A few ShopBot enhancements

[jon]

Tom's system is impressive, but I've been able to very accurately place items on the bed for re-referencing by simply drilling 1/4" holes (with the bot) into the bed acting as a fence. You place these holes in partwizard etc on the edges of your part and once drilled, install dowels or broken 1/4 cutters into them. It takes a few minutes and when you are done drop some glue into the hole, put a dowel in and flush cut the dowel. The next time you level your bed the hole will be completely flushed. I've found this to be a really accurate way to provide a reference when I've needed to flip machine sheets, parts (machine both sides) or for remachining things etc.

I do love that pneumatic system though Tom, really great work there! Where did you source your energy chain?

[Gary Campbell]

Jon Eric...
Where does one get these broken bits you mention?


Gary

[tas99]

Jon,

I like your idea of the dowel/bit registration and I might use that on some applications. I only have a 48" table and for many applications I can't afford that extra inch or so for the dowel hole so the pneumatic systems works for me.

As for the energy chain, I got mine from McMaster-Carr ( part #4409T513). There are a variety of sizes so here's the catalog page.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#4409t513/=zlrvx

[bleeth]

Gary: I pick mine up off the floor of a friend in Tavernier after SB Camps!!

[mklafehn]

Tom,

Cool pneumatics! Do you have the part number of the control unit from surplus center. Can't seem to find it on their site.

Thx
Mike