New CNC setup for a new guy to CNC

For shop vac, I think being quiet is an important attribute — the DeWalt Stealthsonic (w/ a HEPA filter) is the current darling:

Wiring isn’t that flexible — some of the cables are short, so one is pretty much constrained to some variation of:

  • SO5 Pro electronics under table and on the right
  • VFD at back left corner
  • accessories and pendants at the front right corner

I’m pretty pleased with my current setup (which reminds me that I need to post a photo)

What else one needs is determined by what sort of work one is doing, how one is approaching it, and if one already has a shop to support the machine and if so, what it contains.

Big things to my mind:

  • eye and hearing protection: https://docs.carbide3d.com/shapeoko-faq/safety-gear-and-necessary-precautions-when-using-the-machine/
  • a jogging pendant is nice — a numeric keypad will work, or one can remap a gamepad: A different sort of pendant or possibly use a game controller
  • a decent pair of digital calipers is quite useful — calibration, measuring stock, &c.
  • Additional assembly tools: Flush cut pliers (or scissors — fingernail clippers can also be used to cut a short zip tie with a nicely rounded edge), Needle nose pliers, Tape measure or ruler, Level, Pencil; possibly also Easy-peel masking tape, such as blue painter’s tape (nothing that leaves a residue behind), Adjustable wrench, Flashlight
  • some sort of small ratchet is a huge benison when assembling the machine, and can be handy for workholding — alternately, a T-handle set of hex wrenches
  • better quality wrenches for tool changes, see https://old.reddit.com/r/shapeoko/wiki/tools
  • put foam under the machine — dampens noise and deadens vibration — I’ve been using Harbor Freight Anti-Fatigue mats under my machines recently
  • some inexpensive stock to cut
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