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What Would You Want in a Small ShopBot
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For many years at ShopBot we have discussed whether we should develop a
smaller ShopBot. We haven’t done it, mostly because of clinging to one
of our early formative ideas: that we wanted to produce real tools and
not toys, and that meant full size CNC routers
that could cut 4×8 sheet goods with enough power to make clean cuts and
to machine at efficient speeds. |
In recent years we’ve broken away slightly from the “full-size” concept
with our Buddy tools, though these tools are certainly not lacking in
power or capability. But we have been receiving many requests from
educators requesting a smaller ShopBot that is oriented to training
students in the classroom in CNC and robotics.
We have also heard from a lot of hobbyists who would like a tool that
can fit on a desk for craft work or that could also easily carried to
craft shows or job sites.
So, we are now considering producing a smaller ShopBot. The overall idea
is that the tool be a convenient size for the desk, run from a 15A 110V
circuit, be robust enough to do real work with power and accuracy, have
enough speed for efficient chip loads, and have attractive pricing. This
will be a development challenge, particularly within the constraints of
a small footprint and low cost. Our hope is that the tool can ship with
full ShopBot Control Software as well as our PartWorks design package
(developed for us by Vectric). In addition, we have been impressed by
the ease of use of the Carvewright software for going quickly from an
image, or library item, to a carving. This makes it very easy for
beginners to get started without having to go through a tool-pathing or
post-processor step that makes CNC more complicated. We would like to
implement this type of straightforwardness and have had exploratory
conversations with Carvewright about a design module.
Those are our thoughts at the moment, but we are looking for guidance on
priorities. Issues like:
-Maximum Size, Minimum Work Area, Expandability
-Router/Spindle type and capability (should there be multiple
options)
-Materials that can be cut (ie. cutting force range and tool
stiffness)
-Enclosure?
-Optimal pricing |
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PROJECT UPDATE (2/1/10)
Since our original request for input and
ideas for our Tyro Project, we have made a lot of progress and
have greatly appreciated the help we have received on the
development of this new tool.
In the Project Tyro development process we
have evaluated a wide variety of machine formats and drive
systems and built several machines to test specific
configurations. We’ve been able to move fairly quickly in the
process because we have had a lot of cooperation from vendors
and have largely used ShopBots to fabricate custom prototype
parts out of aluminum and other materials.
The photographs below illustrate some actual
cutting from a recent prototype and indicate the kind of detail,
precision, and resolution that Tyro’s will be capable of. We
expect a very usable and versatile tool -- thanks in part to
your support and suggestions.
We hope to share with you soon something a
little more specific about what a Tyro will look like.
Printed Circuit Sample |
18mm width |
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PROTOTYPE PREVIEW: SHOPBOT JAMBOREE (4/23/10)
Three advanced prototypes of the Tyro were
shown at this year's ShopBot Jamboree, April 23rd. Gordon
Berfgors, head of ShopBot's development group, presented the
Tyros and discussed the project. He described how several stages
of ShopBotter input have been used to help define the goals for
the tool. We are very appreciative of the help and encouragement
we've had from ShopBotters and were pleased to give them the
first peak at the tool during the Jamboree.
The tools will have a work area of 18" x 24"
x 4" and will be enclosed. They have movement resolution of
.00025 with very little backlash. They will be shipped with
ShopBot PartWorks software and will be available with a router
or spindle. The target price is $3995 (without router). We
expect to begin shipping Tyros in about 8 weeks.
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Tyro with Router |
Tyro with Spindle (enclosure removed for illustration) |
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