Will signmaking software run shopbot?

[bbrady@eircom.net]

I currently use Gerber' (Graphics advantage)
Software to run a plotter, It uses hpgl & can
Export Dxf. Files But it has no (z) command,
will it run a shopbot,
would welcome the pros & cons!!!!!!

[danhamm@abccom.bc.ca]

The shopbot dxf converter will create a z-down
at the start of a line and a z-up at the end of
a line in the dxf file automatically..you will have to fill in depths for colors and z-up travelling clearance and your done... you have a cut file...

[billp]

Brendan, You have an advantage over many people who are just starting to use a CNC machine; you are already familiar with a specific software. While that may not be the one you ultimately choose to use for all of your work, it will certainly let you get started.
As Dan has pointed out the Shopbot software will convert your .hpgl, and .dxf files, and let you designate a safe pull up "Z" height in your 2D files.If you can generate files for your plotter, you can generate them for the Shopbot...

[debekker]

Brendan,
Are you are using the old GA6 or the new Omega.
Gerber should have G code drivers in the program you might have to install from your disk and this will give you simple cutout (Z up and down Depth)Not full 3d.
GA should also have hpgl drivers and then you can cut layers by assigning colors and using the converter.
You might want to look into the routing Module for GA Art Path if you have a regestered copy it would be fairly Reasonable priced.

[debekker]

Ooops forgot the link
http://www.gspinc.com/products/sign_equip/software/artpath.html

[david@thecarpentershelper.com]

Brendan, I use flexi pro and Inspire Pro for all of my sign making they both will save dxf or tiff. But the problem I have with flexi Pro is that it dosen't truly save the dxf as far as the colors: it seems to convert them all back to just black, so you might see if yours saves them right by opening up the dxf in a different program like turbo cad or Vector. By the way if anyone knows why flexy pro is doing this, or am I just missing somthing? I use the Inspire Pro more than anything it has everything in it including drivers for cnc routers and engravers, except shopbot and it has a nesting program, all the goodies.. to bad they no longer support it after almost $6,000.00 oh well... David in Wyoming

[dadshead1@shaw.ca]

I am trying to decide whether to buy the shopbot. I currently use Flexi sign pro to design my signs and i have used the gerber sabre for the past five years. I am a little leary of the software involved with the Bot. I have never used a DOS based software before. What progams can you use to create the artwork with in order for it to bne compatible with the Bot software? I also have Corel 9. More importantly HOW do you use DOS based software?
Thanx,
Dennis Adshead

[rgbrown@itexas.net]

"More importantly HOW do you use DOS based software?"

Dennis,

The DOS software is used with GREAT stability. I run an OLD 486 in DOS on my ShopBot. I turn on the computer and ShopBot. If I need to transfer a file from a floppy disk, I insert the disk containing the file in the "A" drive and put in a very short command that runs a batch file. This transfers my files to the proper directory for the ShopBot to run.

I then type in "SB". Another batch file starts the ShopBot program. I then run the program with two-letter commands and the arrow keys.

My method is the MOST crude way to run a ShopBot. Others run from a "Windows" desktop by clicking on icons. But, they have embraced other high-tech devices like cell-phones and DVD players. Some are rumored to even watch TV and can operate "The Remote", a device I could never master.

BTW, DOS has never given me the "Blue Screen of Death".

Ron Brown - rgbrown@itexas.net (mailto:rgbrown@itexas.net)

"In general the art of government consists in taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give to the other."
--Voltaire

[danhamm@abccom.bc.ca]

Dennis, you don't have to run in the dos based mode..I never have and never have had a problem.

I have flexi sign..and coreldraw and many other
programs ..you use them to create a file and then
save as or export as a "dxf.file" then use the shopbot dxf.file converter to create a shopbot
sbp.file which runs the machine..the shopbot
program runs in windows 98se. quite nicely it
doesn't run in win2k or winxp or on linux but they
are working on it, and it should be soon..

[kennywhite]

shopbot is always improving and moving forward and i was wondering if someone had compiled a reference chart for bits (of all types) used with materials (of all types) and what the speeds would be (ramps, plunges and moves) maybe even a cross reference ----- you dont know if you dont ask---------thanks, kenny white