My quest for organization. Control box, tool tray, dust collection

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I have had my 3xxl since November and I have had a great time making projects and learning a lot.

My first project, which seems to be a rite of passage, was my tool tray. I got the design from http://www.cutrocket.com

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The first thing I realized is that dust collection is paramount. At first I just hovered over my projects with my vacuum hose. That got old very fast and I ordered the suckit dust boot. That led to another mini project of making the adapter ring for my vacuum hose to the dust boot.

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To control everything a little better I made a control box, using the shapeoko to do the cutouts and lettering of course… This is version 1 of the wiring.

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My wiring was not optimal and the main power plug and power cable were not the right rating and the plug eventually melted

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That brought me to the control box wiring version 2 which is much more robust, rated to 15A.

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I built a frame around the mill to hold the lights, and dust collection hose.

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And finally added a new tool and bit holder exactly where I wanted it (finally!) No more scattered tools and bits.

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Thanks to everyone here on the forums for the great ideas and information!

14 Likes
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palaudiver welcome to the community! I too am a newbie here. My XXL was delivered in late December of '19.
I like the frame and box work. I have been thinking of a way to support my dust collection and this gives me an idea!

Again welcome and your setup looks great! :+1:

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I dig it!!!..I constantly battle with myself as to whether I should make a frame for mine…thanks for sharing!

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I didn’t expect to like the frame as much as I do. It have proven to be incredibly convenient, probably the most useful mod in relation to the time, effort, and cost.

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:+1:What table is that?

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That is an aluminum patio table.

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I think I have the same table but mine is under a foot or two of snow.

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It seems really well-suited — source and cost?

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Mine is old and part of a set (chairs, cushions and umbrella) purchased at a big box store.

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Source and cost are unknown. My neighbor had put it out on the curb. He accidentally cut into one of the corners with a circular saw and no longer wanted it. I got luck. on the plus side it is very sturdy and straight.

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