Sadly I have not hit my router limit yet with the Makita - I get chatter before it has any issues. Running it at 27k has helped keep up the MRR.
1 Like
As a Shapoko XL owner, besides the spindle kit, do I need to upgrade anything else to make this work?
@robgrz as the saying goes “hindsight is 20/20” but any chance the Carbide Motion 551 release for the Raspberry Pi is coming soon. I installed the spindle kit before upgrading to 551 and when I went to download it I noticed it wasn’t available as the latest version for the Pi is 550.
Need this for Raspberry Pi setups (Only available for Windows/Mac right now)
551
- (NEW) Change spindle config for Shapeoko to add VFD Spindle option
1 Like
$30=24000 should be all that’s needed in MDI. I think Carbide Motion requires you to pre-pend something for that to work though?
2 Likes
No. “$30=24000” will work.
3 Likes
Except with a = rather than a -.
1 Like
Good catch, fixed now.
Long run, it’s best to get it set through CM’s settings though so that if you ever need to (re-)flash settings you’re not wondering why your VFD suddenly stopped working. Hoping the Pi build gets updated soon…
3 Likes
We’ll probably get a Pi build out for the next release. We have another fix or two we’d like to handle before that.
3 Likes
I have the Shapeoko version 3 small with the aluminum threaded table and the first generation BitSetter.
Will I be able to install the VFD Spindle Kit on my machine? Do I need to update the controller board?
-Ivan
Does your control board have a BitRunner connector?
If it doesn’t, you will need a replacement controller:
We have them on a hidden page in our shop:
you’ll need the $149 CM Board w/ Enclosure if your current setup doesn’t have the BitRunner connector.
2 Likes
Received mine this afternoon (fast shipping when you’re only a county away!) Hopefully will set it up tomorrow, can’t wait!
2 Likes
Man, they didn’t even make it two whole days.
Glad I ordered mine Monday morning. 
Shows a Thursday arrival.
I’ve got a pile of C3D boxes sitting here just waiting for a good upgrade session. Should be a fun weekend.
2 Likes
We have allot more being built right now, we’re constantly looking at ways to keep up with demand and have found adding batches to the store a better way to manage demand and understand the sales cycle.
4 Likes
How do you wait like that? 
You have much more patience than me.
2 Likes
I’ve got a Bitzero 2.0 to swap out my 1.0 and inductive switches to replace my originals. No point in opening those drag chains until I have my spindle now.
I’ll probably start disassembly tonight in anticipation of my spindle arrival though, as I’m not all that patient.
1 Like
Got my spindle, loving it so far! It’s about as loud as or quieter than my dust collector (rather than much louder than), so that’s wonderful. I’m working on my first cut now, and I noticed when I was installing the bit that neither wrench that came with the spindle fits the stalk (I don’t know what else to call it). What am I supposed to use for that in order to keep it still so I can tighten/loosen the nut? I’m currently using a random small wrench that I found, but it’s not long enough to do it with any comfort. The old wrenches I used for the Carbide Create router didn’t fit either.
I also tried just holding it, but I dont have the strength to do that and tighten the nut sufficiently to hold the bits.
1 Like
You might have gotten a 12mm instead of 13mm, or vice versa. Contact support and we’ll get it sorted out.
4 Likes
Thats the biggest annoyance since updating… I wish there was a way to turn it off…
1 Like
Other than no power cord with mine. (have already contacted support for that) I got a 12mm as well. But luckily I had a ParkTool 13mm.
1 Like
Finally got a chance to install my C3D Spindle and other various parts today.
Holy crap, noise game changer. My dust collector is the loudest thing in my garage now.
BitZero V2 fits under my Suck-it brackets now without adjustment (so much less annoying.
Install was super easy. Thanks to everyone involved at C3D.
6 Likes