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Also known as a CNC Router that's right, I'm automating!

So far I have put down the deposit on the machine. It's the third version of the Shapeoko with much beefier rails and the ideal dimensions for cutting chassis and parts. It comes with nema 23 steppers and a Carbide Motion controller. You supply the spindle or router.

Here is the shapeoko:
[youtube]NZKJnbgCphU[/youtube]

I have about a month of wait for mine to arrive so I have started rounding up the additional parts. I went with a Porter Cable 450 router. The "norm" for this build is the Dewalt version with variable speed but since I will be using a super pid it was cheaper and easier to use the porter cable unit.

And it's beautiful! One mod was to remove the soft start. It will have a soft start thru the super pid so it's redundant and can cause odd revving.

This entire module comes out! The wires have a crimped end, the easiest way to attach was with a dura collar! Also the super pid requires a white area on a rotating surface for closed loop speed control feedback. I used the area above the commutator and drilled the case for the tube that holds it
You can see the white spot thru the hole

Next on the list is the precise bits collet. Sure I could run a cheap 1/8 to 1/4 adapter sleeve but these precision collets are a thing of beauty. They come in a few different tolerances, I went with the basic set. The kit comes with some collet care cleaner and conditioner. I guess we will see how dedicated I remain after its weekly cleaning.

Next up is the super pid from the land of Oz. The shapeoko can control a spindle but most people just set the RPM on the router and let it cut. I prefer the software control, plus this will throttle down to 5000 RPM instead of the 12k+ of the stock router speed control. You can use the control to adjust the speed or it can be controlled thru the G code. I have the router ready for the sensor as shown above, just a matter of inserting it. This will also require a heatsink and box so I should have time to tinker with it before the shapeoko arrives.

Have you picked the name of your Company yet

I was thinking "Mifune Motors" would be appropriate

It looks to be a very capable machine gomachv. In the video ad they should have had the machine write the specs, that would have been cooler than the guy writing on a chalk board:)

- Limestang

Awww man Jeff, when I saw the thread title I thought you had received it!
Sounds like you're going to have all the bits and pieces ready when that bad boy shows up. The timing should be pretty good for us finishing up the 4wd kit

Cool Jeff! I'm glad it's all coming together.

That's awesome man I can't wait to see the awesomeness that comes out of this. I am excited for you man.

Thanks guys. I'm fortunate to have so many people on the forums that have already done the cnc thing, it's making things easier for me cause I have people around me helping. Reggie isn't around here anymore but he has been messaging me tips and tricks from his experiences. Jake has been awesome with recommending software and offering to help as I learn this thing. He even offered up a few files to get me started so I can work from known good parts. Without the support from the forums I would never be taking this plunge. Thanks to all that have helped me! I can't wait to start cutting parts.

But I´m afraid the speedcontroller is going to be to slow for You - It´s only Mach3.

We are not going to need the mach3 or even mach5 for this project. It's bleeding edge arduino powered lol

GoMachV's pin router v4: now freakin' AWESOME!

Jeff, I am super pumped for you even though you will be my competition

I will definitely help you anyway possible man, and I know with your creativity, some really nice parts are going to be available to many of us.

Oh yeah, I am coming back too.... That's for another time and another thread. Keep up the awesome work man, the work you put in now will pay off in the end. Glad to see you building the machine.

Jake