Hey Everyone
Will here! Recently got our Shapeoko 5 Pro w/ the 2.2kw Spindle set up and running. I am a Makerspace / Tech teacher at a school and I am looking forward to diving in and nerding out on our new Shapeoko.
Quick question - Can I use Router bits in the spindle? Currently have a cheapish Ryobi router - but the bits may offer more variety in design for using the Shapeoko. Anything I should be looking out for in particular?
Thanks in advance, and look forward to carving!
It’s basically a router, so yes. But, don’t use the ones with bearings.
The fancy profile bits are going to be a challenge as Carbide Create doesn’t support that geometry directly. Some other software will allow you to define profile for tools but even then a lot of those bits are really expecting to take full depth passes which may be more than you really want to do.
Get one of the starter sets from Carbide 3D and learn the basics on square, V and ball nose before trying to get fancy.
Yes, router tooling can be used to cut appropriate materials — so long as it doesn’t have a bearing or other non-cutting portion which might engage the stock and it is either able to plunge cut, or if unable to plunge is only used for toolpaths which take that into account
(usual case is a surfacing tool where the begin point for the cut is set to off the stock as when surfacing rough lumber)
For profile tooling, one example is discussed at:
That said, the usual approach for CNC is to think of toolpaths as “digital tooling” and use combinations of toolpaths, and if need be tooling to create a desired effect.
For examples of that see:
and
WillAdams and CullenS,
Thank you for your responses! And yes, the roller bits will not be used. I have some students looking to make a juice groove on some cutting boards, and have round-end CNC bit which I would want to use to go in maybe 1/4" - and likely have it make 3 passes to get to the correct depth. I realize the Create V7 will not be all that useful for visualizing with these bits, but, correct me if I’m off - I would likely make a contour toolpath - making sure spacing on the wood will allow for the wider bit.
I will lower the feed rate (I plan to do some testing before if you’re saying it should work.
We currently do have the starter kit, and I’ve already been testing out the Vcarves and the 1/8" endmil. Will look into the ball endmills so see if that might be more practical for making these juice grooves (even if it takes longer). Don’t want to break anything!
Can’t the Juice Groove tool be defined as a “Ball-nose” tool?
You are probably right. I will have to measure (might need to adjust bc the bit is 1/2" and Create only gives me 1/4" for the Shapeoko. AND thank you for those 2 links!
Just create a custom tool database for any 3rd party tools. If a 3rd party tool is pretty much the same as a C3D tool then just pick that tool. For instance a #102 1/8" upcut bit. If you have a 3rd party 1/8" upcut bit then just use the #102. Another alternative is to make a new library and copy the #102 bit and then just modify it as you wish. There are several posts about using bowl bits here on the forum. We have a lot of cutting board makers here that make juice grooves.
Have fun but make sure your students babysit the machine when cutting You cannot start a job and get out of earshot. You dont have to sit right in front but it is a good idea As long as you can get to the machine within a few seconds if things go wrong. Things do go wrong. A CNC with a spinning router bit can make hamburger out of your hand. Flying objects can hit you in the eye. Dust collection is pretty much mandatory or you will have a mess.
