Assembly overview (SO1)

These are the instructions for the SO1 and are here for historical reasons only.

If you are building an SO2, please see the instructions at http://docs.shapeoko.com/

For an SO3, please see: Assembly.

Simple overview of the entire process.
This should give you a basic idea of what tasks are involved in assembling your machine to the point that you can run the Hello World example.


 * 1) Take an inventory of your  parts, Including the electronic components (you will need them all to complete the build)
 * 2) Verify you have all of the tools required
 * 3) Painting the plates are optional but you will appreciate it later
 * 4) Assemble the machine (you may need to Tap Your Makerslide extrusions)
 * 5) Connect your  electronics
 * 6) Install your  software
 * 7) Connect to your Arduino
 * 8) Jog Your Machine manually
 * 9) Run  Hello World!
 * 10) Document your Hello World on the Hello World Page!

Wikis are great! They let us share our knowledge with each other, so we're going to attempt a 'hybrid' model of physical / wiki documentation. However, sometimes it's not convenient or logistically possible to have a computer where you are doing a major mechanical assembly. In an attempt to help everyone out, we're providing a basic set of build instructions in PDF format.

Download .pdf Link
You can download that document here.

Here's what we want you to do.

 * 1) Download the build instructions shown above. Print them out if you wish. (but please recycle when you're done.)
 * 2) Use the physical document to help guide you through the assembly.
 * 3) As you come across questions or problems do two things:
 * 4) Check the wiki for your answer. There is a link on the left side of the page that corresponds to each step in the process.
 * 5) If you can't find your answer on the wiki, ask it in the forum (we're very responsive!) --- After you have found the answer you're looking for, add it to the wiki!

See how that works? It's full circle!

Open Source Desktop Publishing
The source of the PDF instructions is in Scribus v1.4.1 and is available on github under the project's repository.

Because scribus is open source software, and cross platform compatible, everyone should be able to help out if that's their cup of tea.

Assembly Videos
There's a page of these, along with some useful notes, hints and tips here.

Major Components
There are three major components as shown in the table below (the mechanical kit, the electronics (E1--5) and a spindle). For more details see a list of vendors and complete Bill of Materials at Purchasing and an in-depth discussion of each component at Parts.

There are a number of other items which one will need, such as Zip ties or other fasteners, Electrical cable/wiring, some sort of cable management system, Endmills, Material for an electronic enclosure and some way to cool the stepper drivers such as a fan and/or heat sinks. Please see Additional / Commodity Items on the Purchasing page.

Tools
Only a few basic tools (some Allen keys, wrenches and a pair of pliers), and one specialty tap, as detailed on the Tools page, are needed to assemble a basic machine. A soldering iron may be needed if not purchasing a complete or premium kit with pre-wired electronics.

Suggestion: Visit The Forum For Questions
Like the Wikipedia, each page in this Wiki has an associated "Discussion" page, but this feature isn't as active as the forums. You can ask and answer questions about assembly in the Assembly section of the forum http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/