BobCad to ShopBot

[bill]

Newbie here... my 4848 to be delivered this Friday. Have currently been using V22 BobCad's G-code to my "home-built" CNC and would like to continue using it until I can afford "new". Can anyone assist me with translating the G-code to a ShopBot format? The forums mention a converter/translator but I'm missing the name and where to aquire.

Thanks,
Bill

[harold_weber]

Once you load the ShopBot control software you will find a G-code converter at:

C:\Program Files\ShopBot\ShopBot 3\Bin\UX_GCODE.exe

[bill.young]

Hey Bill,

The ShopBot software will natively run G-Code files...here's a list of the supported commands.

http://shopbotwiki.com/index.php?title=GCodeMain

Just to make sure, you can download the Control software and try your files in Preview mode...you'll get an error if one of the commands isn't supported.

Bill

[bill]

Great! :-) Thanks guys. I have read both good and bad about the BobCad post processor for ShopBot, if functional at all. Any comments on using that or some another post processor?

Have read some ill reviews of BobCad but... like to create a skin all you need to do is cursor point, left click, right click, left click, one more left click, right click, left click three more times, face east, point west, hold your left foot 3" from the floor, whisper "I hope this works this time!" while pressing the ENTER key. It's that easy! Honest.

Once again... Thanks!
Bill

[jsfrost]

Bill,

I have written negative reviews of Bobcad based on my experience with V19. Newer versions may be better or not. I am evaluating V22 and have not yet reached a personal conclusion. It is, at least, very different from V19.

The Bobcad support person I reached did not know of a V22 Shopbot post. Drop me an email if you have one or know which of the available posts prooduce files Shopbot will machine.

[bill]

Jim,
Have had V22 for awhile but no time on it other than install and then look. The "face" is new to include menu modifications. Started w/V19, V20, V21 and now V22. I'm not sure where I got/read/heard about the ShopBot Post or that Fanuc 6 G-code is the closest workup to ShopBot. This will be a learning trip for me, moving from my home-built CNC to a ShopBot. As for BobCad.... I really can't complain if for no other reason than I don't know any better. I guess I jump on the BobCad complaint hay-ride only as a cover up for my own short commings.
All-in-all, will get back with you once I have some "real" info for you. Assembly starts tomorrow....

Thanks,
Bill

[bill]

Jim,
Checked with BobCad Tech and there is no Post for ShopBot. There is however a Post Request Form that one could fill out and FAX to them and they will build/modify/create a Post.. "Free of Charge". I also found out that my V21 "BobArt" will not work with V22, that would be a separate purchase. Will check further.

[tree]

I have had a VERY bad time with version 22. I purchased it and was told that it would work on my Bot. Well after Tech support would not call me back, talked to me like I was a fool, and could not help me with my problems I had enough. I stuck it out though and FINALLY after a month got just enough bugs worked out on my drawing (with no help from the "on demand" support) whent to post it... nothing. When I as ask them how long it would take to write a post for me they couldnt tell me. After all the trouble with the drawing with no help I could only think of the trouble I was gonna face being the test subject for a new post. The software can do it all. I like it. Wish it was a better company backing it up, but with a month of down time and no support after paying for it I am not impressed.

[bill]

Brian,
I'm traveling down the same road. BobCad tech support has left a bad taste in my mouth for the same reasons that you are dealing with... "Yes, V22 will work with ShopBot". It will all come out in the wash.

Bill

[myxpykalix]

I guess tech support at shopbot has us all spoiled and we expect other companies to do the same. I guess we have to realize they are the "exception and not the rule". Too bad they don't follow their lead.

I guess Bobcad doesn't realize that "when you're happy you'll tell ten people, when you're mad you'll tell 100".

[bill]

The saga continues.....
#1) "Training CDs" showed V21 and V22 being real close to one another until the machine "TREE"!!!!! Not a happy camper here. CDs are VERY lite with instructions/operation of the machine "TREE".
#2) Faxed the "Post Processor Request Form" to BobCad for a V22 Post Processor going to a ShopBot. There is a V21 Post Processor for ShopBot available, and with this, in hopes of their creating a V22 Post Processor should not take too long.
#3) I have reverted back to V21 BobCad running the Fanuc6M Post with no bells/whistles to get up and running. I only set the depth of cut and then "Auto" the rest of the tool path. So far all 2D tool path and will try some 3D stuff tonight.
I lean towards my lack of experience being the root cause of my problems. BobCad has worked well for me feeding my "Home-Built" CNC. I look forward to the BobCad V22 "Post Processor" for the ShopBot. If anyone could offer up a more layman's explanation of the BobCad V22 machining TREE I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Bill

[bill]

Without notification, the V22 ShopBot PRT post processor is now on the BobCad support page. Have tried simple rectangular pockets and all is fine so far. Would there be a concern for PRT vs PRS post processor?

[jsfrost]

I have spent some time exploring Bobcad V22 capabilities. Not enough to be an expert, but enough.

One limitation the program has, confirmed by Bobcad support, is the inability to deal with V bits in the basic machining package. Thus, no V carved letters. No bevel carved letters, except with with inefficient 3D raster cuts. No end mill plus V bit engraving strategy to get sharp inside corners.

[bill]

Just getting started here. Have not even contemplated fancy Vcarve w/BobCad. A simple pocket would be nice. Rectangular worked ok.... but .... including a radius produced less than acceptable results. I don't kick sleeping dogs, not do I plan on BobCad Tech support.

4684

[tree]

first off..... Good luck on the tech support. Im still waiting on them to call me back from 2 month ago. I gave up.

And second the only reason I still have the software is that they without any reason have refused to refund any of my money.

[tree]

Oh yeah.... I have a standard and the Post is for an Alpha. Where do I go to get the info they need to create the Post.

Brian

[bill]

Isn't BobCad wonderful (accent on WONDER)! When I called them they said to just list "ShopBot PRS" as the machine on the "Post Processor Request Form", Fax it to them and they will take care of the rest. You will notice the Post on their site is for a PRT. BobCad is powerful software, just won't work for me only because of the post processor (I'm guessing). Support...... I really wasted a lot of $$$$ on V19, V20, V21 and now V22. They're NOT on my Christmas card list.

[Brady Watson]

ShopBot's new software TOTALLY blows BobCAD out of the water for the majority of the things that you'll want to do on the Bot. The Vectric brand products will run circles around the BobCAD stuff and actually make sense in how they work...and it's also much cheaper. If you bought BobCAD to start doing 3D, just throw it in the trash, buy the ShopBot PartWorks 2D/3D package and something like Rhino...and start making parts!

I did the BobCAD dance several years ago, and I can tell you with confidence that I will never give those people another dime of my money or endorse their product to a single soul. I spent the $1295 for the whole package...It actually made me think that I had to really work that hard to make parts on the CNC. Stick to the Vectric & DelCAM/ArtCAM brand of products, and you'll do just fine (and won't ruin your brain).

-B

[bill]

Brady,
Yes, a futile attempt to salvage some of the software $$$, I have come to realize "BobCad" = "This is your brain on DRUGS"! I am leaning toward the Rhino. If (big word here) I am understanding this right.... Rhino for the design and PartWorks 3D to manufacture the cut file. Going back to the internet searching for more information.
Thanks,
Bill

[Brady Watson]

Yes Bill, you are correct in your assumptions. But...realize that some 3D software is better than others depending on what you are looking to do in 3D. Decorative reliefs and things like that are tough to make from scratch in Rhino. Not impossible, but not nearly as easy as ArtCAM...so there is a trade off. All of this depends on what you intend to cut on your machine. For many, James Booth's 3D Clipart is perfect, for others they use my 3D laser digitizing services, and others either use the ShopBot probe or generate what they need themselves via software. So...have some intent on what kind of 3D you want to cut, and that will help you to make the right decision on software.

Yes - Rhino will create 3D content & Cut3D will generate the toolpaths for that 3D content. If you only intend on creating toolpaths for your ShopBot, save yourself some bread and buy PartWorks 2D & 3D from ShopBot. It will only output an SBP, but is identical in every way to VCarve Pro & Cut3D. I'm not sure what you are running for your 2D at the moment, but PartWorks2D will allow you to do many advanced things that are not available in PartWizard or BobCAD...like being able to v-carve ANY design or font and do advanced toolpathing moves like ramping into cuts, lead ins and other features only found on higher priced software. It's worth a looksy...

-B

[bill]

ShopBot is new including PartWorks 2D & 3D. I bought Vectric's PhotoCarve and like it's UI. My crystal ball is in the shop for repairs so the best guess_timate I have for cutting requirements are basic machining, some 3D contour and the decorative reliefs. In tune with basic cabinet work. Down the road... Chess pieces. Online viewing of Rhino seems a bit ridgid for what I want to do..... right?
Bill

[Brady Watson]

If you only want to do cabinet inlays and things like that for now, just get Cut3D & buy reliefs from James. When you make some money, then buy the software you want...and then make more money


-B

[garyb]

or you could go with ArtCam express and upgrade to pro and a later date

[bjw]

Hey Bill,

If you are looking for a very good as well as very inexpensive 3D Modeling program check out this site: http://nevercenter.com/
It sells for $159.00 and is fairly easy to learn.
Will save in a few usable file formats too.

Just a thought. Have fun browsing the gallery. There are some amazing models there.
BJ

[tree]

Hey Bill... any luck? They are supposed to be writing a post for a standard. I have sent them the information and since my machine has two heas I sent them the info on that.... dont know how thats gonna come out. They had ask me what the differance in a PRS and a PRT. All I really could tell them was differant unit values. They seem to act like it would be a crime to contact the any machine builder to get info. I just hope we dont become a free " research and test facillity " for their software. That can get into alot of cash.

[bill]

Hi Brian,
Honestly, for the time being, I have all but given up on BobCad. If for nothing else than as you mentioned... why don't THEY contact the machine manufacturer? THEY told me it would work... it does NOT! If only their support were as potent as their sales. I will make attempts to get it working without their "support", or lack there of, only because I have a lot of $$$ in it and I'm too hard headed. The "plan" is to learn/experiment with what I have which includes PartWorks 2D/3D, Vectric's PhotoCarve and adding VectorArt3D stuff. Those programs along with the art programs I already have that export xxx.dxf files should lead me in some direction. With any luck it may aid me in getting BobCad to function(doubtful). I have viewed the ArtCam Express along with Silo and am too inexperienced to decide (wishy-washy). Called ArtCam about Express and it will not create 3D so I assume (bad word) PartWorks 3D is the answer there. I am relying on the wisdom of Brady W., Gary B., B.J. and the like who have been so helpful here in the forums.

So.... misery loves company. We can continue our BobCad discussion here in the forum and give all the ShopBotters a good chuckle until they throw us out. Until then hardheadness will continue on world peace, perpetual motion and BobCad.

Bill

PS. To add insult to injury... I bought 2 (two) seats of V22!

[bill.young]

Hey Guys,

Let me say up front that I don't know anything about BobCad but there's no reason that there should be any difference between a PRT post and a PRS post. What is the problem that you're having with their current ShopBot post..is it the commands to turn the spindle on and off that they're missing?

Bill

[bill]

Bill,
Other than a simple outline cut or a rectangular pocket operation, files just don't run correctly. As I see it, BobCad aftermarket support attitude only aggravates any troubles one might run up on. The PRT/PRS post issue is only one of these problems. I have only tasted AutoCad Lite and BobCad so I am not knowledgeable enough to make any evaluation. My "opinion" ,at this time with my experience level, of BobCad's ability to function with a ShopBot is less than acceptable. Not going to let it beat me.... a challenge.

Bill

[srwtlc]

I was asking myself the same question as Bill Y. just stated. Could you post a file processed from BobCad so we can see what it looks like.

Other than the on/off of the spindle/router, there should be no difference. I'm guessing that there's no support for arcs either (CG,...).

[bill]

10-4! Will work one up this weekend. Thanks! :-)

[tree]

heres just the begining of a planer rastor contour... I have gone though it. See what you guys pick out as a problem.

thanks
Tree


'PROGRAM NUMBER :100
'PROGRAM NAME: GUITAR_TOP4.NC
'POST: SHOPBOT PRT
'DATE: THU. 02/07/2008
'TIME: 04:09PM
'T1 ENDMILL ROUGH, DIAMETER = 0.5, LENGTH = 5.
'
JH
'
'JOB 1 SLICE CUT PLANAR
'TOOL #1 0.5000 ENDMILL ROUGH
'INSERT FIRST TOOL
PAUSE 1
'
J2,18.6633,6.5565
JZZ0.1
MZZ-0.0389
MS,5.0115
N01M9810( SUBPROGRAM CALL )
'
JH

10'SUBPROGRAM OF 100
MZZ0.1
MS,9.7724
MZZ-0.0389
M3,18.6633,6.7254Z-0.0223
M3,18.6633,6.8944Z-0.0084
M3,18.6633,6.9788Z-0.0026
M3,18.6633,7.0306Z0.
M3,18.6633,7.0469Z-0.0003
M3,18.6633,7.0633Z-0.0017
M3,18.5633,7.1825
MZZ-0.0743
M3,18.5633,7.168Z-0.063
M3,18.5633,7.1534Z-0.0535
M3,18.5633,7.1389Z-0.0454
M3,18.5633,7.1244Z-0.0386
M3,18.5633,7.0953Z-0.0271
M3,18.5633,7.0662Z-0.0179
M3,18.5633,7.0372Z-0.0108
M3,18.5633,7.0081Z-0.0056
M3,18.5633,6.979Z-0.0021
M3,18.5633,6.95Z-0.0003
M3,18.5633,6.9216Z-0.0001
M3,18.5633,6.8918Z-0.0016
M3,18.5633,6.7174Z-0.014
M3,18.5633,6.6012Z-0.0242
M3,18.5633,6.4849Z-0.0355
M3,18.5633,6.3686Z-0.048
M3,18.5633,6.2524Z-0.0622
M3,18.5633,6.1361Z-0.0777
M3,18.5633,6.0198Z-0.0943
M3,18.5633,5.9036Z-0.1125
M3,18.5633,5.7873Z-0.1321
M3,18.5633,5.671Z-0.1532
M3,18.5633,5.5547Z-0.1756
M3,18.5633,5.4385Z-0.1996
M3,18.5633,5.3222Z-0.2253
M3,18.5633,5.2059Z-0.2522
M3,18.5633,5.0897Z-0.2805
M3,18.5633,4.9734Z-0.3107
M3,18.5633,4.8571Z-0.3425
M3,18.5633,4.7409Z-0.3759
M3,18.5633,4.6246Z-0.4109
M3,18.5633,4.5083Z-0.4476
M3,18.5633,4.3921Z-0.486
M3,18.5633,4.2758Z-0.5262
M3,18.5633,4.1595Z-0.5682
M3,18.4633,3.57
MZZ-0.7657

[jsfrost]

From a quick look, it looks like every Z related command has an extra Z where a comma belongs.

[srwtlc]

'PROGRAM NUMBER :100
'PROGRAM NAME: GUITAR_TOP4.NC
'POST: SHOPBOT PRT
'DATE: THU. 02/07/2008
'TIME: 04:09PM
'T1 ENDMILL ROUGH, DIAMETER = 0.5, LENGTH = 5.
'
JH
'
'JOB 1 SLICE CUT PLANAR
'TOOL #1 0.5000 ENDMILL ROUGH
'INSERT FIRST TOOL
PAUSE 1
'
JZ,some value 'Safe height here wouldn't hurt
J2,18.6633,6.5565
JZ,0.1 'Instead of JZZ0.1
MZ,-0.0389 'Instead of MZZ-0.0389
MS,5.0115
N01M9810( SUBPROGRAM CALL ) 'This one should throw up and error.
'
JH

10'SUBPROGRAM OF 100 'And this one...
MZZ0.1 'More of the same..no comma and an extra Z.
MS,9.7724 'Should have a Z speed value here too.
MZZ-0.0389 'No comma and an extra Z.
M3,18.6633,6.7254Z-0.0223 'Need a third comma instead of a Z for all M3's
M3,18.6633,6.8944Z-0.0084
M3,18.6633,6.9788Z-0.0026
M3,18.6633,7.0306Z0. 'M3 with no third value, should be an error.
M3,18.6633,7.0469Z-0.0003 'more of the same.
M3,18.6633,7.0633Z-0.0017
M3,18.5633,7.1825
MZZ-0.0743 'Bla Bla Bla
M3,18.5633,7.168Z-0.063
M3,18.5633,7.1534Z-0.0535
M3,18.5633,7.1389Z-0.0454
M3,18.5633,7.1244Z-0.0386
M3,18.5633,7.0953Z-0.0271
M3,18.5633,7.0662Z-0.0179
M3,18.5633,7.0372Z-0.0108
M3,18.5633,7.0081Z-0.0056
M3,18.5633,6.979Z-0.0021
M3,18.5633,6.95Z-0.0003
M3,18.5633,6.9216Z-0.0001
M3,18.5633,6.8918Z-0.0016
M3,18.5633,6.7174Z-0.014
M3,18.5633,6.6012Z-0.0242
M3,18.5633,6.4849Z-0.0355
M3,18.5633,6.3686Z-0.048
M3,18.5633,6.2524Z-0.0622
M3,18.5633,6.1361Z-0.0777
M3,18.5633,6.0198Z-0.0943
M3,18.5633,5.9036Z-0.1125
M3,18.5633,5.7873Z-0.1321
M3,18.5633,5.671Z-0.1532
M3,18.5633,5.5547Z-0.1756
M3,18.5633,5.4385Z-0.1996
M3,18.5633,5.3222Z-0.2253
M3,18.5633,5.2059Z-0.2522
M3,18.5633,5.0897Z-0.2805
M3,18.5633,4.9734Z-0.3107
M3,18.5633,4.8571Z-0.3425
M3,18.5633,4.7409Z-0.3759
M3,18.5633,4.6246Z-0.4109
M3,18.5633,4.5083Z-0.4476
M3,18.5633,4.3921Z-0.486
M3,18.5633,4.2758Z-0.5262
M3,18.5633,4.1595Z-0.5682
M3,18.4633,3.57 'Again....
MZZ-0.7657 'and again.

Someone at BobCad clearly didn't do their homework!

[tree]

Yep... Thats pretty much everything I picked out. Im tring to work all this out with them..... Since they refused to take it on a return I have no choice but to stay on them until it works properly.

[bcammack]

Didn't someone involved with this vendor metaphorically shake the dust of this forum from the heels of his sandals and depart, vowing never to support Shopbot products again after we, as a group, treated him about like we treat everyone 'round here? Or am I just getting old and my brain is turning to kelp?

[tree]

That must have been before me.... I just want them to make good on their promises. I have ABSOLUTLELY NO intentions of stirring trouble. In thier camp or this one.

Brian

[bill]

Yer never gonna believe dis..... BobCad called ME and inquired as to how the post processor is working! Spoke with Brian Oliver @ BobCad and I explained the issues at hand. He is going to get with the powers to be @ BobCad including their Tech Support and bring resolve. Yes, BobCad does read this forum! Happy Valentines Day!

[bcammack]

That's good news! Glad to hear it.

[tree]

Bill.... Are you you having any luck?


Brian

[bill]

Nope! ... no E-Mail, no progress report. Checked their support site saw nothing new there either. Have not had time to "play" in the shop... maybe this weekend. I did use it to convert an old AutoCad .dwg drawing to a .dxf file. Pretty expensive file conversion software!

[khaos]

I have a thread regarding a converter here:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/20164/28395.html?1204249449

Joe.

[yankeepapa]

Greetings-

Well, I am concerned about my situation relative to BobCAD/CAM and ShopBot.

1. Bought BobCAD/CAM in Dec 2007
2. Planned to come "up to speed"
on software first, before buying
CNC machine (considered building
my own)
3. Purchased a ShopBot "Buddy" mid
April 2008
4. Continuing to learn BobCAD/CAM

So, what's the current situation? Did I *totally* waste my money on BobCAD/CAM? The only reason I went with BobCAD/CAM in the first place was that I was concerned about using a hardware vendor's (ShopBot's) software -- I didn't want to get stuck with (perhaps) a vendor-specific set of tools. My thought was that if I used a viable piece of software (i.e. BobCAD/CAM) that wasn't tied to a particular gantry, then I would have more options as to how to grow with my system through the years.

Thoughts?

-David

P.S. Anyone have any luck returning BobCAD/CAM software? All I've gotten since my purchase has been more sales pitches for more software.

[jsfrost]

I will let you decide if Bobcad was a waste of money. But I will say, as an owner of both, that the Partworks software that will come with your Buddy will create toolpaths that work with very little time spent learning.

Should you later change horses, Vcarve Pro (available at a fair price) provides exactly the same interface and capability as Partworks, but has the ability to toolpath for every common CNC.

Consider asking Shopbot to ship Partworks in advance of the Buddy, and be ready to cut parts when the Buddy is unpacked.

[tree]

Well..... I had a REALLY bad time with this company. Their sales office is far more compitant than their tech support. After a total of 6 months of unanswered phone calls and a COMPLETELY unuseable post I was not about to make a single part. The biggest problem with the company is their return policy. They dont have one. Even after THEY said the software was not going to work their policy is to charge a restocking fee of about $150-$200. What a joke. I DO NOT recommend any one to this company. Even if the software worked..... The company is a joke.

[bcammack]

Brian,

Perhaps they might respond more diligently and favorably to a letter on your attorney's letterhead.

Another thought: How did you receive this software? Was it shipped to you? By USPS? If so, you might be able to get something going with regards to mail fraud. If nothing else, having the Federal government behind you is a pretty good sized "stick" when you're negotiating the outcome.

[propellers]

Brian,
If you purchased the software with a credit card you can contest this problem. The credit card company will take the money from the sellers account and put it back into your account until there is an investigation to determine if this company is living up to their selling agreements. I purchased cabinet software from a guy that never followed up with promises to update the software; he was never heard from again so I contested the purchase and received my money back.

[bill]

This is funny (NOT)! Looking at the post dates, BobCad activity has once again risen. Just so happens BobCad just called me today offering me TRAINING here in Orlando. I then proceeded to lay my (our) story on them relative to my (our) success with BobCad. Just to add a bit of humor... In response to my "it just does not work" ...the BobCad rep. replied "...that's the line they all use, it does work"! He then sent me on my 4th. transfer. I spoke with a non-tech person and she said that Scott would call me.
My BobCad Tech called and took the time to walk me all the way through my problems and resolved all of my issues..... but then my wife woke me and told me it was time to go to work.

[bill]

Relative to previous post......
BobCad called! Updated my V22 to Build-946 from Build-812, reinstalled the ShopBot post and all seems GOOD! Created a file with holes, pocket and a profile which ran (cut air) on my ShopBot. I did get an error relating to limits but that is probably to-do with my settings I have in my ShopBot. More to follow......