Extruter help

[wegner81]

Does anyone have step by step instruction on the use of the extruder,
Would like to start using it regular in my shop for replicating moldings.
Thanks for any help
Kevin @ the Woodworkers Shop

[myxpykalix]

http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/2006/03/the-extruder%E2%80%A6how-to-squeeze-molding-and-other-odd-shapes-out-of-your-shopbot/

http://www.shopbottools.com/LabFiles/extrupdt.htm

google is your friend:D

[jTr]

Kevin,
As Jack noted, just follow instructions. In fact, open up SB3, initiate the extruder, and click the icon at bottom of the worksheet window that opens. A copy of the page Jack posted is included in SB3 now.

Just used it for the first time a week or so ago. If you have a difficult moulding and are patient/accurate with drawing the profile, you'll be thrilled by what it can do.

Be sure to Zzero from top of work surface, not the table. I fought a series of failed attempts to extrude files until I figured that out.

Also, would suggest you try with a SOFT scrapwood or styrofoam to see how the bit will be presented to workpiece. My file began with a 1/2" plunge cut with an 1/8" bit, so I notched workpiece blanks to releive that first cut. I lined up a straight fence to register workpiece against, then moved my zero about 1/2" into workpiece and finally released it by ripping down on table saw after part was completed at the bot. You may have a better hold down method that negates the need for the fence and offset.


The moulding I produced was 2 5/8 wide and quite intricate, requiring use of a .125" ball nose bit = 3 hours run time per 5 foot stick. :eek:
BUT, when you must have it, it's nice to now the bot can do it.

Here's a shot of what I replicated for an antique table apron (partially sanded):

jeff

[wegner81]

I have the original extruder file on my office computer which did not have any instruction , tried to download updated one to my laptop but am getting (component TABCTL32.ocx o9r one of its dependencies not correctly registered a file is missing or invalid) so have been using the original but not having any luck getting a prj extruder(run time error '9';)

[jTr]

If your control software is relatively up to date in your control computer, it's all in there. Fire up your machine and control software, click on "extruder" under TOOLS tab and follow the prompts. It will practically hold your hand through process as it generates an "extruded" file from your original part file.

For a quick primer, see Jack's links.

jeff

[wegner81]

Thanks I did not know that

[steve_g]

For those unfamiliar with the extruder... It makes wonderful round and oval picture frames!

SG

[myxpykalix]

(with a little help from you!) :D