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How to use the CNC Router

How to use the CNC Router

Apr 03, 2025

Training Requirements

Before operating the ShopBot CNC machine, make sure you have passed the CNC Router Certification Course and had an in-person CNC training. Contact soatechdesk@utexas.edu to find out more.

Revision Date

Guide last updated Mar 6, 2025 . This is an interim revision for the Spring.

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common troubleshooting issues are located at the last page of this guide or soa.utexas.edu/cnc

Command Quick Reference

Command

Function

Example of use

Command

Function

Example of use

C1

Automatic Tool Changer (CNC #2 ONLY)

Chooses a new bit (1-9) from the Tool list.

C2

Z-axis Calibration
(CNC #1 ONLY)

Calibrate the Z-axis for the bit with the help of the Z-zero plate.

C3

Home Calibration

Carriage will 'Home' itself to 0,0

C5

Spindle Warm-Up Sequence

Spindle will cycle from low, med, high to warm-up, Takes 6-Minutes.
Only required for the first cut of the day. If others are using the CNC prior to you; this has already been done.

J2

Dual-Axis Jog (X,Y)

Jogs the carriage by 2-axis, using the format X-axis then Y-axis
Example: enter 'j2 12, 24' to send the carriage to 12" on the X-axis and 24" on the Y-axis

JX | JY | JZ

Single-Axis Jog (X, Y, OR Z)

Jogs the carriage by 1-axis, specify which axis by 'JX' or 'JY' or 'JZ'

Z2

Sets temporary 'Home' position

Change the 0,0 reference point from the default corner to the current location of the carriage.

JH

Jog Home

Moves the carriage to the designated 'home' position from any point.

FP

File Part Load

Opens a ShopBot.sbt file to run from the start. (default)

FG

File Load in Goto/Line mode

Opens a ShopBot.sbt file to run from a specified line. For use when restarting a failed/paused job part way through. (additional troubleshooting on last page)

TR

RPM Spindle Controller

When this window is open the spindle will be able to read the RPM from your file.

Input Quick Reference

Input

Function

Example of use

Input

Function

Example of use

1

Aluminum Z-plate

Only on CNC 1; for manual Z-axis calibration

2

X-axis Proxy

Proximity sensor for X-axis

3

Y-axis Proxy

Proximity sensor for Y-axis

4

Emergency Stop Button

Big red Emergency STOP button located above the workstation

5

ATC Z-plate

Only on CNC 2; for automatic tool changer Z-axis calibration

ShopBot CNC Process


  • Double-check that the bit you are using is the exact type of bit mentioned in the CNC Templates page. If you don’t use the right bit, your part will not come out correctly.

  • The ShopBot CNC will perform ANY command given without question. It is important that YOU question every command to ensure no damage is done to the machine or to the surrounding shop patrons.

Part 1: Machine Calibration

  1. Sign-in to the CNC Workstation using your EID credentials

  2. Clear the CNC bed off to ensure no collisions occur

  3. Ensure that the brush is magnetically attached to the end of the CNC router

  4. Ensure that the dust collection gate is open and clear of obstructions; feel for airflow to ensure dust collection system is working

  5. Turn on the ShopBot using the red switch on the control box
     

  6. Press the blue, reset button (middle) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation

  7. Check the fan above the spindle and ensure that it is powered on

  8. On the workstation, launch the ShopBot 3 program from the desktop or search 'sb3' on the start menu

  9. Next, perform the homing calibration; this process differs depending on which machine you're on.

  10. Enter command 'JZ 4' then 'JX 80' to jog the spindle to a safe location in preparation for loading your stock material

  11. Enter command 'TR' to open the auto RPM Spindle Control window

Part 2: Spindle Warm Up Sequence

The operator is responsible for ensuring that the warm up sequence has been ran at least once that day. If the sequence has already been ran, you may skip to 'Part 3: Loading Stock Material'

  1. The ShopBot CNC MUST go through the spindle warm up sequence to prevent damage to the spindle.
    This process takes 9 minutes and only needs to be done once per day.

    1. Enter command 'C5' to start the spindle calibration routine

    2. A dialogue box will pop up asking you to start the router/spindle with 'start' button; DO NOTHING and proceed to next step

    3. Press the green, start button (right) on the ShopBot pendant located at the workstation to turn the spindle on

    4. Verify VISUALLY that the bit is now rotating in the spindle

    5. Click 'Yes/OK' to start the spindle warm up sequence

    6. Once the operation is complete, proceed to the next step