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Campbell Clarke
04-24-2012, 09:21 PM
Hi,I am just starting down the road of cnc.Managed to pick up a secondhand shopbot.
I have drawn a test peice using emachines free software and saved as a dxf.
When I try to run it throught the control software i get a command not supported error.
Have I missed some steps?
steve_g
04-24-2012, 09:47 PM
Campbell

What do you mean exactly when you say "run it through the control software"

Steve
garyc
04-24-2012, 09:55 PM
Campbell...
You will have to import your DXF into an appropriate CAM software that has postprocessors (output) for ShopBot. ShopBots come from the factory with that software.
Campbell Clarke
04-24-2012, 10:08 PM
Thanks guys for the quick response.Do you have any recommendations on cam software to get me started?
steve_g
04-24-2012, 10:14 PM
Campbell

http://www.vectric.com/ is a favorite... you can start with the more modest programs and up-grade as your skills warrant.

What do you hope to do with your machine?

Steve
steve_g
04-24-2012, 10:34 PM
Campbell

Any chance the person you got the machine from has the software you need? Or... any chance you already have the software and just don't recognize it for what it is? Do you know what machine you have or what year it was made? Older machines came with a program called "Partwizzard" newer ShopBots come with "PartWorks" which is a proprietary name for one of the vectric products...

Steve
Campbell Clarke
04-24-2012, 10:51 PM
I think its a prt96.
Was going to try and cut a brake disc inner race for now.
Would like to do some 3d work down the track.
Dosnt seem to have any other software.
steve_g
04-24-2012, 10:58 PM
Was going to try and cut a brake disc inner race for now


You do know that the bot is for cutting wood, plastics, and soft non-ferrous metals?

Steve
Campbell Clarke
04-24-2012, 11:00 PM
Yip was gona make it out of 6061 ali
steve_g
04-24-2012, 11:07 PM
OK... Search and read every thing you can find on this forum regarding cutting aluminum! remember to old adage " Walk before you run!"

Steve
Campbell Clarke
04-24-2012, 11:10 PM
Will do.Seem to be having trouble just standing up.haha.Installing aspire and 2d carve demos as we speak.
steve_g
04-24-2012, 11:15 PM
Good! I was going to suggest that you do that.
Vectric has a very good user forum of people anxious to help WHEN you get stumped!

Steve
Campbell Clarke
04-24-2012, 11:43 PM
Thanks for the help