Table of Contents

Notes for Initializing the Shapeoko when first starting for the day

**VERY MUCH A WORK IN PROGRESS USE FOR REFERENCE ONLY**

Initializing The Shapeoko Within Carbide Motion

  1. 1. start Carbine Motion
  2. 2. turn on Shapeoko
  3. 3. Within Carbide Motion, click on “Connect to Cutter”
  4. 4. Optional - To load your prepared G-Code file at this point go to this link Generate/Load G-Code and then return here to complete the Initialization.
  5. 5. Within Carbide Motion, click on “Initialize Machine”
  6. 6. Machine should go to the home position at rear/right
  7. 7. Machine should move to bit change position and allow for tool change.
    1. 1. There are two sets of collects for different sized bit stems, 1/8” amd 1/4”. The unused one should be found in a small round container. Please make sure the unused collet is returned to the proper small round container.
    2. 2. There are two wrenches in the drawer, a 13mm and a 17mm. The 13mm attaches to notches in the spindle, the 17mm to the collet nut.
    3. 3. If you need to change collet sizes you will need to press out the original and snap in/seat the new.
  8. 8. Next Set project X,Y and Z positions using the Carbide3d Bit Zero tool
    1. 1. Remove the magnetically connected dust collection brush from around the bit
    2. 2. Place the BitZero tool snug over left front corner of your work piece. The tools overhanging parts should be snug
    3. up the the left/front corner of your work piece.
    4. 3. Test the tool by momentarily placing the magnetic ground clip on the BitZero tool. The led should turn red.
  9. 9. At this point there are three ways to go when setting the X/Y and Z zero for your project:
  1. Option A Set X/Y/Z all at the same time
    1. Your chosen mill bit will fit into the BitZero's zeroing hole and it has enough fluts that you are ok with the

possible erroneous offset introduced if one of the flutes is not touching the BitZero tool when the X/Y/Z zeroing is being set

  1. Option B Set X/Y separate from setting Z
    1. Your chosen mill bit will not physically fit into the BitZero tool zeroing hole and you must use the smooth Dowel Probe bit
    2. or you choose to use the non-fluted Dowel Probe for the most accurate zeroing
    3. or you are intending to cut all the way though your project piece.

- Option A - Set X/Y/Z all in one operation

Option - B Set X/Y separate from Z

If you are cutting all the way through your project board please remember to add a temporary secondary spoil board to prevent cutting into the primary spoil board.

Completed Zeroing X Y Z

Generate G-Code/Load project to Carbide Motion

Your home Makerspace version of VCarve Pro has the G-Code generation disabled. In order to execute your project you must have a G-Code version. This is done by loading your project into one of the machines at TheLab that has the full version of VCarve Pro installed. Typically the machine next to the Shapeoko.

VCarve Pro - Generate G-Code

  1. At the computer start up the VCarve Pro software, when starting you will be prompted to login to your VCarve cloud account for license verification.
  2. When logged into VCarve, load your project
  3. Select the “ToolPath” tab on the far right
  4. Select your desired ToolPath icon and calculate your tool path
  5. Select/Verify your bit choice within the ToolPath dialog
  6. Select/Verify the cutting depth
  7. Hit the “Calculate” button
  8. Select “Preview ToolPath to ensure all is well and that you are not cutting all the way through your project piece and into the “primary” spoil board.
  9. If all is well close the “Preview ToolPaths” dialog
  10. You should see a “diskette” icon at the bottom right hand side of the ToolPaths icons. This is the “Save ToolPath” button
  11. Click the “Save ToolPath” button
  12. Select one the the ToolPaths listed at the far bottom, Click “Save ToolPath(s)”.
  13. Select a place to save the ToolPath G-Code where Carbide Motion can get to it.
  14. NOTE: Only a full licensed version of VCarve is able to generate/save the required G-Code. The Makerspace home edition will not.
  15. Exit VCarve

Carbide Motion - Run Your Job

The following running a job needs expansion/verification

  1. Load your project's generated G-Code file
  2. Select the Carbide Motion “RUN” tab
  3. Click “Start Job”
  4. then Click “Start”
  5. Machine should remeasure bit
  6. Machine should start spindle, dust collection vacuum should start, and job should run