Upgrade Overview

Shapeoko upgrades can be categorized into four major categories:
 * those which increase stiffness / rigidity
 * those which increase working area
 * different spindle choices — see Spindle Overview
 * those which are for user convenience / other

The eShapeOko (European / Extended) marketed by cvoinescu includes a number of upgrades by default as well as a number of options at order time.

The ShapeOko 2 was released and includes several upgrades from below, as well as a few novel ideas.

The ShapeOko 3 has been announced and is an all-new machine design which obviates the need for most upgrades and makes expanding the machine much simpler.

What is the future of Shapeoko?

Results of upgrades: cutting aerospace tooling to under 0.1mm (0.004") accuracy.

Andrew Spurgeon's spindles and mods: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz-KxXzikAWwSy1HeDR1ZlA1YzQ/view (pdf)

=Stiffness/rigidity=

The importance of improving this cannot be understated as noted in forum discussion: Re: spindle power / feed rate.

User cvoinescu made an initial codification of the effect of upgrades on stiffness / rigidity in the forum thread Custom Plates. In order of effectiveness of the modifications (from most effective to least):


 * Dual Y drive (either Drive Shaft or Dual Motor)
 * Double Makerslide X-Axis --- shapeoko_upgrade_parts_v3.zip
 * X carriage reinforced with, say, extrusion between the two plates, instead of relying only on the X wheel bolts
 * the two X rails 20-30mm apart and rigidly coupled together, e.g. sandwiching between them some standard extrusion and bolted together along the length
 * Moving the Z wheels further apart, i.e. replacing the standard plate with a taller one
 * (for a long machine) Mid-span supports for the Y rails, and/or doubling it with standard extrusion bolted along the length --- two supports evenly spaced for each side optimal. c.f. http://www.improbableconstruct.com/collections/upgrades/products/shapeoko-2-mid-span-support and Mid Span Supports
 * Moving the Z leadscrew to the side to reduce the length (and hence flex) of the Z wheel bolts
 * Thicker plates

There is some uncertainty about the order of the last two items on the list.

With the Shapeoko 2 already having many upgrades in place already, the priority shifts a bit --- best rigidity mods for SO2?:


 * bolting X-axis Makerslide together
 * mount spindle closer

Spacers
One straight-forward and inexpensive way to improve rigidity is to replace the nylon spacers. There are several options.

Metal Spacers
"Biggest bang for the buck."

Now standard on the Shapeoko 2. Forum discussion in We should switch to metal spacers.

A 10-pack of 1/4" spacers should fit out a machine w/ Double Makerslide X-Axis --- 6 1" spacers (and some washers) will properly space the carriage (drilling 2 additional holes in the Z-axis mount plate will let one use 2 additional bolts and 4 more 1" spacers to finish off a 10-pack and further improve a machine's rigidity).

Plastic Blocks
Alternately, user wlanfox used plastic blocks instead of spacers as shown in the forum post [http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1037 Shapeoko #0735, mods evolution... (at least my version) ;-)]

Locking Nuts
A third option is to use (locking) nuts in lieu of the spacers as danimal documented in Re: Why not a wider "double X-axis"?

OpenRail
There is now a hard-coated Makerslide alternative, Openrail, which in theory affords the usage of steel wheels (in practice, not so much). Forum user microwavesafe took advantage of this for his machine as documented in X and Z mods.

Note that they are most useful for the X- and Z-axes: Re: Metal Dual V wheel And Fishing line pulley Bearing and Re: Hardcoat OpenRail.

Double X-carriage motor mount plates
Another option which needs to be fitted into the above is doubling up the motor mounting plates for the X/Z plate assembly and increasing the number of bolts used so as to create more rigid torsion box as the eShapeoko does (though its is also taller) --- this upgrade has since become standard in the ShapeOko 2.

A similar modification for the Shapeoko 3 is shown at: https://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9221&p=68843#p68843

Gantry rigidity
The Double Makerslide X-Axis upgrade is the primary way to address this. Now standard on the Shapeoko 2.

A similar idea to increase the rigidity of the gantry is shown in Bar across the back...


 * fasten the two lengths of rail together --- bolt, screw, epoxy or use the Makerslide joining clips
 * sister in length(s) of steel along the top or bottom or in-between
 * fashion some sort of plates to join the pieces of Makerslide together

Furthering this idea, Xaracen extended the V-wheel bolts for his Z-axis through his gantry on his SO1 by drilling matching holes, using longer bolts and appropriate spacers. http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3734&p=37129#p37126

Additional mini-carriages
Yet another option is to add additional sets of wheels mounted to a secondary carriage as done on Marty's Shapeoko2 Deluxe.

Linear rail
Some Z-axis upgrades for the Shapeoko 3 have added linear rail along the bottom of the gantry rail: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/liear-rail-makes-the-world-of-difference/9174

=Working area= These upgrades are easily compared and complementary in nature, see the page Scaling Up.

Often, other minor upgrades can affect this, e.g., moving belts to the outside as documented in some of the methods shown on the Belt Anchors page, or Belt on outside, but it is also possible to lose working area as when doubling the X-axis Makerslide.

Open End Plates
One elegant solution is the Open End Plates, which allow one to extend a machine along the X-axis more readily. Now standard on the Shapeoko 2.

Extrusion Frame
Another alternative is to use aluminum extrusion itself for the frame as forum user Juicebox did in Just Enlarged my Shapeoko with some UpGrades.

=Spindles / Tooling=

Upgrading the spindle from the basic rotary tool included with the stock SO1/2 was a common upgrade. Even w/ the SO3, there are people who choose to use spindles other than the suggested Dewalt DWP611.

See Spindle Overview for more detailed discussion.

=Other=

Some upgrades are discussed in context either on the Parts pages, or on more detailed pages such as Belts_and_Pulleys.

Shapeoko 3
https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/shapeoko-hd/products/shapeoko-hdz --- Dust shoe for HDZ which includes re-drawings: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/wip-frame-around-hdz-spindle/16265/9

Shapeoko 1/2

 * ACME Z-axis --- see also A new Z-axis nut - metal on metal w/ built in anti-backlash and Modified Z drive Assembly --- this upgrade is especially of interest to help overcome Grbl's limit that all axes must have the same acceleration.
 * Possible New Z Axis Design for the ShapeOko (1)

Camera / Microscope
One option on some commercial machines is to mount a camera / microscope and to use it to zero the machine. The camera may also be used to monitor the machine and its cutting progress.


 * http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2344&start=70#p45670 video
 * http://beatty-robotics.com/zeroing-a-cnc/ http://community.carbide3d.com/t/new-zero-camera/485 Forum discussion
 * http://www.kd-dietz.com/klausphp/pages/eng/webcam_standaloneV3/description/cam_description.html --- edge finder program for Windows.
 * Monitoring: http://shop.runcam.com/runcam-sky/

Dust collection

 * Dust Shoe --- also see Spindle Options
 * Vacuum options --- cyclone dust filtering, power controls
 * Cyclones
 * http://www.jpthien.com/cy.htm
 * http://billpentz.com//woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm
 * https://makezine.com/projects/cyclone-dust-collector/
 * https://www.oneida-air.com/inventoryD.asp?Item_No=AXD000009

Emergency Stop (E-Stop)
Emergency Stop buttons are used to stop all motion in an emergency, for example if a finger, hair, jewelry, etc becomes entangled in the machine. Industrially, E-Stop buttons are typically linked to the circuit breaker that powers the unit.

Discussion: https://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8806&p=67134#p67134

Enclosures
An enclosure of some kind, either for the electronics, or the machine is essential if cutting metal, so as to protect the electronics from conductive chips.

Multiple Controllers
As part of an enclosure, some users have worked up switching so as to allow switching between control boards: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/whats-better-than-one-cm-controller-two-of-course/3378

Headless
Adding a second Arduino and SD-card shield to allow headless operation

Pendant

 * XLCD

Limit (Home) Switches
c.f., linear encoders: http://www.directindustry.com/industrial-manufacturer/linear-encoder-65005.html

Probe
(see below)

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1919578

Carbide 3D Probe
Available for purchase at: https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/shapeoko-touch-probe


 * http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/touch-probe/
 * http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/touch-probe/userguide/
 * Dimensions: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/touch-plate-thickness/6941 and http://community.carbide3d.com/t/touch-probe-no-longer-going-to-be-offered/4786/188



Carbide 3D Probe alligator connection:



Probe vs. Tool Length Sensor
https://forum.shapeoko.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9179&p=70116#p68543

Edge Finder
Only usable in a spindle with low RPM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_qiPE5z7SE ​ https://community.carbide3d.com/t/how-to-use-edge-finders/369

Touch / digitizer Probe
This essentially makes the machine into a 3D scanner, but may also be used for auto-levelling a board for making a PCB (c.f., Touch Plate)

Discussion of the need for a round ball: https://www.facebook.com/groups/232744457133521/permalink/284712001936766/


 * Probee - A Contact Probe
 * Touch Plate --- see the Limit switch page.
 * https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2351060 --- ingenious design which screws onto a Dewalt router.
 * http://fadedbits.com/2011/02/touchprobe/
 * plans and software for constructing one here: http://www.vinland.com/Touch-Probe.html
 * Instructables
 * http://www.instructables.com/id/cheap-super-sensitive-digitizer-probe-for-cnc-/
 * http://www.instructables.com/id/digitizing-touch-probe-for-cnc-router/
 * http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:94169
 * http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/cnc-parts/touch-and-tool-probe-quarter-inch-shaft --- commercial option which doubles as a plate
 * The "One Penny" Touch Probe
 * http://www.grunblau.com/downloadsbmo.htm
 * http://www.grunblau.com/Brian/Downloads/CNCDigitizingProbe.pdf
 * http://www.grunblau.com/Brian/Downloads/digitizingprobe.zip
 * Thingiverse: Auto level tool for DeWALT 611 and Shapeoko
 * http://www.homemetalshopclub.org/news/12/presentation_1202.pdf
 * https://www.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/comments/apwji3/diy_touch_probe_overview/egcbt88/

Workholding
Nio's V slot bed

Other

 * Y-Axis Wheel Covers --- includes mount for cotton swab for cleaning.
 * X/Z Axis Plates Smaller plates for holding the X-axis motor and the whole Z-axis assembly.
 * Pulley Drive system 4:1
 * Shapeoko Z-Knob --- .svg source
 * Under-Rail Lighting

Dust protection

 * V Rail covers and brushes - ShapeOKO
 * https://github.com/tbfleming/Shapeoko-Kirigami http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4032 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Ka0ULu0as
 * http://www.franksworkshop.com.au/CNC/Bellows/Bellows.htm

Coolant System
Manual application of coolant is deprecated since it may cause thermal shock to the tool.


 * https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2773863
 * http://www.fogbuster.com/
 * Cooling --- discussion of commercial option and list of parts for DIY: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7202&p=56771
 * http://www.noga.com/nogaProducts.php?catID=moco http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Cool-Nozzle-Cutting-Fluid-Applicator/dp/B00208Y57Y
 * WD40 drip system: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/its-finally-here-wd40-drip-can-how-to-video/2985 https://www.reddit.com/r/shapeoko/comments/40pmwc/shapeoko_3_second_metal_project_vise/cywn5bh
 * http://www.tricocorp.com/product/lil-mister/
 * https://www.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/comments/57yiqm/poor_mans_coolant_application/
 * Mist Coolant Spray System Lubrication Machine For 8mm Air Pipe CNC Lathe Mill Drill (Amazon)

Air Compressor
http://community.carbide3d.com/t/compressor-for-chip-clearing/8811/12

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/coolant-lubricant-for-cutting-aluminium/1313/17

Additional Axis
Discussion of configuration and programming: http://www.cncsnw.com/4thHowTo.htm

Reddit discussion w/ one post which links to commercial options on eBay: https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/4skqdw/helpcnc_3040_whats_a_cost_effective_way_to_add_a/


 * Fourth Axis
 * https://hackaday.com/2017/09/03/rolling-around-a-4th-axis/
 * How to build a 4th axis with a collet holder --- YouTube video
 * Mudshark implemented a rotary axis and wrote it up in Rotary Device.
 * Psyko's implementation in Finally... 4th axis. A little journey in 4 axis milling.
 * Sherline Mill CNC Rotary Table Model Workshop (via archive.org)
 * CNCzone: Arduino Sherline Rotary Table controller
 * Thingiverse: Quarto asse per laser 40W cinese (Fourth axis for laser 40W chinese)
 * http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:144156 --- another design for a lasercutter
 * Thingiverse: Poor Man's 4th Axis cnc
 * Shapeoko 3
 * Home-Made Rotary Table
 * https://plus.google.com/100117868275643909021/posts/BUcEXpQjzQp
 * Other
 * http://perryprojects.blogspot.com/2017/08/cnc-4th-axis.html
 * Fifth Axis --- One could in theory just purchase an accessory table and bolt it to the bed of one's machine.
 * https://community.carbide3d.com/t/4-axis-for-nomad/5793/16



GrblGru now supports lathe functionality: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4710&p=42654

3D printable chuck: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5791

3D printable lathe: https://github.com/Intrinsically-Sublime/Printable-Lathe-V2

http://www.worldofward.com/rotarycontroller/ --- DIY Rotary Table Controller.

Another option is a collet block set such as: http://www.shars.com/products/toolholding-workholding/collet-fixtures/5c-collet-block-set

See also CAM

NEMA 23 motors
Upgrading the motors is usually done to: there's no intrinsic reason to upgrade from NEMA17 motors.
 * move the machine faster
 * move a large, heavy spindle

Documented for the ShapeOko 2 in this forum post: Re: Caleb's Shapeoko 2 #3164. NEMA 23 Z-axis for shapeoko 2. Note that these may need longer fasteners --- 15mm per. It will also be necessary to source pulleys with a 1/4" bore (as opposed to the typical 5mm of NEMA 17 motors). A larger plate is needed for the Z-Axis and is available from I.C. on the Upgrades page --- NEMA 23 Z-Axis Kit.
 * Nema23 on Z-Axis --- includes plans for mount plates. PDF file here: Re: Nema 23 Z Axis Plate and a link to Thingiverse.
 * Shapeoko 2 Kit Mechanical Kit with Nema 23 --- project on Inventables.

More forum links are available at: ShapeOko 2 Upgrades, and these are now integrated into the BOM.

Notes on motor selection size: You don't want a motor heavier than about 700 g, mostly because there's absolutely no point to it. Why would you want to be able to apply, say, 600 N to the gantry or X carriage, when you know that 100 N on your tool will flex the machine too much to be usable?

Z-axis Drive options
For the Z-axis, rather than directly driving the threaded/Acme rod, it's possible to use a belt drive:


 * NEMA17 Belt Drive Z-Axis Kit
 * Belt Drive NEMA 23 Z-Axis Kit

Discussion here: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4368 and source files are available in this post: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4368&p=33383

Wireless

 * 802.11 WiFi Shapeoko2 Mod

Panel Display
XLCD

Replacement Controllers
Gradus M1 Pro

Automatic Tool Changer
XATC = Automatic Tool Changer http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8011

https://github.com/xpix/XATC https://github.com/xpix/XDisPlace

Commercial option for Kress spindles: http://www.cnccat.gr/index.php?id=2&productid=837&catid=89&subcatid=&lang=en

https://scottstuff.net/posts/2019/04/03/amb-fme-w-atc-spindle/

=Sources=


 * https://improbableconstruct.com/ --- Acme Z-Axis, NEMA 23 Z-Axis, DW660 Mounts, DW660 Dust Shoe, Z-axis belt drive
 * Inventables --- parts, dual drive kit, open end plate, motor mount plate
 * Kbot3D --- 3D printed upgrade parts including: DW660 Vacuum Attachment/Dust Shoe, Lift Blocks, CNC Table Clamps
 * Amber Spyglass Ltd --- parts, open end plates
 * Reactive Storefront --- Precision V-Wheel Spacers
 * Donek Tools --- Drag Knife for CNC Routers

=Resources=

cnc_stiffness_calculator_v7.zip

=Other=

ShapeOko3 Mods (Foamx2, Laser, Drag knife) and tricks