Shopbot Buddy

The Machine

Gantry - Fixed position gantry which supports the spindle as it moves along the Y axis and up and down the Z axis Release Lever location for swapping table to PowerStick. Y-Axis - Mounted on the gantry to allow the spindle to move in the Y direction X-Axis Rails - Table moves on the X axis – length can be expanded by use of the PowerStick Gantry - Fixed position gantry which supports the spindle as it moves along the Y axis and up and down the Z axis Gantry - Fixed position gantry which supports the spindle as it moves along the Y axis and up and down the Z axis Wheels/ Casters - Optional casters can be ordered to allow the Buddy to be wheeled to a new location Wheels/ Casters - Optional casters can be ordered to allow the Buddy to be wheeled to a new location Table - Moving table that the workpiece is attached to that moves along the X axis of the machine. Gantry - Fixed position gantry which supports the spindle as it moves along the Y axis and up and down the Z axis Emergency Stop Button Dust Collector Z-Axis - Vertical leadscrew driven axis to move the depth of cut for the tool/spindle Router (can also use Spindle as option to this) X-Axis Rails - Table moves on the X axis – length can be expanded by use of the PowerStick X-Axis Rails - Table moves on the X axis – length can be expanded by use of the PowerStick Wheels/ Casters - Optional casters can be ordered to allow the Buddy to be wheeled to a new location Control box housed in standard PC case.

Image above shows Buddy PRSstandard model with Router. Hover over different areas of the image to see descriptions of the different components.

The Buddy is a small footprint CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine designed for industrial, commercial, or residential applications cutting in wood, acrylic and non-ferrous metals. CNC machines are powerful tools controlled from a computer software program which enable you to make everything from simple cut-out shapes to intricate 3D carvings (and everything in between). Typically these machines are large, heavy, expensive, difficult to work with and so have been mainly used in industrial settings. The Buddy incorporates many of the same features as ShopBot's full-size industrial systems, yet weighs less than 600lbs and occupies as little as 16 sq. ft. of floor space. It also comes with easy to use but functional software to drive the machine to make parts for everything from the dedicated home improver to a small business owner. Buddies are available with either a 24"x32" work area or a 24"x48" work area and come pre-assembled and ready to plug in and use. This work area can be expanded by use of the PowerStick attachment to lengths up to 144’ (12 feet).

A Buddy has the speed and accuracy necessary for precise cutting and milling applications and detailed 3D carving. The Buddy is available in a PRSstandard version sufficient for most users but there is also an option of a PRSalpha, performance, production version.  The Alpha provides increased speed for some operations as well as a feed-back loop for positioning so it can keep checking its own accuracy.

As well as being ideally suited to the hobbyist and small business owner, the Buddy is also great for 3D prototyping and educational applications. Buddies are available with optional casters (wheels) that make it easy to position the tool for any project, or to push it out of the way when not needed.

All Buddies come fully equipped just like ShopBot's full size tools and include: Z-Zeroing Plate (for accurate tool position setup), Dust Skirt (to control and allow removal of waste), ShopBot CNC Control Software, ShopBot PartWorks Design Software, and our "Get Carving Quickly" project files and tutorials.

The machine itself is built in the USA using materials and components primarily sourced from US suppliers. It has a level of build and quality way beyond its price-point and ShopBot make use of many precision components and an innovative assembly method to ensure that each machine is shipped calibrated and ready to cut.

Model Nominal Cutting Area*
(green outline at left)		 Total Tool Movement Area*
(red outline at left)		  Footprint**
(black arrows at left)
BT32 Buddy 32"  24" x 32" x 5"
 .61m x .81m x .13m		 25" x 33" x 7"
.64m x .84m x .18m		 38"(+12") x 56" x 67" 
.97m(+.3m) x 1.42m x 1.7m

BT48 Buddy 48"

  24" x 48" x 5"
 .61m x 1.22m x .13m		 25" x 49" x 7"
.64m x 1.24m x .18m		 38"(+12") x 76" x 67" 
.97m(+.3m) x 1.42m x 1.7m


*Nominal Cutting area and Total Movement Area refer to the areas that can be covered using a single z-axis.
**For Buddies, the cutting table under the work moves in and out to provide motion on the X axis. The table moves out up to 6" (.15m) in the front and the back of the 38" table size.

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