Need help buying new shopbot (Any luthiers out there?)

[heartlandsbs]

Hi,
I have been tasked with finding the right tool for the shop. ( http://www.heartlandsbs.com/ )
It will be used to help build double basses. We need a tool to reduce the time it takes to carve the tops and backs. We want to use the tool to get the pieces roughed out, freeing up time to focus on the more important details. We would also like to be able to do other little detail work with the tool, and perhaps a small amount of prototyping.

I am sure we will need a 3D probe, but unsure about everything else. Cost is not a major factor, but is a consideration. We just want something that ....well...just works. We would like to keep frustration to a minimum, and would probably pay a bit more for that.

I am a complete novice, and I am looking for advice on a complete setup. It will be carving hard woods (the backs) so I am not too sure if I can get away with a standard...we just want a proven solution...stem to stern.

I would love to hear from anyone that can help us put together a complete "turn key" package that will get us up and running with minimal hassle. Especially any from any luthiers....

[Brady Watson]

Josh,
The heart of the entire operation is the ShopBot. I recommend a PRS Alpha, any size you deem large enough to handle larger projects that you might want to tackle down the line.

In terms of an overall system, let me make a few suggestions. The ShopBot probe is very good at reproducing 2D & 3D details. However, to make the most of your 'probing experience' you'll want to be able to edit the surface that the probe gives you, and create suitable toolpaths. ArtCAM Pro is the best software for this, and really anything else you can dream up to cut on your machine. The investment is well worth the price of entry if you are serious about the work you intend to do. There is a learning curve with the software (as is with anything else worthwhile), but there are some of us who can help you to get your files setup & create the toolpaths for you until you get up to speed. Software is the biggest learning curve. Everything else is fairly straight forward.

You will also want to invest in a spindle instead of a standard router. I recommend the Colombo 5HP unit if you want the best for production. Any spindle will be good. I have a fondness for the Colombo.

The hardest part of CNC is to hold down your material when cutting a part. I would venture to guess that you can easily accomplish a vacuum hold down system suitable for holding your smaller parts using either a system that ShopBot sells, or what many other smaller shops have implemented using a high-quality Fein brand shopvac (I believe SB sells this too) and some purpose built vacuum fixtures for production.

Aside from these points, I think you pretty much can't go wrong with a ShopBot. If you are not familiar with CNC, you might want to include some factory training at your facility so that you can get up and running right away.

Feel free to contact me off list if you have any specific questions about what I wrote.

-B

[heartlandsbs]

Thanks very much for the response! After more reading and research I totally agree with your recommendations to go with a spindle and ArtCAM. The only thing I am a bit worried about is the language the Shopbots use as it not standard G-code...
Thanks again for the response!

[rcnewcomb]

About two years ago when I was at Shopbot headquarters I met a husband/wife team who made cellos. They were using the Shopbot as part of that process. They were using the system much the same way you are planning on using it. I believe ArtCAM Pro was their software of choice.

[Brady Watson]

Josh,
The ShopBot language is the easiest machine code in the world to understand & use. The code, for the most part, is based on 2-letter phonetic commands that make reading, writing and understanding it a snap.

Here's an example:

If you wanted to Move the X axis of the tool to the 48" mark , you would enter the command: MX, 48

This same structure is echoed throughout the entire list of commands, making it easy to leverage other commands after you know just one of them. For instance:

Move the Y to the 24" mark: MY,24

Jog (rapid position move, no cutting) the Z axis up to 1: JZ,1

Jog Home: JH

Zero out BOTH the X & Y axes right where the tool sits now: Z2

Jog both XY to 24,24: J2,24,24

Set your Move Speed to 3 on X&Y and 1 on the Z: MS,3,1

As you can see from this example, the commands are very easy to grasp & implement.

-B