Shaper Bench Pilot

[smorgasbord]

There's now a thing from Shaper called the Bench Pilot that kind of turns a Shaper Origin into a small CNC:

Shaper BenchPilot

I say "kind of" because of its limitations:
Cutting area: approximately 18" (wide) x 11" (front-to-back)/ ~460x280 mm.

and then this on depth:
"Origin is closer to a 2.5D milling machine than a 3D milling machine machine. It typically moves in X and Y simultaneously at a set depth. Multiple depths can be achieved easily, but all three axes don’t typically move simultaneously. But examples of 3D exist within features like Helix and AutoPass mode. When connected to BenchPilot, Origin can easily cut multiple depths up to ~1.7” / 43 mm."

They're pitching it more as a way to not have to drive the unit manually, so you can do other things while it's cutting rather than as a true CNC replacement. Which makes sense, especially for production.

 

[woodferret]

Pass through mode (without workstation) nets you close to 18"x17.5"

 

[smorgasbord]

Yes, and with stitching you can probably do 18" by infinity if you're willing to do the setups. With the tape, I imagine stitching is easier than on CNCs, which typically require manual alignment.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I want to see a Session done about it.

 

[peter halle]

Personally I think that a multi-part Session on it would be even better. It has enough new nuances that taking possible purchasers thru a detailed show me would be oh so helpful. And pass on making a project using it - just show the things that it does and also what it does really well. For example one-offs and also repetitive work.

Peter

 

[woodferret]

Yes, and with stitching you can probably do 18" by infinity if you're willing to do the setups. With the tape, I imagine stitching is easier than on CNCs, which typically require manual alignment.

Thinking about this problem... I do wonder if we'll get automatic stitching if it sees a shape beyond it's current Y range. Maybe cut what it can, and move on to the next task. That would be nice and worth it's weight in gold.

 

[rmhinden]

I want to see a Session done about it.

It is on Thursday. See: Shaper Sessions

 

[Andrius]

Once assembled, how BenchPilot is supposed to be transported to another job site? Either it should be transported in dissasembled state, or in assembled state?
Is Tanos/Festool contemplating about putting the workstation into Systainer for transport? Is there any chance to fit BemchPilot into ”mega" systainer for transport?

 

[luvmytoolz]

@Andrius That would be some "Godzilla" sized Systainer to fit that monstrosity in!

I would think constructing a plywood case with carry handles that fits over it and clips to the base board the frame is bolted to, would be the only viable solution?

 

[woodferret]

While you can break it down and transport it, it's not really meant to be taken to a job site. The cutting area needs to sit 2 inches above the bottom frame plus or minus 1/4 inches. Some pictures may lead you to think you can plop it down on say flooring or some large area. It does not cut down like that.