Shaper Tools BenchPilot for Origin Handheld CNC Router

Meet your New Apprentice. Set up the job, dial in the fit you want, and then hand the rest off to BenchPilot.

Please Note: Does not include, Origin, Workstation, or the Shelf Upgrade Kit

BenchPilot is like autopilot for Origin. BenchPilot enables automated, hands-free cutting for Origin so you can focus on other tasks at hand. Clip Origin into BenchPilot and let it drive Origin from point A to point B, while Origin continues to handle the small precision movements.

Dimensioned and sized to fit perfectly with Shaper Workstation, BenchPilot creates a gantry-like system with horizontal and vertical milling capabilities – flexible for cutting joinery, inlays, intricate engravings, or profiles. It can also be mounted without Workstation and fit directly to your bench. It’s great for batch work or simply tedious and time-consuming jobs. Best of all, it doesn’t require complicated software, g-code, or other types of CNC programming to operate. If you know how to operate Origin, you’ll know how to operate BenchPilot.

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. Most users are able to assemble BenchPilot and get up and running within an hour.

How does it compare 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. Additionally, 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 pricepoint don’t support.

Features

• Drives Origin Automatically: Removes physical strain from long hours of Origin operation.
• Clip In, Unclip: Transform Origin to hands-free operation when you want to, then take Origin on the go when you need it.
• Variable feed rate control knob: Dial in the speed you want with real time control. As you change feed rate, Origin’s onscreen cut operation estimate updates in real time!
• Timer display: Origin will display its progress and time remaining while cutting with BenchPilot.
• Dedicated E-stop: Emergency stop, if and when you need it.

Specifications

Cuttable area mounted to Shaper Workstation: Up to 460 W x 280mm D

Cuttable area mounted to Workbench: Up to 460 W x 445mm D

Workbench Minimum size: 610 x 915mm (24in x 36in)

Dimensions: 176 H x 848 W x 568mm D (without E-Stop)

                         176 H x 955 W x 568mm D (with E-Stop)

Weight: 12.85kg

Materials: Anodised aluminium rails, powder-coated sheet steel, and injection molded plastic elements

Warranty: 1 year warranty (increased to 2 years with registration)