Brand new....maybe

[haystacks]

Hello,
I have been reading the forum and watching all i can on shobots. I have close to 18 yrs doing woodworking but think I would like to get a shop bot. I am very concerned at my lack of computer skills. Is there a website that I could go to and try some of the computer work? A simulator of some sort?

[gc3]

download current version and run in preview!!!:eek:

[myxpykalix]

start here:
http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/WhatsCNC.htm

http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/training.htm

http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/controlsoftware.htm
download the control software

For All PRS ShopBots, PRTalpha, and PRTstandards with upgrades (from Ver. 4g on) Version 3.6.44 Released 12/18/11 ~20MB

[Click here to download Sb3.6.44] (http://www.shopbottools.com/files/Setup_sb3_6_44.exe)
Then you can go to
http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/tutorials.htm

Creating Tool Paths with PartWorks


PartWorks Quick Start [Download Video] (http://www.shopbottraining.com/Videos/PW_quickstart.wmv)
Ask shopbot if they have a preview version of partworks or go to vectric.com and get their preview version of vcarve pro, its like partworks.
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/products/download_products.htm

Ask in the "looking for shopbot owner" if there is anyone in your local area who has a shopbot who would be willing to give you a demo. Firsthand viewing and "hands on" is a great motivator.

When you get done with ALL of that come back and we'll give you more homework!:eek:

I found some training info from some time back that might be helpful and relevant but it isabout 3 megs and can't be posted here so email me and i'll send it to you. Address in profile

[phil_o]

Much of the computer work is done with the design software. The software (Partworks) that comes with a Shopbot is produced by Vectric http://www.vectric.com/
They have a variety of products. The software can be downloaded for free trial. I believe that the equivalent to Partworks is VCarvePro. To help you decide I suggest that you download VCarvePro and also follow the Vectric forum http://www.vectric.com/

Phil

[haystacks]

Thanks for the info. Will get started right away!

[cabnet636]

randy, watch the tutorials on vectric from begginner up,, too many try to do "3d" on day one and miss a lot of basic's on simple file production, node editing and toolpathing, i do a lot of online training and find many slow thier learning curve by not staying simple at the very outset, i have had a "newbie" who had never used a computer in his life and at his mid 50's and was a bit worried he would be one heck of a pain in the a$$,, yet what he had going for him is that he could listen and open his mind to something that at the end of the day really is pretty basic. watch the vectric tutorials, download the vcarvepro demo software. learning the controller will not be as difficult if some file production skills are in place first.