ShopBot Desktop Max | Delivery, Setup, and First Cuts

Just like anything else in life, if you don't know much about a topic they can be intimidating. CNC machines most always intimidate folks right off the bat. Well, we are here to tell you that they don't need to be. You can certainly pick multiple routes that can be more frustrating than others but you get what you pay for. Building a unit from scratch is something that is extremely time consuming and research intense. This scenario  even gives me the willies. Taking it up a level,  you can buy a DIY kit that includes all the components, electronics, and directions to put together your machine. This option most likely still requires a controller solution and that still leaves one with headaches and uncertainties. If you decide to spend the capital up front and go to the top tier, you can get a turn-key CNC solution that is most likely already assembled and had a controller ready to go. This scenario offers the user with the shallowest learning curve and can get from knowing nothing about CNC machines to their first cuts in no time.

ShopBot Tools

We have had a variety of CNC machines in the shop and to date, ShopBot Tools has by far provided the best turn-key solution to the CNC in the woodworking shop. ShopBot Tools  does an excellent job with their literature and website content to walk you through step-by-step to receiving your machine, unpacking it, setting it up, running the squaring and zeroing programs, and lastly your first cuts that prep your spoilboard for use.



 

ShopBot Tools Desktop Max CNC

We recently received a Desktop Max unit from ShopBot Tools. Right off the bat we are extremely impressed with the communication and interaction with ShopBot Tools. They are professional and have a perfect handle on running a CNC company. The unit in a perfect size for the hobby woodworker but with the professional quality you would expect from a ShopBot CNC unit. This quality means any of there CNC machines are able to be thrown into a production environment. There are certain variable within each CNC model that will limit them to what type of work and how hard each machine can be pushed but the Desktop Max absolutely has an application in a professional woodworking shop to add value to their everyday business.

Specs and Features (borrowed from ShopBotTools.com):

XYZ Movement: 38" x 25" x 5.5" (965.2mm  x 635mm x 139.7mm)
Cutting Volume: 36" x 24" x 3.5" ( 914.4mm x 609.6mm x 88.9mm) [e.g. with 2" long cutter]
Footprint with Spindle: 48" x 39" x 30"(h) [Spindle VFD fits to right side of gantry]
Minimum surface area to support the ShopBot Desktop MAX is 49"X x 32"Y
Weights:
If crated, add 220 lbs. (as per below)
127 lbs [no deck, no cutter]
194 lbs [total weight with aluminum deck and spindle]
234 lbs [total weight with universal vacuum hold down deck kit and spindle]\
Frame: Machined aluminum members that are bolted together
2 Deck Options: Aluminum "T" slot extrusion, with MDF spoil board [optional, removable] OR Universal Vacuum Hold Down Deck with ShopBot Vacuube™ kit, with plywood plenum and MDF spoil board
Includes one 1/4"  and one 1/2" desktop collet and collet nut (ER20)
Linear Bearings: Fully supported precision linear guides and blocks on each axis [THK]
Drive System: 4 Motors with integral, teflon-coated precision lead screw with anti-backlash technology on each axis (2X, 1Y, 1Z)
Integral Guard and Dustskirt
Cut Speed: 4 inches per second (100mm/sec)
Jogging Speed: 6 inches per second (150mm/sec)
Resolution: 0.00025” (.00635mm)
Electrical System Requirements: 120V @ 15Amps
ShopBot Control System software to run your CNC
Includes simple, quick start set-up guide