Shapeoko CNC Machine

We currently have 2 Shapeoko CNC machines in the smaller room within the Loud Noise room. The smaller Shapeoko is typically used for the Robot Portraits demos. The larger Shapeoko was recently fixed, and a SOP is currently in progress.

The steps to use the Shapeoko machines are similar to the CNC Machine Operation Steps, although that page documents the process to use the old CNC machine that is no longer at the space.

Using Shapeoko with Freecad

Shapeoko provides software for creating 2.5D toolpaths (gcode) called Carbide Create. It also has a gcode sender called Carbide Motion. Freecad, and open source cad package, also has CAM functionality to create toolpaths. It has both 2.5D and 3D capabilities. These instructions are tested with Freecad 1.0.

1. Create your part in freecad, import a step file, or follow along with the example file.
2. In the Model window, select the base object of your document. Change the unit system to Metric small parts & CNC.
3. Switch to the CAM workbench
4. In the CAM menu, open the Toolbit Library Editor. Select a location for your library and let Freecad create the required folders
5. In the Toolbit Library Editor, use the button on the left to create a new tool table
6. Create the tools you will use to do your work. AHA has a ball and square end mills in 1/4", 1/8", and 1/16" sizes, as well as a .25" V bit. You only need to create the tools you will actually use.
   1. Select a fcstd file to act as the prototype for your tool. Then create a file that will hold the details for your particular tool.
   2. Double click on your new tool to specify its details. The diameter is critical, but the others are less important. If you are using the example file, you will need a .25" V bit, and .25" and .125" end mills.
   3. Close the tool library
7. Click the Job button to create a job. Select the body that will be machined
8. Set the size of your stock. Then set the zero of your coordinate system. You may choose anywhere, but good choices are the corner of the stock or the corner of your part.
9. In the Output tab, select the GRBL postprocessor. Add the --translate_drill command line option if you will be using a drill in your part
10. Use the Tools tab to add some tools to your job.
11. Click OK to set up the job.
12. If you are machining something like MDF or Plywood, there is a good chance that the thickness of your finished part is the same as the thickness of your stock. You will not need a facing operation.
13. If your stock is thicker (z height) than your finished part, you will need a