Purchasing questions

[mrgadget]

Hi guys, I'm looking seriously at purchasing a shopbot and using it for cabinets/furniture both residential and commercial. (What we do now) I'm a little confused about what software will work with it. Will the standard or alpha PRS work with a program that just generates g-code, or does it require a program that speaks shopbot only language? I guess what I'm trying to get at is with the factory configuration is it possible to run any software with the bot, or would I have to change something in order for the bot to work with unproprietary (is that a word?) programs. If it does require shopbot only language, then would it be better to purchase a standard PRS and then acquire a new driver combination that is available as an aftermarket item, or should I purchase the Alpha? If I ever get this straightened out in my head it'll be a miracle!!

[steve4460]

Hi Jay
For what you want to do I would go with the PRS alpha . It comes with part wizzard software but you might want something with more power like artcam pro ,that one is kind of spendy but you will get a lot of bang for your buck.Then there is V carve pro 4.0 that could work for you too for a fraction of what artcam pro costs and it has a lot mor power then PW.
I still use PW and VCW pro 4 for my cabinet parts , once you get the programs figured out on how to draw your parts then it is easy to build cabinets with it .

bot on

[bill.young]

Jay,

If you prefer using G-code the current ShopBot software will run G-code files directly, as well as files that mix G-code commands and ShopBot commands. There's also a G-code to sbp convertor included in the ShopBot software.

However, many if not most of the major software packages that generate toolpath files include ShopBot post processors. You can find a partial list at http://www.shopbottools.com/drivers.htm

Hope this helps,
Bill

[mrgadget]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll check out those programs and see if they will work for what I need to do. This is just so confusing at times and I really appreciate the direction and clarification you guys give here on the forum. If if wasn't for this forum I probably wouldn't even consider buying a shopbot!!

[bill.young]

Jay,

Maybe if you post details on how you build your cabinets...what kind of features you need, etc... one of the cabinetmakers that build theirs the same way will have software suggestions.

Bill

[mrgadget]

Right now all we use is butt joints with pocketholes. Sometimes when it calls for it a 1/8" full dado with pocket screws. Upon implementation of the bot (hopefully) I want to begin using half blind dados for strength and ease of assembly. Maybe I should stay with p-holes?? This was one of my main concerns was the ability to cut half blind dados with which software. Cab parts pro does not do this as of now, but hopefully will in a couple of months according to Ryan. I have no idea about flexcabs, because of no reply or update from Patrick anywhere. With our residential cabinets we use 99.9% of the time veneer core plywood, so it's no problem with staying with pocketholes there, but I have some reserves about using pocketholes on melamine board for commercial applications, hence the need for half blind dados. Hope this fills in a few holes.

[paco]

Cabinet Part PRO (can) do pocket screw assembly. In fact, from my (beta tester) experience, it's one of it's main feature. I think it's a nice cabinet package to get started as there's a free version available to play with... I know Ryan is working on the development of new features.

I must say that I build all(most) my cabinets with dados and rabets glued up only. I like the way it get together and the glue assembly if perfectly clean yet very strong. I know there's many cabinet oriented package that could do the dados/rabets for me but they are out of price for me as, anyway, am very quick at getting the drawing in one of my CAD/CAM package. I must admit that I don't do a living of building cabinet though...

I'd say start with Part Wizard and/or V Carve PRO to get used to the CNC tool then as you work your way with those packages, you'll know what you need AND what to look for.

May I add that I like to render my cabinets in SketchUp, explode them then used the dimensions to generate the parts in CAD/CAM.