Okay, I over-analyze everything, so I am doing the same thing evaluating which Shapeoko to purchase. So far I have decided on the XXL, but I have read so much about Bitsetters and other optional equipment that I am wondering exactly what I will need to purchase immediately. I will primarily be doing the initial routing for woodcarvings, but I want to budget for whatever I will need in the near future.
I can not see myself using my XXL without:
- Dust Collection (Sweepy 2.0 & Fein Vac)
- BitZero
- BitSetter
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All the things, and I’d add a good light source to the list (overhead is fine, front + overhead is nicer).
Depends on what you already have.
There’s a list at:
https://wiki.shapeoko.com/index.php/FAQ#What_else_do_I_need_to_operate_a_machine.3F
Second this. Get them all from the start.
The most important “optional accessory”, is this forum here, and the community who respond at all hours of the day.
Without this crew, instead of making chips, I’d probably be using my Shapeoko for a paper weight 
It wouldn’t be the first really cool toy I had bought that sits at the bottom draw of my desk as I couldn’t get the thing to work. I’m betting there are a fair few of us on this forum that have a mountain of wasted parts purchased off Kickstarter, eBay, AliExpress and amazon.
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I’d definitely recommend the Sweepy V2 over the alternative dust boots, and the bitzero is great and always useful.
The bitsetter is the one that I might hold off on - for one it complicates the workflow in a way that’s no problem if you know what you’re doing, but could be challenging for someone new to CNC. The value of the bitsetter is exclusively in doing multi-tool projects - it’s a no-brainer if you’re taking advantage of that, but if you’re not using that feature then it’s just going to get in the way.
Dust Collection #1 (I have a SuckIt mounted to my HDZ 4 and an Oneida Dust Cobra)
Bit Setter #2 - LOVE my BitSetter!
JTech Laser #3
Panic paddle (power off)
Hard Wired Feed Hold
— 3 blank spaces—
BitZero (paperweight - IMO)
Count me in - from all the above!
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Consider these items
Space - including around the machine for easy access
Electrical - two circuits if possible
Dust Collection
shop vacuum (a quiet one)
Oneida Dust Deputy or equivalent
Emergency Stop
Pause / Feed button
BitZero - I have a knockoff without the LED
BitSetter - not a requirement but saves making separate files for different tools in a job
YMMV
Bill
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I have an XXL but I could have easily gotten an XL. The BItSetter, BitZero and BitRunner make the Shapeoko a very great machine. When I first got mine the BitSetter and BitRunner were not available. The BitZero really is a good way to zero your machine. You can use paper but t he BitZero is just a lot easier. The BitSetter was purchased when it first became available. Now I rely on it for jobs with multiple tools. I also got the BitRunner when it first came out and love it now.
Since I used my Shapeoko before I got the BitZero, BitSetter and BitRunner the Shapeoko is pretty good without them but it is a great machine with them. But a priority would BitSetter, BitZero and BitRunner if you have to plan and budget.
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