Porta-Bench Rev 2 PartWorks Router Files?

They are not so hard if you know where to look. http://www.benheck.com/downloads/

Some of the tools can be found here. http://www.newark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PFCMSContentRequest?catalogId=15003&langId=1&storeId=10196&filename=/americas/common/landing/starter-kit-hq/benheck.html&COM=benheck-BOM-videodoc

I don't believe that time consuming is the problem with selling a kit. It's the dedication the CNC machine would be in to make them. He needs it for other things. Since Ben makes a show each week, the time consuming part would be the compiling of build docs. One can infer through watching the videos how everything fits together.

You'll have to remember, Ben doesn't make tutorials for building something. He instead shows you how HE made it. You can always make your own design.

Kingrahl - Thanks for your response. While insightful, it's not overly helpful, other than just being tantamount of saying, "Dumb request. Next!"

kingrahl wrote:

They are not so hard if you know where to look. http://www.benheck.com/downloads/

I previously located that link, and the thread for the show that included the zip file (which contains .dx* and .ai files). What I was asking for was the router program files. If TBHS is going to provide the drawings in a zip file, it would make sense to also provide the already created router files too.

kingrahl wrote:

I don't believe that time consuming is the problem with selling a kit. It's the dedication the CNC machine would be in to make them. He needs it for other things. Since Ben makes a show each week, the time consuming part would be the compiling of build docs. One can infer through watching the videos how everything fits together.

I said it was a "time consuming endeavor," which means it consumes resources (personal, personel, machinery). What I'm asking for are things that any good builder/maker/cook/scientist should already be doing - documenting. Keeping track of parts used, etc. When I ask for a parts list, I don't mean the actual tools in the tool kit, I mean things like a 'grocery list' of parts, "six Exatorque 3/4" flanges, sixteen #5 Wood Screws, One 6" Brass handle" - stuff like that. Sure I'm going to modify things myself and make it mine, but he's already done a lot of the heavy lifting - There's not much more effort to do the rest (and that's what assistants are for, right? ) - ie include the CNC router file...

Thanks again.

So let me get this straight. You are asking for the G-code file? I've worked with CNC operators and if this is the case, there are a few problems I'm seeing. Each g-code is generated for the tools you are using. Say the cut is being made with a 5mm bit. It has to cut with the very edge so it moves the bit over half the distance. So the tool path is 2.5mm. Now let say I don't have a 5mm bit any more (it broke) but I have a 6mm. I couldn't use this because the cut would be extended past my line. The bits can get worn down fractions of millimeters each use and needs to be measured each time. Not to mention, the thickness of the material you are cutting. The thickness of 3/4 inch plywood can be different between manufacturers and moisture present in your region (thickness importance explained 5:45 into the video). This is why it is best to create a new g-code every time. Ben has already provided vector drawings (bottom right hand corner of file) used to help in programming a CNC.

As a 3D printer operator I know the importance of needing to create new g-codes every time. Not only does the plastic filament thickness I use vary from roll to roll and color to color, but each machine I have extrudes a different thickness from the hot end. A company called Makerbot released g-code files for sale. As these machines are mass produced and have the same specs, it's possible to reuse the same g-code for each machine. I however do not have one and can not use those g-code files since the specs on my machine are totally different from theirs.

If I'm STILL misunderstanding you and that's not what you're looking for, I'm sorry. You might have to contact Ben directly to get the file you are looking for. He has recently moved to a new shop and losing files from old computers (I'm sure he's upgraded in the past 4 years) is an easy thing to do.

Did you really spend that much time explaining why not to share or be helpful?

What I'm looking for (in this thread) is additional general guidance about the project and trying to gain more information that *isn't* present in a simple vector graphics file or explained in the show video. The g-code file can be edited to suit particular circumstances and environments.

Losing (please note the correct spelling and use of this word) computer files? No good geek/nerd/cook/scientist/maker/etc. simply "loses" project computer files during upgrades or moves (first rule is backup, backup, backup!), especially for a project that was this popular. You're wasting time making pointless arguments and excuses for someone else.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought this was supposed to be a community of like-minded fans/makers/people sharing information. This thread was originally addressed to Ben. Thank you for answering if you are his assistant directed to do so, but if you're just attempting to be helpful, you've wasted your time (and mine), and failed miserably in the process.

I "spent that much time explaining" the safety reasons why sharing any g-code with someone else would be an unsafe and unwise practice.

I'm sorry if you thought I was making "pointless arguments". Without knowing your knowledge, background experience, and skills, there is no way in knowing what you've already tried. If you are looking to be "spoon fed" the files for you to just type in a number to change a couple measurements (very boring and doesn't satisfy my sense of accomplishment), this would be a little counterproductive to the community to go out and learn something new or make the project their own by changing the design. If he uses an expensive software that few people can afford or have access to, he'd be getting lots of requests for the file to be converted into something "free" software can use. If you don't know how to convert the file or make your own, I'm sure I can dig up some tutorials for you. But that would be just a quick Google search away that anyone can do. (Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R792lFPnCjc)

I would have thought the provided vector graphics would have been enough to get the experienced person on the right track. I've already found many tutorials on Youtube to convert the provided files. Without a CNC machine, I won't be making one this way. When it comes time to, I'll go to my local print shop (seeing as vector graphics are already scaled properly) and have each piece printed on an appropriate material and make stencils. In the past, I've already printed things out on my personal printer on many sheets and taped them together to make the final. (I'm sure my circular saw and Dremel will be enough. If those break or I lose power, I'm sure I can use a hand saw and chisel.)

kingrahl wrote:

Without knowing your knowledge, background experience, and skills, there is no way in knowing what you've already tried.

I think you hit the nail on the head. You don't know me. I work with AutoCAD daily. I have access to CNC machines. Like a lot of people, I'm extremely busy.

A building contractor knows how to build a house or building - but they still look at, and follow, pretty detailed plans for each and every one they build. The project plan vector files provided thus far are a great help, but they don't answer all the questions. There is still quite a bit of customization and work required. I know that. In the interest of saving some time, I was looking to gain a bit more information from additional files so that I wouldn't have to build numerous versions before getting it right. As I mentioned, Ben has done quite a bit of the "heavy lifting" on this project already, so why not share that information?

You continue to try to defend an indefensible, negative-minded, non-community oriented position. You can stop now, you're only making yourself look bad.

Griggs Nichols wrote:

...Like a lot of people, I'm extremely busy...

 

You continue to try to defend an indefensible, negative-minded, non-community oriented position. You can stop now, you're only making yourself look bad.

I don't see anything negative in anything I wrote (Try to reread my responses as if written from a calm person instead of as an "argument" in which they were read). I've seen lots of requests go to Ben go unanswered. Like you and "a lot of people", he's very busy. I thought what I wrote was very useful to know as to reasons why he has not provided the files you requested.

There's no need for accusations because you are getting excuses instead of a hand out. If you know how to do it already, then you wouldn't need someone to do the "heavy lifting". It's kind of hard to take comments about community seriously from someone whom has only been in this community for five days, has only asked for a hand out without contributing your own knowledge to the community, and has responded with only frustration, accusations, and veiled insults at the only help they are receiving from the community.