This software is difficult to use. I hope it has been improved since this video was released. I used my employers shopbot for the first time recently and was pretty shocked to find control software that functions like it was written in 1995. After using various 3D printer control software with very refined and easy to use interfaces, it is hard to use ones that were designed only with utility in mind and not useability. The machine works good though and I used it to cut some parts and everyone was amazed because it had sat for years because no one knew how to use it
Thanks for your comment! We have made software updates throughout the years that improve the speed and functionality at which our control software communicates with our machines. In fact, we recently released an update for SB3 that you should download from shopbottools.com. We understand the interface does not look as modern as 3D printer software but you will find that it is capable of advanced machining. You can design very complex projects and achieve fine detail with our USA made machines. We are a small independent manufacture and we pride ourselves on swift customer support. We encourage you to call or email with any questions. A little training goes a long way! We want you to be successful with ShopBot CNC machines. 888-680-4466 or support@shopbottools.com. Thanks!!
A and B axis are optional auxiliary axes for accessories. The A axis is most often used for a second spindle (second Z axis) and the B axis is most often used for a rotary indexer. These are enable through the "Display Values" dialog under the "Values" menu in the shopbot control software by increasing the number of axes displayed from 3 to 4 or 5
Everybody else calls the longer dimension (the long 8' length) the Y axis and across the gantry the X axis. Why are you guys backwards? Also, the Shopbot software sucks I'd rather use Mach3 with it.
Loving all these videos.
can someone please list the safety precautions
This software is difficult to use. I hope it has been improved since this video was released. I used my employers shopbot for the first time recently and was pretty shocked to find control software that functions like it was written in 1995. After using various 3D printer control software with very refined and easy to use interfaces, it is hard to use ones that were designed only with utility in mind and not useability. The machine works good though and I used it to cut some parts and everyone was amazed because it had sat for years because no one knew how to use it
Thanks for your comment! We have made software updates throughout the years that improve the speed and functionality at which our control software communicates with our machines. In fact, we recently released an update for SB3 that you should download from shopbottools.com. We understand the interface does not look as modern as 3D printer software but you will find that it is capable of advanced machining. You can design very complex projects and achieve fine detail with our USA made machines. We are a small independent manufacture and we pride ourselves on swift customer support. We encourage you to call or email with any questions. A little training goes a long way! We want you to be successful with ShopBot CNC machines. 888-680-4466 or support@shopbottools.com. Thanks!!
Your controller shows the X-Y-Z axis but mine show two additional axis. A-B. WHat are they? I have a single spindle machine.
A and B axis are optional auxiliary axes for accessories. The A axis is most often used for a second spindle (second Z axis) and the B axis is most often used for a rotary indexer. These are enable through the "Display Values" dialog under the "Values" menu in the shopbot control software by increasing the number of axes displayed from 3 to 4 or 5
Everybody else calls the longer dimension (the long 8' length) the Y axis and across the gantry the X axis. Why are you guys backwards? Also, the Shopbot software sucks I'd rather use Mach3 with it.
X is the base axis (Y is on top of it, and Z is on top of Y), just like in cartesian systems