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Everyone using the Shapeoko should create a folder in Documents : Estlcam. If you want to save changes to a tool list, open the Tool List menu, select save, navigate to Documents : Estlcam : [you], name it what you will and save. Please never save the default list. That said, the default list could use some work. Using the two flute straight bit entries for two flute spiral bits (up-cut) should be fine.
Click the thumbnail for a brief description and examples of the visible settings. See also: Tool List.
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When importing G-code generated by another CAM program, the units of measure need to match. While imported drawings can have any unit of measure and there are advantages to leaving the machine set to millimeters, the CAM and controller units can be changed. Go to Setup : Basic settings, change the highlighted options (click to enlarge image) to suit and restart Estlcam. Please leave all other settings alone and return the machine to millimeters when you're done.
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Estlcam
As mentioned elsewhere, the Estcam user interface can take a bit of getting used to. Estcam Help consists of an extensive set of informative tootips, the Help : Hide tootips checkbox turns them on/off (they can get obnoxious). The Estlcam User Manual also contains a lot of useful information.
My Workshop : CNC : Estlcam posts should help with some of the missing pieces... That and my Inkscape posts should provide the information needed to successfully create and v-carve signs (free instead of Easel Pro $'s).
Tool Lists
Everyone using the Shapeoko should create a folder in Documents : Estlcam. If you want to save changes to a tool list, open the Tool List menu, select save, navigate to Documents : Estlcam : [you], name it what you will and save. Please never save the default list. That said, the default list could use some work. Using the two flute straight bit entries for two flute spiral bits (up-cut) should be fine.
Click the thumbnail for a brief description and examples of the visible settings. See also: Tool List.
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Units of Measure
When importing G-code generated by another CAM program, the units of measure need to match. While imported drawings can have any unit of measure and there are advantages to leaving the machine set to millimeters, the CAM and controller units can be changed. Go to Setup : Basic settings, change the highlighted options (click to enlarge image) to suit and restart Estlcam. Please leave all other settings alone and return the machine to millimeters when you're done.
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Supported G-codes
While using Estlcam for CAM/G-code has a lot of advantages, Fusion 360 etc. generated G-Code can be run on the Shapeoko. When using another CAM program the G-code needs to be postprocessed. I've no idea what the most Estlcam (motion controller) compatible post processor choices (when NOT using Estlcam generated G-code) might be; Millimeters (per minute) GRBL, Mach 3 and Linux CNC are worth a try. See the Estlcam site for a list of supported codes/requirements.
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