The Shapeoko Forum

You'll need a lot of vac to hold pieces down. I use a vac table on my 5x12 industrial router at work with a massive 480v dual impellar vac pump and that smallest piece it can hold and cut is about 1.5'x1.5'. I've looked into smaller plates and found 2 different designs. The holes in plate version ne...

EBay has all kinds of endmilla that you can use. I personally order from JTS machinery, good prices and good selection. You can get a nice 2 flute coated endmill that'll be deep enough for under $12 iirc. They have an eBay store for quick ordering.

I'm going to attempt to cut new spindle mounts from 1/2 inch aluminum. I found a nice end mill for aluminum on ebay a while back, but the flutes are only 3/8 long. I'm doing a test to measure my runout in 1/4" and it's working great so far. http://www.ebay.com/itm/380824507246?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX...

I favor the single point thread mill. That way one tool will work for multiple threads as opposed to needing a different tool for each thread pitch.

The big thing you have to worry about is backlash. Odds are you'll at least have to trace the hole with the proper tap upon completion.

id recommend stepping up to a dial gauge as opposed to a ruler, much more accurate. Mach 3 has a step per in calculator for use with a dial gauge.

Ill post some of mine soon. Almost finished with the tool plate I made for it. 3/8 6061t6 plate with m6 threaded holes to replace the stock mdf board. Gives the machine some weight and more accurate fixturing.

with 1/8 microstepping my shapeoko 2 is 1016 steps per in calculated. I have yet to take a dial gauge to it to confirm but its working nicely. Ill have to check mach when i get back to my shop for the z axis. What is your vel/accel? Those TB6560 are temperamental drivers from what I've found, don't ...

I have a xylotex 4 axis control board laying around if you want something cheaper thatll run on 24v. I upgraded to some more potent drivers on my machine.

Youll either need a male to male cable or a gender changer for a standard cable. Avoid cheap cables as they can be more hassle than the money saved. As for motor wiring: http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=75_94&products_id=524 http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPat...