The Shapeoko Forum

Well I decided to upgrade to some nema 23 steppers on my shapeoko 2 and while the factory plates have the necessary bolt holes for the larger steppers i decided to ramp up the design. I cut these plates out of some 3/16 alum after i removed all the nema 17 holes and moved the idlers in more closer to the stepper so the belt will engage more teeth. Haven't finished the install but so far everything is going together nicely.

Looks very nice. The cuts look really clean. What router and emdmill were you using? Cutting aluminum is what my machine does 75% of the time so I'm always curious with what tools other people use as well as their experiences.

Those plates were actually cut on my CNT 950 router i use at work. 24000rpm spindle, single flute carbide 1/8" and 1/4" endmills running at 100 and 140 IPM. About .125' DOC.

I am upgrading and reinforcing so that I can cut aluminium more efficiently/cleanly. I was running it pretty quickly before and noticed it was missing steps and flexing so Im trying to resolve that.

Here are some shotty update pictures. Still need to wire the new steppers and adjust the amp output on the drivers before i can do any stress testing but im confident in the design. Also added some homemade side plates to protect the belt drive system. Enjoy:

It looks very nice. I really like the work bed too, I want to do something similar to that for mine but it'll probably cost a pretty penny considering the size.

Your machine is no doubt more rigid than the stock machine, have you thought about upgrading to the acme screw ? It would be a nice compliment to your more robust motor plates.

LouisV wrote:It looks very nice. I really like the work bed too, I want to do something similar to that for mine but it'll probably cost a pretty penny considering the size.

Your machine is no doubt more rigid than the stock machine, have you thought about upgrading to the acme screw ? It would be a nice compliment to your more robust motor plates.

No money in the budget right now for the acme screw although id like one. Tons of other projects that are more important at the moment.

Thanks, I love this little machine.

Well thanks to another member I have a acme z axis on the way. Ive drawn up a belt drive plate with a 2-1 reduction to go along with it. High fives all around.