Desktop CNC Build - Shapeoko 2

[EDC]

I love CNC routers and have always wanted to get back into them.  I occasionally lerk on The CNCzone forums and have been casually looking for a small desktop CNC mill.  A few years ago I bought a 24x36" router that was home built by an amateur in the CNC community who was making some in small batches.  It wasn't very accurate but was extremely fun and I picked up the basics.  I wound up selling it because it was too big and because of the fact that it wasn't perfectly accurate.  I was learning how to route the back of guitar necks and fretboards.  I also got really interested I'm pearl inlay fretwork.

I decided to pick up a shapeoko 2.  It's the second version of the router made by Edward Ford and is marketed as a low cost open source CNC mill that can be built in a weekend.  The all in one version is pretty much a CNC router in a box, tools included.  The cutting area is approx 12" x 12" and is a 3 axis CNC mill using the arduino.

https://www.inventables.com/technologies/desktop-cnc-mill-kit-shapeoko-2

http://youtu.be/Ok9XBkyEZ2k

In case anyone else is interested, I was gonna post and share the build process here.  I plan to use it a little with the project but also do other pin related projects.  I mentioned on one the project updates that I wanted to create artwork using pinball inserts inlayed in wood so that will probably be my first project.  The wait for shipping is a few week so I'm expecting it to arrive in two weeks.

[HammysHangout ( Hammy )]

i am very tempted to buy one of these, and scale it up...

[ibis]

Could definitely mill some parts from that.  May need a good break for bends though.  Very cool item!

[HammysHangout ( Hammy )]

well, mine is on order

already have a huge stock pile of the large stepper motors, just need upgrade belts and a few small pieces to upgrade them..

[EDC]

I just got a notification that mine shipped.  Took just under 4 weeks which is pretty good compared to their estimated ship time of 6-8 weeks.  There are already two good resources on a step by step build as well as an unboxing, so my thread will be more of an abridge version of my experience with the router.

Check out the links below.

http://blog.inventables.com/2013/10/shapeoko-2-now-available-for-preorder.html

http://docs.shapeoko.com/

[HammysHangout ( Hammy )]

So mine should ship around mar 10 then

[EDC]

Box came today, won't get to mess with it until after the APE though.

Box on the door step.  Was smaller than I expected it to be in a good way





Letter from the maker



Lost of Contents




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[EDC]

Parts all laid out



Assembled V-wheels and Idlers




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[HFK]

Is that a squid or an octopus?

[EDC]

Octopus!


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[EDC]

V Wheels and Idlers assembled on the carriages





Beginning building the z-axis.  Taped holes in the top of the maker slide and attached the bearing plates and stepper motor to the slide




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[EDC]

Z axis assembled



Side shot




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[HFK]

Can't wait to see some action shots. 

[HammysHangout ( Hammy )]

I just got notification mine shipped today

[EDC]

Tapping the gantry maker slide x 8



Definately the worst part of the build and the tap handle that comes with the all in kit is horrible.


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