Everything you need to know about BenchPilot
What does BenchPilot include?
BenchPilot ships with everything you need to automate cutting with Origin: aluminum base, gantry elements, Origin mounting harness, fixturing hardware, emergency stop box, power supply/cord, and assembly tools. Note: BenchPilot is dimensioned and sized to fit perfectly with Workstation, but Workstation is sold separately.
Is BenchPilot compatible with Origin Gen1?
Yes. BenchPilot is compatible with Origin Gen1 and Origin Gen2. Note: Origin system software must be updated to at least Monterey to be compatible with BenchPilot.
Does this change anything I know about Origin’s precision or accuracy?
No. BenchPilot simply drives Origin from Point A to Point B. Origin will still handle the precision cutting operations with the accuracy you’ve come to expect.
How do I compare this to a traditional CNC machine?
You can think of BenchPilot like CNC for people who want what a CNC can deliver, but don’t necessarily want to invest the time required to learn a whole new trade of ‘programming a CNC machine’. With BenchPilot, the much loved, simple setup and on-tool design capabilities of Origin remain intact, meaning there is no programming required and you can design directly on Origin. By combining Origin and BenchPilot, you have the freedom to unclip Origin and bring the tool to the workpiece when you need it, and leave it connected to BenchPilot when your time is better spent elsewhere. With Workstation, BenchPilot is also capable of vertical cutting operations (aka joinery) – an operation that most CNC machines at this price point don’t support.
Can I attach it directly to my bench instead of Workstation? It is called BenchPilot after all.
Absolutely! The mounting hardware can be used on any standard bench with at least 24” depth and 36” width.
Can I unclip Origin and use it “manually?”
Yes. Clipping and unclipping Origin makes it easy to quickly move from a BenchPilot operation to a manual Origin operation.
What’s the cuttable area when attached to Workstation?
When combined with Workstation, BenchPilot’s cutting range is approximately 18" (wide) x 11" (front-to-back). [~460mm x ~280mm]
What’s the cuttable area when mounted directly to my bench?
Configured without Workstation, BenchPilot’s overall mechanical range is approximately 18" (wide) x 17.5" (front-to-back). [~460mm x ~445mm]
What materials can I cut with BenchPilot? Anything different than with Origin?
You can still cut all the same materials with BenchPilot as you can with Origin, but BenchPilot makes cutting harder materials significantly more accessible since it can take multiple passes without handheld supervision. Think 30 shallow passes on ⅛-inch brass, no problem.
Does BenchPilot use ball screws or lead screws? Belts, or wheels?
It actually doesn’t matter here! Although these distinctions make sense when trying to compare the accuracy of typical benchtop CNC machines, these aren’t applicable criteria when it comes to BenchPilot. BenchPilot leverages a rack-and-pinion system and a belt-drive simply to move Origin roughly in the right position, while the fine adjustments are handled by Origin’s onboard motors.
How does it handle multi depth cuts?
BenchPilot easily accommodates projects with cuts of differing depths. You can adjust pass count and cut depth all onscreen, even mid-operation.
Does it handle cutting pockets?
Yes. Pockets are toolpathed automatically by BenchPilot. It handles all of the order of operations for you so you don’t have to think about it. And yes, it cuts pockets conventionally.
How fast does it go?
BenchPilot’s feed rate can be adjusted from 1 ipm to 45 ipm using Origin’s display or via the feedrate knob on the side of BenchPilot.
Does the Z axis move independently and is this a full 3D CNC machine?
Yes and No. 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.”
Does BenchPilot require a software subscription?
No software subscription is required to use BenchPilot. You’ll just need to keep your Origin up-to-date with the latest Free System Update.
Does BenchPilot require programming or G-code?
No programming or G-Code required! If you can use Origin, you can use BenchPilot. You can design directly on-tool or import designs from ShaperHub or from your favorite design program. For designing, we of course recommend our own offering, Shaper Studio. But feel free to use what you’re most comfortable with to create SVG design files.
How does Origin attach to BenchPilot?
In order to connect Origin to BenchPilot, you’ll first attach a harness to Origin. This harness clips securely into BenchPilot’s Crossbar - it’s like latching a seatbelt. Then simply navigate to Pilot Mode on Origin’s screen and you’re good to go! The harness can remain on Origin when you unclip from BenchPilot for manual cutting.
Is there a warranty with BenchPilot?
Yes, BenchPilot comes with a 1-year warranty. Receive a free warranty extension to 2 years when you register your BenchPilot. You can read more about your warranty here.
Does BenchPilot come with AutoPass?
No. BenchPilot uses Pilot Mode. The Pilot interface is intentionally similar to AutoPass’s interface (we don’t want to confuse experienced operators), as is much of the functionality. Pilot mode is accessible only when Origin is clipped into BenchPilot.
What materials are the extrusions made out of? The Crossbar? The Harness?
BenchPilot’s mechanisms are assembled from a combination of anodized aluminum rails, powder-coated sheet steel, and injection molded plastic elements.
Does BenchPilot come fully assembled?
BenchPilot requires simple assembly with provided hand tools. An easy-to-follow comprehensive manual is included and a video showing all assembly steps is also available if that’s preferred. Most users are able to assemble BenchPilot and get up and running within an hour.
How should the BenchPilot be stored? Can the frame be hung on a wall?
BenchPilot can be easily transported or even stored vertically as shown.
Note: before transporting or hanging BenchPilot, you must reinstall the Locking Pins on each arm assembly to prevent damage to BenchPilot components.
Are spare parts available for BenchPilot?
Yes. We design our products with self-repair in mind and do our best to enable access to user-replaceable spare components. You can check out our spare parts store here. And if you’re looking for something specific that’s not listed, reach out to support@shapertools.com so we can try to help.