Considering Shapeoko 3

CNC Machines Shapeoko
2

The two suggested routers are the Dewalt and the Makita RT0701 (available in black as a re-badged MLCS Rocky 30) — discussion of them here: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Spindle_Overview#Rotary_Spindle_Options — there’s a link there to a page listing others

Dust collection is user’s choice. The aforementioned linked page http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Spindle_Options lists a number of designs. A member of the Team sells a very nice one for the DWP611 at: http://improbable-construct.myshopify.com/products/dust-shoe-diverter-for-dw611 and there was a recent Kickstarter for a new design which a number of people backed.

Yes, all the upgrades (Enclosed electronics, One-piece MDF table, 9mm Belts, New, more rigid Z plate, US-Made V wheels and eccentric nuts (these are more a sourcing change than an upgrade AIUI), Homing switches included, Adapter ring to fit Makita RT0701C router) are included in all the current Carbide 3D machines — I believe Sparkfun still has some old stock, but that should sell out presently and everyone will be on the same page. Other upgrades are listed at: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Upgrade_Overview

Starting bit selection depends on what one wants to cut, at what level of detail and whether or no one sources a 1/8" collet. Of course there’s: https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/cutters but also see: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Endmills#Specific_Bit_and_Brand_Recommendations

There were two interesting threads on what else one might want on the Shapeoko forums :

My suggestions:

  • hearing and eye protection (not a suggestion, mandatory, see: http://docs.carbide3d.com/article/41-machine-operating-checklist )
  • a level (precision has to start somewhere)
  • a good quality square
  • a good set of calipers (if working on small scale parts, a micrometer)
  • pinch sticks, a tape measure, a piece of string, or some other way to measure the machine on the diagonal
  • spare endmills (they have to be considered consumables, but see below)
  • (optional) a 1/8" precision collet — if you get one, the community has a suggested starter set: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Endmills#Suggested_starter_set
  • (optional) an inexpensive Windows 10 tablet which is set up so as to have a USB port to connect to the machine while still receiving power — use this rather than a machine w/ exposed keyboard to control the machine
  • (optional) an M3 tap, a suitable drill and drill bit and some M3 countersink flathead machine screws (to secure the drag chain brackets to the extrusion)

You’ll of course also need material to cut and designs to cut out, and some way to secure the stock (workholding: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Workholding )

You may also want to get a book: