Hello Gang,
I am getting closer to ordering my 4’ X 4’ Shapeoko Pro 5.1 with the 80mm spindle. I have got my shop ready with 220v and 110 outlets in the area of my shop where the Shapeoko will live. I am thinking one 220v outlet and then gang box of 4 110 outlets. I currently have a 16 gallon shopvac with a cyclone separator. I will be getting a 1 HP dust collector in the near future. I have an air compressor for the shop a central pneumatic 26 gallon. Currently I am leaning towards ordering;
Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4X4
80mm VFD spindle
3D Jog Pendant
Starter end mill set
Crush-it clamp set (I have a 3D printer so I can make more in the future)
The Sweepy Pro
I already have Carbide Create Pro
What else should I be looking at ordering with this system?
If it’s possible, having the machine/computer on one circuit (on one side of the panel) and the vacuum/spindle on a different circuit (on the other side of the panel, though that doesn’t apply to a 220V spindle which pulls from both) would be nice.
Other things you need would depend on what sort of work you were doing and how you wanted to approach it.
Some basics:
an inexpensive pair of calipers — these will help in calibrating the machine, and measuring stock thickness before cutting
a suitable square may help in assembling the machine and in placing stock for cutting
tools for post-processing cut materials — a small razor saw, or saw blade for a utility knife is useful for cutting tabs, a deburring tool is excellent for metals and plastics, files may help make some edges look nicer, I use a chamfering plane on some edges, some folks use chisels and/or gouges to cut tabs
tools for processing stock for cutting — just a hand saw (for breaking down stock), and a drill (for placing holes for workholding) will make things far more affordable
T-handle hex keys are useful enough w/ a machine to warrant specific mention, though I often use a small hand-ratchet.
nice wrenches for the spindle of a suitable length/thickness
I should have mentioned I purchased the Kreg 60" X 60" for the machine to sit on. I also have step on rollers to move the table if needed. The table has adjustable leg pads at each corner for levelling.
The Kreg table is great (and what we used to recommend), but if you don’t have it already, would you want to consider the C3D leg kit? It’s amazingly rigid (but I have a predilection for steel workbenches rooted in one my father had when he was a recruiter in Indianapolis which unfortunately had to be left behind when we moved).
Before you purchase a dust collector or Sweep pro, you need to plan your dust collection. A dust collector with a 4" port connect to a 2.5" port, is going to immediately lose 50-60%, adding long flex hose is going to reduce effectiveness further. . Even adapting from 4" to 2.5" at the last 8 inches decreases the performance significantly. My Sweep pro is sitting in a drawer. I used it for a week. I am machining foam, and built a 5" dust shoe, even the loss from 6" to 5" is significant. I’m now designing a 6" dust shoe.
That being said, I am mainly machining foam, and the extraction rate is impressive.
I would look at a dust extractor over a dust collector if you are going to use a smaller hose. It will likely work better, and you can still use it with your other tools. Think about the kinds of projects you plan to do, and plan for them first.
I did purchase 3 sets of the Crush It Nutz and Bolts Kit’s and use them all of the time. I have used most of the nuts on a single setup.
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