I cannot locate a definitive answer to what I think is a simple question, what is the minimum interior size of an enclosure to operate a Shapeoko 4 XL (x,y,z)? I’ve read 6” space in front, back and sides is optimal but I’m not sure about the height. I’m thinking 62” - 31” - 30 but I don’t want to assemble my Shapeoko until I have a bench, and I don’t want to muck this up and have regrets.
I’m new to this and would appreciate any suggestions including what you would do differently if you could rebuild your enclosure / bench top.
Footprint 50" (X), 24" (Y), 19" (Z)
So with 6" all around that’s 62 x 36 x 25.
Depending on the design of the enclosure, you might want more headroom. Mine is 30" tall with bi-fold front & back doors & I occasionally bump my head leaning into it.
I have the front & back doors to accomodate tile jobs.
Most advise is to make the thing taller than you think. There are 2 main reasons. 1. You have to get up inside the enclosure to secure stock or for cleaning. 2. You will likely have dust collection and that is usually from the top. So you need enough length and flexibility for the dust collection host to get to all 4 corners without straining the dust collection host or getting it wrapped around the Z axis when the machine changes direction.
So height is a personal preference but consider the 2 reasons above. Another suggestion is making doors on 3-4 sides that can be lifted up. The table should have casters that lock in 2 directions. The reason for the lifting doors is to do maintenance/cleaning and if you want to do tiling. I am too old to try and crawl up inside an enclosure to place material. The table should be at a height that is comfortable for you. For me I like desktop height so I can sit in an office chair and do most things and to baby sit the Shapeoko. Some people like high bench height but that is a no go for me.
All very good points. Thank you! I finished the table today and started to assemble the S4, but ran into a little problem. Step 2, the 4 standoffs on the front and back crossmembers are too short, the center standoffs are correct. I reached out to Carbide and they are shipping the correct standoffs. Customer service is fantastic.
My plan is to use the S4 without an enclosure for a few weeks so I can get to know the in’s & outs. That should help me with the final design. Very good point about height, my table is 34” tall as I wanted dust collection to be under and in the same cabinet.