Help newb here any help

CNC Machines Shapeoko
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So i just bought a shapeoko 3 xxl used. My thing is all the things in the library i pick dont show the toolpath and when i set them it says to use but 102 and it turns out looking like shit. And when there is more then 1 bit needed it doesnt stop and say to change the bit. Ive looked at videos but people talk for like 30 mins and dot get to any point. And when i save a file and bring it to carbide motion it says no g code. I’m running v8 and all the newest software and i see it doesnt bring the g code over and you need Pro. Any help

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Some (hopefully) helpful bits:

  • When you load something from the library, it’s just going to load the vectors, you need to add the toolpath(s) based on your desired outcome. This is probably why you’re not seeing any g-code being brought over when you bring in the file, because if you haven’t created the toolpaths, there would be no g-code to import.
  • The default is to use the 102 bit, but that’s just because the system needs something as a default, that’s not the suggested bit, it’s more of just a placeholder when you start. You’ll need/want to change to use different bits based on your needs and what look you’re going for.
  • If you set up the toolpaths to use more than one bit, it will tell you when it’s time to change bits. If you’ve just been pulling something from the library and applying a toolpath with the default bit and settings, it will always use the same bit and therefore never ask you to change. You’ll need to change which bit is being used when you edit the toolpath and then when you are running the job it’ll prompt you to change which bit is being run

I think that some of the files on cutrocket are plug-and-play with the toolpaths already in place, but generally you’re going to need to build that part yourself. If you want to upload a file you’re trying to do to get more direct help, that would be probably the best thing to do.

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You only need Pro if you want 3D modeling, fancy toolpath features, or G-code output if not using Carbide Motion:

https://carbide3d.com/blog/carbide-create-v7/

To learn about using the machine, I’d suggest starting at:

from:

c.f.,

and follow on with:

(and the following Pocket and V-carve lessons)

and also review:

from:

I did walk through a compleat project at:

which has the advantage over a video of being possible to print out and take notes on.

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Say something uses more then 1 bit and u need to move it to change it when you change it will it go back to its ladt spot?

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Yes. On my machine, which is a Shapeoko 5.1, when it gets to a point where it needs to change bits, it will stop, retract the bit up, move the head over to the front right corner, a dialog box comes up on screen telling me which bit it needs, then I can change it, hit “OK” on the dialog box, and it will continue the run.

Mine has the bitsetter which automagically measures the bit height so it doesn’t need to have the z checked each time, so I don’t know if yours has that or not, but if it does, you shouldn’t have to do anything else once you hit “OK” and the program keeps going

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Oh ok i dont have 1 so would it move to the spot and then ask for the z spot and after i confirm it start again do you know? And thanks this helps a lot. I just want to make flags and signs

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@beatupsnyc

With all due respect, you really need to go thru the C3D tutorials (That Will posted above) while learning your machine and Carbide Create/Carbide Motion software. Every question you have asked are the basics for CNC operations. This ensures you don’t possibly damage the machine or hurt yourself while learning. Most of us have started just like yourself and this was the best advice the forum presents to new users. CNC parts and bits can add up if your not familiar on how the machine and software work together.

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That will depend on whether or no you have the BitSetter (which was optional for the SO3)

https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/bitsetter

If you don’t have a BitSetter, then you will need to write out a separate file for each tool and re-set the Z-axis zero when loading the tool for the next file.

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I have the little metal box with a circle in 1 of the corners and the wire you put on the bit i forget what its called but i know its the ver 1 of it

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So if i find something i like i just need to make sure there is multiple files then for each bit. Thanks. I thought if i didnt have bitsetter i just find z zero again and it would continue from there.

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That is the BitZero.

It is used for setting the zero relative to rectangular stock or a flat surface or straight edge: