Getting the best out of the ShopBot

[mikejohn]

I am starting this thread from a message posted in this (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/show.cgi?tpc=28&post=36421#POST36421) thread

It appears to me there are a number of factors that influence how to achieve the optimum results from the ShopBot.
I list them here, if I have missed any please add to my list.

1. The ShopBot itself, PRT or Alpha
2. Upgrades to the ShopBot
3. The table and hold down methods
4. The router or spindle
5. The condition (maintenance) of this equipment
6. The cutting bit(make, type, suitability for the job, material its made of)
7. The material being cut
8. The PC used to run the Shopbot program
9. The software used to produce the cutting file
10. The original CAD drawing (or dedicated file maker based on spread sheet, or V-carve wizard type programs)
11. The method used to arrive at the drawing.
12. The settings on the ShopBot
and, of course, me!!
All of the above have a bearing on the time taken to cut a file, the accuracy (resolution) of the file, the quality of finish, and the commercial viability of the finished item.

It could be interesting to discuss all, or any of these items, and put into context the value, if any, of changing anything from the bog standard Shopbot.

.........Mike

[benchmark]

I feel this thread will go nowhere like the last one.... I did request some ramping values to do a direct comparison, but never received them. I am sure that 12 variables are far to many to arrive at a valued result. I wonder what a clean 110/220/230/240 50hz/60hz power supply would have on the result ?


Paul

[beacon14]

don't forget temperature and humidity in the shop, moisture content of the material, internal stresses in the material, external stresses on the operator, I could go on

[gerald_d]

Mike, this will be a tricky thread. It appears to want to encompass everything said in all the other "troubleshooting" threads.