Spindle Overview

The typical choice for a tool (the industry term for this is spindle) is a trim router (a Dewalt DWP611 or Makita RT0701 (or equivalent 220V version) is suggested).

Rotary spindles are the most frequent tool choices, but there are a number of other options.

Pen / Plotter Mounts
Mounting a pen is something of a rite of passage.

http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6048&p=52138#p52138

https://www.youmagine.com/designs/shapeoko3-plotter-pen

Shapeoko 3 Pen and Cutter Holder

http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7977&p=63008



Feeds and speeds for a pen
Copied from box_logo.nc:

G1Z-0.254F1524.0 G1X40.860Y104.856F5080.0


 * Plunge: 1524mm/min.
 * Feed: 5080mm/min.
 * Depth: -0.254mm

Rotary Spindle Options

 * Spindle Control
 * Spindle Mount
 * DW660
 * DWP611

Dewalt and Makita Comparison
The Dewalt DWP611 and the Makita RT0701 were the initial choices for spindles for the Shapeoko 3 (they also work well on suitably upgraded Shapeoko 1/2s).

Since then the Carbide Compact Router (essentially a rebadged Makita) has become the router option for Carbide 3D machines. The same 69mm mount which fits the Makita is used however, and the same 65mm adapter is provided, so one has the widest possible options for spindles.

Comparison video:



Notable differences:


 * Dewalt has finer-grained speed control, Makita lower and higher range of possible speeds (the lower speeds are especially useful on plastics and wood)
 * Dewalt has a longer clamping area which affords multiple precision collet options (standard ones as well as the ER-style collets from Precise Bits), Makita has a single source for precision collets (albeit in a variety of sizes) and an option for a 3/8" collet (larger than the 5/16" or 8mm the DeWalt collets top out at)
 * Dewalt has lights, the Makita does not
 * Dewalt has a plastic button on the Body, which limits Z plane positioning inside the mount, Makita has a more Robust Tool changing mechanism, with a cylinder push lock below the shaft, which will allow more mounting options in the Z plane
 * Dewalt has a longer body and can be mounted so as to reach lower
 * Makita bearings easier to change
 * Makita brush life longer and replacements less expensive and easier to change

Note that spindles may be upgraded w/ better collets. Some are merely replacements for the standard collets in different sizes, while at least one manufacturer offers specialized systems which allow one to use ER style collets. These are more convenient and easier to change (esp. if one buys a matching nut for each collet) and afford a greater clamping tolerance (e.g., a 1/4" collet can hold a 6mm endmill).

Differences between the Makita and Carbide Compact Router
The CCR is essentially a rebadged Makita --- https://carbide3d.com/blog/2019/the-carbide-compact-router/


 * case colour --- black vs. teal
 * control layout
 * CCR has specific detents in-between the numeric speed settings, the Makita has a continuous dial
 * CCR has longer cord
 * Makita has accessories intended for hand use which are not included with the CCR (but would fit it)

Other aspects of the routers are substantively the same, notably the electronics and their speed control, and collets are interchangeable betwixt the twain.

Coolant
http://www.tricocorp.com/product/md-1200-micro-drop/

http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6077

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrUDVBHc9Xo https://www.reddit.com/r/shapeoko/comments/40pmwc/shapeoko_3_second_metal_project_vise/cywn5bh

Tool Changer
https://hackaday.io/project/12308-xatc-extreme-simple-automatic-tool-changer

http://www.midwestrapidtool.com/AutomaticToolChanger.htm

http://www.cnccat.gr/?lang=en --- commercial option for Kress spindles --- c.f., http://www.cnccat.gr/index.php?id=1&catid=89&lang=en

Engraving Tool
Similar to a rotary spindle is a high-speed engraving tool:
 * http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=5061#p36904
 * http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=5381

http://engraving.majosoft.com/html/anatomy_of_an_engraving_cutter.htm

Diamond Drag Engraving
https://www.jpplus.com/engravers-bible/diamond-drag-engraving

endmill alternatives:


 * http://www.2linc.com/spring_loaded_drag_engraving.htm
 * https://www.bdtoolsusa.com/drag-bits
 * http://benchtopprecision.com/diamond-drag-engraving-tool/
 * http://cnc-aid.com
 * https://engravingbit.com/small%20drag%20engraving%20tool.html
 * http://www.widgetworksunlimited.com/CNC_Diamond_Drag_Engraving_Bit_p/cnc-dmnd_engrv-250.htm

Discussion:

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/engraving-a-picture-in-granite/11197

https://community.carbide3d.com/t/first-time-with-diamond-drag-bit/7616/6

Contrast with https://youtu.be/C7BEgEQqorQ

Holder
https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/6f84hz/diy_drag_bit_holder_for_hobby_machines/

Laser Cutter
Mounting a laser for engraving and cutting is a popular upgrade. While it does have a number of safety implications, it affords options which aren't feasible otherwise.

3D Printing

 * Mach 3 3D Printing
 * RepStrapOko

Paste Extrusion
Clay: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiDOxWJHLl5/

Drag Knives
DIY:


 * 3D printed SO3 Drag Knife
 * https://www.ebay.com/itm/Drag-knife-for-CNC-router-Shopbot-Shapeoko-X-Carve-New-Design-Made-in-USA-/392571472084
 * https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3994417 https://wikifactory.com/@itay/3d-printed-drag-knife
 * http://foro.cnccontrolapp.com/index.php?topic=977.0
 * http://community.carbide3d.com/t/10-diy-drag-knife/3202
 * Cricut Cutter Add-on
 * plotted vinyl
 * Re: Vinyl Cutting Blade
 * Silhouette craft cutter: GPGL Reference, Courtesy of Graphtec
 * CNCZone: Drag Knife for CNC [Pics+Video]
 * https://grabcad.com/library/drag-knife-cnc
 * http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/tools-procedures/416470-cnc-drag-knife.html
 * http://community.carbide3d.com/t/vinyl-cutter-attachment-with-standard-vinyl-drag-knife/11198
 * Thingiverse
 * Thingiverse: 3D Printer Cutter Tool
 * Thingiverse: Remix Drag knife for CNC - shapeoko by Rogoz
 * http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1006663
 * holder for Roland vinyl cutting knife on Thingiverse
 * https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YqvgA1P5hWg
 * https://www.cncroutershop.com/us_en/knife-blades/tangential-knives/45-blade-holder.html

Unavailable:


 * vinyl_knife_holder.dxf cchristianson's Google drive

Commercial:


 * http://donektools.com/ --- notable for having a variety of high-quality designs, each w/ different characteristics, as well as a variety of support software on their site
 * Excel spreadsheets to add corner overcuts
 * Custom cardboard box generator spreadsheets
 * https://robocutters.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=Drag_Knife
 * http://www.widgetworksunlimited.com/CNC_Sign_Vinyl_Drag_Knife_Bit_p/cnc-vinyl_knife.htm
 * http://www.toolstoday.com/p-6009-in-groove-cnc-insert-engraving-tool-body-replacement-solid-carbide-insert-knives.aspx

Discussion of path needed for compensation: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/coding/71521-cnc.html c.f., Drag_Knife_Support on the CAM page.

c.f., Tangential knife.

Foam Cutter
Foam cutter - 1st results

Foam cutter - 2nd results


 * Google+ pic & post
 * Aliexpress: Foam cutting wand
 * Thingiverse: 3D Printed holder
 * MPCNC 2826 Brushless RC Motor Foam Cutter

Pyrography
http://hackaday.com/2013/01/11/printing-images-with-a-wood-burning-cnc-machine/

This link suggests it should be spring-loaded: http://www.mytoolstore.com.au/products/Wood-burning-Pen-for-CNC-Machines.html

Pick and Place

 * First test of my ShapeOko pick and place prototype
 * Pick and Place second test - feeder advance
 * Shapeoko and Pick and Place

Discussion of a machine using cameras

Plasma Cutter
Discussion: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=2600

Further discussion and note that height control is needed: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7232&p=61187#p61187

http://openplas.com/pages/shapeokoplas --- shop is closed

A plasma cutter puts out quite a bit of EMI, and this may require a complete overhauling, if not re-design or replacement of the electronics.

Discussion of accuracy: https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/8qeq20/can_a_plasma_cnc_cut_to_this_accuracy/

Successful upgrade noting the need of shielding: https://forum.shapeoko.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9647&p=70528#p70528

Other
Thingiverse: Shapeoko 3 spindle mount for DeWalt DWE6421 sander

https://www.coloradocustoms3d.com/listing/728275930/capability-expansion-pack-for-the