CNC Router, Shapeoko XXL
From Annapolis Makerspace Wiki
- Vendor website
- Router/Spindle: Makita RT0701C
- Cutting area: 32"(X) x 33"(Y) x 3"(Z)
Software available
- Carbide Create
- Carbide Motion
- Fusion360
- MeshCAM
- VCarve Pro (Makerspace edition)
Useful links
OVERVIEW OF CNC MACHINING
DESIGNING YOUR PROJECT
To design a CNC project, you need the following:
1. An Idea
2. Design Software (to create your designs or to work with imported pre-made design models)
The CNC PC at Annapolis Makerspace has several design software applications installed, so you have several options from which to choose. Carbide 3D and VCarve are very user-friendly and a good choice for beginners and hobby projects. Autodesk Fusion 360 is also available and is widely used in industry for manufacturing and engineering.
How to create a design from scratch in Carbide Create
How to create a design from scratch in VCarve
NOTE: If you are working in VCarve and would prefer to start on your own PC or laptop, you will need to use the Makerspace License Key with your VCarve Trial Client version. This will enable you to create your .gcode files.
Installing VCarve Pro (Client) on your Laptop or PC
DOWNLOADABLE DESIGNS FOR PRACTICE OR PRODUCTION MAKING
Carbide3d Hello World tutorial
Free CNC projects from Vectric
Free CNC projects from OpenBuilds.com
MAKING YOUR PROJECT
Once you have your design, you need to create the toolpaths that will tell the CNC Router how to cut your part(s), and preview or simulate the cut to ensure you get the result you expect.
Creating CNC toolpaths using VCarve software
Once your design is complete, your toolpaths are created and successfully simulated, the next step is to acquire the material and bits needed and come to the Space's CNC Router machine to generate your machine code and make your project.
NOTE: A safety orientation is required before using the Shapeoko 3XXL CNC Router at Annapolis Makerspace. If you need to schedule and do not see any sessions on the calendar, post a request for orientation to the #cnc_router group on Slack.
The Shapeoko 3XXL CNC Router is run from software called CARBIDE MOTION. Please review this video before scheduling orientation and using the machine:
Introduction to using Carbide Motion
TOPICS COVERED IN ORIENTATION:
- Transferring design files to the CNC PC; user directory
- Creating .nc or .gcode
- Carbide Motion menu and operation; Initialize, Jog, and XYZ Zero setting; start/stop of vacuum system and router spindle
- Installation and removal of bits
- Acceptable materials and how to attach them to the spoilboard
- Recommended Feeds and Speeds for the Shapeoko 3XXL
- Eye and Hearing Protection
- Emergency pause/stop controls; job and machine troubleshooting
- Shop Policies for cleanup and removal of scrap material