I have the Shapeoko XXL for ~3 years now. I learned a few months ago that I used the Shapeoko 3 assembly guide to build it. Consequently the controler is on the back of the X-Axis. I could live with that but I don’t like how the box gather saw dust. I decided to move it where it belongs and have a few questions before I start the rewiring. I will use larger drag chain, new cables and quick disconnect for the stepper motors and at the controler. I will be also changing the limit switches, with the new proximity sensors. I have the Bit Zero and Bit Setter.
How far can I relocate the controler?
1a. Is there a limit to avoid any problems of disconnect or lost of voltage if the box is ~4 feet from the machine?
Do the board need to be grounded to the machine? (Originally the back board is screwed directly on the Y-Left-Axis)
Best 4 pins quick disconnect male/female?
Any ideas/solutions to keep the saw dust away from wires/drag chains?
Bit Setter location, In the instruction it is recommended to install it on the front right side. Any reason to avoid front left side?
Well I can help out a little. I built an enclosure around my xxl a few years ago.
I can offer my experience with question
2 The controller box does not need to be attached where it originally was. I drilled a 1in hole in my enclosure to pass the wires through and mounted it on the outside of the enclosure which is plywood in about the same location it was before. I just put a little piece of foam in the hole to prevent dust from coming out.
4 Do you use dust collection at all? I run a dust cyclone with a 5 gallon bucket and attached to my shop vac. I dont have any issues with dust on wires or drag chains. I do use the brush vacuum attachment once and awhile to clean the tops of rails, wires, drag chains but there is never much build up.
5 I have my bitsetter near the front left side. In the settings you can specify the location and save it. It worked best for my space/setup to have it on the left so its possible.
That’s about all I can answer. The rest I dont use or are out of my tech knowledge.
Make sure you re-ground the chassis of the Shapeoko after removing the controller, that’s currently providing the ground connection via the aluminium mounting plate.
Thank you Mike. Yes I will be using a dust collection. Not sure yet if it’s going to be the 3hp dust extractor or the M18 vac. both have a cyclone
Great, I was wondering why one would put it on the right side. I understand that most people setup their material on the front left position, but I find it hawkward to run the wire on the other side of the machine.
Thank you Liam, yes I was concerned about grounding the board.
Keeping the sensor and motor cables well away from the router / spindle power cables is key to minimising the interference. That router power cable is a noise broadcast antenna.
I did not ground mine to anything, i just screwed onto the plywood side of my enclosure. I have been running it over a year like this with no issues. Did I miss something on the box? I thought the screws just went through the plastic housing, I’ll have to look closer at it now.
