Mark II

The proposed next version initial announcement for discussion is here: Mark II

Shapeoko II
A summary of improvements include:
 * Stock 500mm MakerSlide rails
 * Stock open front/back sections to allow for longer material
 * dual drive by default
 * plate configuration to accommodate multiple wheel sizes/types
 * work envelope increased from ~200mm x ~200mm to ~450mm x ~450mm
 * X/Z-axis SIGNIFICANTLY more rigid (examination of the trade-offs on the flipped Z-axis)
 * GT2 belting
 * more elegant belt clamping solution, cleaner belt routing

Features which made it:


 * inverted belts
 * open end plates
 * reconsider MakerSlide lengths for most efficient usage of material
 * all metal spacers
 * double X standard
 * shorter bolts for V-Wheels w/o eccentric spacers --- check all bolt lengths
 * re-work standard carriage plate to be steel

Features which were obviated:


 * zip ties for belt anchors
 * all belts on the outside
 * drive shaft standard

Shapeoko Next Generation
Features for next time:


 * re-work belt routing / holes / plate sizes so that the X-carriage doesn't run into the idler wheels
 * all metric hardware
 * reduce M5 washer count to below 100 to make kitting easier
 * add lock washers where appropriate
 * use motor w/ Acme screw shaft for Z-axis
 * Acme driven Z-axis
 * integrated work-holding (this is addressed by the Inventables: Waste Board with Threaded Inserts)