it may be addressed prior to the next CNC user.

The goal is to cut 100% through your material and not to go deeper than 1/32 of an inch into the spoil board.

  1. Stop your job
    1. record the line # if you're expecting to resume
  2. Type MN (Move, Nudge) in the command box
  3. Nudge the Z-axis by -0.015 or 1/64 of an inch at a time
    1. each time a nudge command is given it will be relative from the current point. i.e. if you nudge by -0.015 then again by -0.010 you will be -0.025 from your original start point.
  4. Rerun your file with your newly calibrated Z offset position.

Proceed to CNC Troubleshooting | Router | Resuming a stopped job if you recorded the Line # that your job stopped on.

CNC Troubleshooting | Router | Resuming a stopped job

Problem

This guide is intended to be used to start a job  that was inadvertently terminated.
A Job may stop or fault for a variety of reasons. The '-- Unexpected Output Fault ! --' error is caused by a miss-step in communications from the workstation to the Shoptbot controls.

Solution

If you receive a '-- Unexpected Output Fault ! --' error, make sure to note down the line number in the 'Current Line' box.

  1. Enter command 'FG' to resume a job at a specified line in the code
    1. Click 'Setup a Re-start of this file'
    2. Enter your desired starting point in the 'Line Number' box
    3. Click 'GO' and allow the ShopBot to move to the desired start position
  2. Click 'Run from Here'
  3. The ShopBot will notify you to turn on the spindle by pressing the green 'start' button (right side of ShopBot pendent)
  4. Verify VISUALLY that the bit is now rotating in the spindle
  5. Click 'Yes/OK' while keeping your hand near the red EMERGENCY STOP button while the operation starts


CNC Troubleshooting | Router | Axis Limiter Sensor

Problem

If you see this error it is because the ShopBot CNC hit a limiter sensor or proxy switch that caused a fault in the calibration and requires re-calibration.

Solution

The Shopbot CNC machines are designed with a limit sensor for each axis. One of the limiters is a physical stop to keep the gantry from walking off the rails; if you hit these you will have to re-initialize the Shopbot CNC machine. The other limiter is a light sensor to assist the machine with it's 'homing' function (C3). It is important to not enter commands that are beyond the limits of these machines. For example; both of our CNC machines have a 60" Y axis and a 96" X axis beds. pushing either of these numbers beyond their limit will incur a limiter switch error.

  1. Turn off CNC Control box
  2. Close ShopBot3
  3. Fix axis proxy switch (lowering spindle 1")
  4. At least 30 seconds should have passed since turning off the CNC Control box so that it forgets its settings
  5. Start CNC Control Box
  6. Press Blue Reset button
  7. Launch ShopBot3
  8. Enter command Z3 to zero all 3 axis (X, Y, Z)
  9. Enter command C3 to calibrate machine
  10. Proceed back to 'Part 1: Machine Calibration'