So I have a Shapeoko XL i’ve not dusted off for like 10 years (literally bought it in 2016). Do options exist to use something maybe a little quieter than the monster screaming DeWalt router that is mounted on it? lol
I’m waiting for a C500 to come, but figured if the software is still compatible, I might play some with the XL while I wait.
The mount for a DeWalt is 69mm in diameter, and it seems to be the only thing that size.
We do have a 65mm reducing ring:
which brings it down to 65mm so one can use spindles of that diameter such as:
or
If you get/have an HDZ:
than you can use:
and a 65mm spindle:
An SO3 is a good machine. However there could be a few problems. If you have a belt Z then I would recommend you stick with the Dewalt. Putting a spindle in a belt Z would be a bad idea. The weakest part of the original SO3 was the belt drive Z. The X and Y are belt driven but work well. They do sell the HDZ on their website for $450.00 but that is almost the price you could get a used SO3. Not sure if they still make the Z-Plus but it was not on the website.
The original SO3 came with a collar that would let you put a 66MM Makita/C3D router in place of the 69MM Dewalt. However that wont quiet down anything. The Dewalt is much more dependable than either the Makita and/or the C3D routers. The Makita and C3D routers can run slightly slower speed but for me that is not important.
The SO3 is still sellable and maybe you should sell what you have and get something more modern and supportable. C3D still supports the SO3 but it is getting rather long in the tooth and at some point support will have to end due to parts availability.
Check your controller firmware. Older firmware can only run certain versions and below. To use the most current versions of CM and CC you have to be on the current firmware. Some controllers can be upgraded and some cannot. So check in with support about an accurate answer about firmware upgrade if you need it. If you cannot upgrade you can use older software or buy a new controller. Hopefully you are up to date or you can update.
@gdon_2003 hit all of the points that can be made. I have a SO3 XXL and if I didn’t have the HDZ I would have upgraded to the SO5. I bought my HDZ before Carbide had the SO4 or SO5, so I didn’t really have a choice.
What you have is just fine for wood if you don’t get too aggressive. I would treat it like a power tool you are not sure you would use a lot, so you buy the Harbor Freight one, and if you use it enough to break it or hit it’s limitations, then you can upgrade.