🔧 PS1 ShopBot PRS — Operational Guide

Parameter	Value
Model	ShopBot PRS #10108 96-48
Cutting Area	96" × 48" × 6"
Spindle RPM	4,100 – 18,000
Collet Type	ER25
Available Collets	1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"
Location	Wood Shop
Scheduling	Skedda (required reservation)

1. Log into computer
2. Turn on big red/yellow twist switch
3. Insert key → turn to "engaged" (VFD lights up, spindle fan on)
4. Start ShopBot 3 software
5. Open Tools → Spindle RPM Control (MUST be open for RPM changes to work)
6. If first use of day: Run C5 warmup routine (warms spindle bearings — 9 min total)

1. (Optional) With machine off, slowly push gantry toward X0 until it hits hard stops
2. Turn on big red switch while holding gantry
3. Jog machine away from X0 Y0
4. Click X,Y zero button to home
5. Jog to your workpiece origin
6. Set your job's X,Y zero there

1. Jog over your workpiece
2. Place Z zero plate on workpiece under bit
3. Attach clip to bit shank
4. Test connection: touch plate to bit → Input #1 light should illuminate
5. Click Z 0 button (touches off twice)
6. Verify: type MZ,0 in console — bit should be at workpiece surface
7. Return plate and clip to storage

• Spindle warmup run (within 4 hours)?
• Machine homed?
• Dust collector gate OPEN?
• Correct X,Y orientation for file and material?
• X,Y zero set on workpiece?
• Correct bit installed and TIGHT?
• Key in and turned on?
• Dust skirt height set (won't get smashed)?
• Z zero set to workpiece top?
• Touch plate and clip returned?
• Material properly secured?
• Spindle RPM Control dialog open?
• Safety glasses ON?
• Hearing protection ON?
• E-Stop within reach?

1. Load your .sbp file
2. Start job with E-Stop ready
3. Let spindle start — verify it's actually spinning before bit contacts material
4. Turn on dust collector (some prefer waiting a moment to hear if ShopBot sounds right first)
5. Spacebar pauses cut (can resume)
6. E-Stop kills everything

Chip Load = Feed Rate ÷ (RPM × Flutes)

RPM = (12 × SFM) ÷ (π × Diameter)

Online calculator: GDP Tooling Chipload Calc

Quick Reference (Wood, 1/4" 2-flute endmill)

Material	RPM	Feed (IPM)	DOC
Softwood (pine)	16,000	150–200	0.25"
Hardwood (oak)	16,000	100–150	0.125"
Plywood	16,000	120–180	0.25"
MDF	16,000	150–200	0.25"

These are starting points. Adjust based on chip quality and sound.

Secure work in all three dimensions (no slide, lift, or spin):

• Screws into spoilboard: Use enough, extend ~1/4" into table
• Wedges + clamps: Wedge horizontally, clamp vertically
• Tabs: For profile cuts, use adequate tabs. Bigger = safer.
• Double-sided tape: For smaller pieces (with caution)

1. Home machine to X0, Y0
2. Turn off both switches
3. Remove key
4. Remove bit and collet — store in drawer
5. Place collet wrenches on top of electronics box
6. Clean work area
7. Smooth out any spoilboard puckers
8. Check if dust collector needs emptying

Spindle RPM not changing

Spindle RPM Control window must be open. Type TR in console to open it. If VFD isn't responding: close SB3, delete C:\ProgramData\ShopBot\ShopBot 3\shopbot.ini, restart.

Z-zero plate not working

Known intermittent wiring issue. Test continuity first. Works better near front of table.

Bit slipping during cut

Clean collet with compressed air. Check for sawdust in gaps. May need new collet if worn.

Rough cut quality

Chip load too high (reduce feed), chip load too low (increase feed or reduce RPM), dull bit, wrong bit type for material.

• PS1 ShopBot Wiki
• PS1 User Tips
• PS1 ShopBot Checklist (Google Doc)
• Skedda Scheduling
• Official ShopBot User Guide (PDF)
• Chipload Calculator
• PS1 Canvas CNC Course

Command	Action
TR	Open Spindle RPM Control
MZ,0	Move Z to zero (verify Z-zero)
C5	Run spindle warmup routine
K	Open keypad control