Z-zero to the spoilboard

[David Bean]

I just got my 'bot up and running and am having some difficulties with the blind dadoes in ecabs. I have been getting inconsistent results probably due to inconsistent material thickness. It seems that the way to go is to zero to the spoilboard. I haven't yet figured out how to access and change the code that seems like a child's book to most of you. Does anyone have a step by step procedure I can follow that will do this. I can't seem to find any info on this. Thanks in advance!

[zeykr]

David,

To get specific, forum members will need to know if you are using a shopbot auto tool changer or one of the manual tool change programs. If MTC, is it the version that came with your shopbot, or did you get a customized version from someone.

As a try, in the sb3 program, go to File/Edit then browse to the sbparts/custom directory. You will need to select 'all file types' to see all the custom files there. Open my_variables.sbc and look and see if there is a setting for '&zero_to_bed'. If so set it = 1. Next open MTC.sbp in the sbparts/custom/MTC directory and look for '&zero_to_bed' and set it to 1. (this is assuming Manual Tool Change)

This may or may not work for you - MTC files are often customized a little different on each machines and know my setup is not quite stock as supplied by shopbot.

Gary Campbell is the real expert and will probably be online in a while.

[Gary Campbell]

Ken...

Thanks for the referral, and sorry I'm late. :)

David...
You are right. The majority of us using blind dado construction have found that zeroing to the bed yields much better results.

ShopBot used to have a simple one line fix (line edit) that allows zero to bed. A good number have used it. I say used to because these files are continuously updated. The best plan would be to give SB Tech Supt a call or email and they can walk you thru the change. That way you can have the proper change(s) for the file version that you have.

[David Bean]

Thanks for the replies Ken and Gary. I have a better understanding of how to access the code and modify it now. I dont have a &zero_to_bed line under my_variables. I do however have it under the MTC file. I changed it to 1 and the preview still says i am going to cut 1.6" deep. The preview picture is correct for the toolpath. Thermwood said that &zshift should be commented in order to zero to the bed.

The more I dig the more I understand. I put a request into Shopbot yesterday but haven't heard anything back from them.

Sorry to waste your time with something so simple. I'm just anxious to get some results that work.

I am running a PRTalpha 60x120.

[David Bean]

I changed the zero to bed and z shift and just cut another test. My design thickness was .77, cut through depth was .06. On final pass the cutter only went down to .17. The difference being .23 which somehow corelates to the .77 design thickness. Any insight would be Greatly appreciated.

[Gary Campbell]

David...
With the job you mention nested, press the [EXPORT] button and save the file toa known location. Attach the (.cab) file and email it to the email address in my profile. (below left) Put "shopbot" in the subject line

[David Bean]

Gary,
I finally got it cutting correctly. Shopbot responded this afternoon with the adjustments needed for the MTC file. Seems a couple of ' are pretty significant.Heres what they said for anyone else looking for the info.