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This is the 3rd official version of the Shapeoko desktop CNC machine. With over 3 years of user feedback, experience, and improvements ranging from easier assembly to better software options, this is the best Shapeoko we've ever made. Period.

Shapeoko
An Open Hardware project in Dixon, IL by Edward Ford

Ayo! If you're looking at this project, you probably think a low cost simple desktop CNC machine is as cool as we do. Sweet. It's always nice to meet like minded people!

CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Control. Growing out of the sorts of numerical controls used to control looms and mills manufacturing helicopter blades (see CNC History), affordable computers and clever programming (see Grbl) and opensource electronics have made CNC affordable at a hobby-level.

The Shapeoko is a 3-axis CNC machine kit. It is intended to provide basic functionality while being simple to understand, assemble, and operate --- all this at the best possible value. The stock configuration forgoes many features that are standard in more expensive machines (but many can be added as upgrades). This imposes limitations that the user has to work around. Despite this, or maybe because of this, many people with no prior experience with CNC, woodworking, or machining have successfully assembled and operated Shapeoko machines. Like most things in life, what you get out of it reflects the effort, preparation and patience you are willing to exert. We strongly suggest that you start by assembling and using the machine in its stock configuration. This makes troubleshooting via e-mail and the forums easier; more importantly, it provides you with valuable experience for implementing any planned upgrades.

Have a look around the DIY CNC scene and you will notice the lack of simple, low cost, straight forward build options. We want to fix that. For the last four years we have been designing, redesigning, and building what we hope to be a CNC machine that anyone can build for the lowest possible price (about $300 in 2012--3 with a bit of patience and luck in sourcing parts and w/o two upgrades (dual-motors and double X-axis) which are now standard, a full kit (sans spindle) for the much improved Shapeoko 3 is currently $1,099). Did I mention that cost even includes the electronics to run the machine? Unlike other projects where you can blow a significant budget on just the frame and maybe motors, ShapeOko includes everything you will need to turn your ideas from just a crazy thought into a tangible item.

If nothing else, this project is open. Nobody wants to get locked into some proprietary platform, and nobody wants to spend their money on a machine just to learn they will need to spend another $500 on software to run it. With that in mind, we built the entire process around open source components. From CAD and CAM software to the CNC controller; every step has an open source solution. Did we mention the entire project itself is open source? Every nut, every bolt, every belt, fully documented with part numbers and vendor list. Do with it as you please!

What makes this different? One of the frustrations we had with other designs was the fact that you had to visit a lot of different vendors in order to get all the pieces. We didn't like that. Plus, some projects didn't have a central "released" build, which made it difficult to determine if what you were building was actually what you were expecting to build.

All of that resulted in the following design goals:
 * 1 standard design
 * lowest possible total cost (originally $300)
 * Maximum of 3 vendors

So, how are we doing on the goals?
 * 1 standard design - So far, so good. There are documented upgrades, but a single design for each version.
 * lowest possible total cost - while there are less expensive machines, as of this writing the Shapeoko seems to be at the sweet point of price and capability and expandability, and we believe represents the best possible value for a hobby CNC.
 * Maximum of 3 vendors - as of this writing it's possible to purchase a full kit from single vendors, Carbide3D (the manufacturer) as well as various resellers. See the Parts page (as well as the Shapeoko 3 bill of materials) and Vendors pages for more information.



In the News
Make: Shapeoko’s Steady March Toward a Better, Affordable CNC

1.71 (scale of 0--2) on user satisfaction survey: http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2016/06/07/results-cnccookbook-2016-cnc-router-survey/

Review: Shapeoko XXL Is a Super-Sized Kit for Desktop CNC Carving

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/cnc/preview-the-shapeoko-xl-cnc/ and https://www.popularwoodworking.com/cnc/shapeoko-xl-cnc-kit-2/

How to determine if a Shapeoko is right for you
Please look through the wiki, esp. the Project links and see if the machine is capable of the sort of projects which you wish to make. Check the Materials page to see if it can cut the materials necessary for your projects.

Research CAD/CAM workflows until you are confident of a suitable technique for getting from: idea -> design on computer screen -> G-code file -> stock clamped, machine zeroed, file sent -> finished part.

http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2014/05/06/6-things-a-brand-new-cncer-should-do-to-get-started/

Reviews
http://makezine.com/2017/04/24/shapeoko-xxl-review/

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/preview-the-shapeoko-xl-cnc

First Project
The prototypical first job for a Shapeoko is to cut a coaster --- doing this using Carbide Create: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/lets-make-a-coaster/4203 (see below for the official tutorial)

3D Machine Simulation
Forum user Grblgru has created a 3 dimensional software simulation of a Shapeoko (which can be extended to mimic other machines). This will allow one to do an end-to-end simulation of a production workflow, including (virtual) machining operations. In addition, it's a great way to while away time while waiting for a machine to be delivered.

GrblGru = Free 3D-Simulation for ShapeOko2 --- please note that that link takes one to the first page of the discussion. There is additional information (and newer versions) in later posts. See: https://www.grblgru.com/

List of Publicly Accessible Machines
The following groups / organizations have Shapeokos (and/or Nomads) and are open to the public (or to guests of members):


 * Shapeoko
 * http://ashevillemakers.org/
 * 10BitWorks, San Antonio, TX
 * ATX Hackerspace, Austin, TX
 * Bozeman Makerspace, Bozeman, MT
 * MidSouthMakers, Memphis, TN
 * MobileMakerspace, Mobile, AL
 * Splatspace, Durham, NC
 * Staten Island Makerspace, New York City, New York
 * http://siouxfallswoodworking.com/ Sioux Falls, SD
 * http://nottinghack.org.uk/
 * https://www.makeannapolis.org/
 * Nomad
 * http://www.tulsalibrary.org/blog/3d-printing-library --- Nomad 883 Pro

Descriptions of Learning to Use a Machine
To a great degree, this wiki represents the community's experiences of what it's like to learn:


 * how to assemble and calibrate a machine
 * how to design and draw up projects
 * how to source, prepare, clamp, and zero stock and determine optimal feeds and speeds
 * how to use the machine, zero and fine tune it

One user, JohnP, wrote up an excellent summary of his experiences on the forums: Copper sign.

Another user, Julien Heyman (Julien on the Carbide 3D forums) did an extensive writeup on his purchase and usage of a Shapeoko 3 which cannot be recommended highly enough: http://jheyman.github.io/blog/pages/Shapeoko/

Overview
This wiki documents the Shapeoko, a CNC machine / kit project. The wiki is navigated by using the sidebar to the left. The overall structure and some of the more interesting pages:

Please be certain to start with the Overview and to use the Operating Checklist when using the machine. There is also an FAQ which should be consulted in the event of any questions. The PDF SO3 Where to Find What You Need to Know.pdf may be helpful as well.

Getting started in CNC
First, you will assemble and/or set up your machine. Official instructions are currently available as:


 * http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/nomad/
 * http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/shapeoko/

Also see Assembly and web pages (see the Shapeoko 3 and Assembly troubleshooting pages if there are any difficulties).

Second, download and install the Carbide Motion Machine Control Software: http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/carbidemotion/userguide/ and run Hello World.

Third, calibrate (and square if necessary) the machine, and if necessary fine tune it.

Lastly use the machine to make Projects of suitable materials (clamped in place w/ a suitable workholding technique) using your choice of software (one tool for this is Carbide Create). Note that one should test and prove out the machine, the CAD/CAM file and feeds and speeds systematically. Start by cutting in foam or some similar material, progress to making cuts in scrap or inexpensive materials. Only commit to using expensive materials when confident of everything working correctly.

The classic first project is a coaster:


 * http://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/video/coaster-design/
 * http://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/video/coaster-machining/

c.f., https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/shapeoko-coaster-project

Note that cutting requires on to define "toolpaths" which they machine will follow. As the name implies, these are paths of motion which the machine will follow so as to move the tool where it should cut. Usually defined in a DXF or SVG file (see File Formats they must be vector / outline descriptions of geometry (merely placing a pixel image in a vector editor and re-saving won't work). Pixel images may be used directly using CAM tools such as F-Engrave or MeshCAM which support that, otherwise they must be auto-traced or re-drawn as discussed on the CAD page.

Essentials
First, anyone who is having difficulty and hasn't, please contact us at support@carbide3d.com

Second, please try to do at least a couple of the tutorials from: https://docs.carbide3d.com/tutorials/#shapeoko-tutorials

Third, don't jump into the deep end with an expensive piece of stock, esp. not one you're emotionally attached to, and esp. not one which involves a complicated project with multiple setups.

Please start with a simple, basic project --- this makes troubleshooting easier --- done in scrap or inexpensive, easily sourced material. Build on your initial success, or troubleshoot and iterate and learn based on difficulties encountered. After a couple of successes you should be ready to move on to more difficult things.

The great thing about CNC is that given a properly prepared file, a machine set up which matches the file, and nothing going wrong in the cutting, a part will be made correctly.

The awful thing about CNC is that a part will only be made correctly if the file is prepared properly, the machine setup to match the file, and nothing goes wrong in the cutting.

Topics
https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/

PDF: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19GocDQts442cRTBda4wPlAd2m1ItWl97


 * CNC workflow
 * mechanical: coordinate system, home position https://docs.carbide3d.com/tutorials/tutorial-homing/
 * anatomy/overview of the machine
 * controller overview
 * Stepper_Motors & Belts and Pulleys
 * Spindle_Overview Spindle Options
 * bed & wasteboard
 * CAD, CAM, and G-code --- c.f., CAD, CAM, and G-Code
 * Cutters & collets (Endmills)
 * general CNC lingo
 * Feeds & speeds --- Materials
 * https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/cutting-wood
 * https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/cutting-plastics
 * https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/cutting-metal
 * Toolpaths --- https://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/carbidecreate/video-tutorials/#toolpaths
 * Shapeoko setup --- Assembly
 * Tips and tricks for assembly
 * Squaring Calibration and Squaring the Machine
 * Squaring, surfacing, tramming --- http://community.carbide3d.com/t/wasteboard-plans-with-threads/3544/19 and http://community.carbide3d.com/t/notes-on-rapid-positions-and-wasteboard-leveling/8131
 * https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/x-y-z-calibration Dimensional accuracy] (X/Y/Z calibration) --- https://docs.carbide3d.com/shapeoko-faq/how-to-calibrate-the-machine-for-belt-stretch/
 * use of Test indicator, Dial indicator, 123 blocks, DRO scale, etc.


 * Running a job --- Workflow


 * Setting up a workspace
 * dust collection
 * Dust Shoe
 * cyclone + shopvac
 * enclosure


 * Workholding
 * clamps (and clearance issues...)
 * tape & glue
 * vice, etc...


 * Endmills
 * overview of the different types and associated pro's and con's.


 * Carbide Create, Carbide Motion, and cutting wood**
 * types of toolpaths
 * homing & zeroing


 * **Feeds & speeds charts** https://docs.carbide3d.com/support/#tooling-support
 * sensible/common starting points
 * tips & tricks to tune them


 * Alternative/advanced CAD/CAM tools and G-code senders
 * Fusion360, V-Carve
 * roughing + finishing approach
 * UGS, CNCjs, etc...


 * Cutting plastics
 * typical feeds & speeds, tips & tricks
 * Cutting metal
 * typical feeds & speeds, tips & tricks


 * micro-machining / small endmills
 * Advanced feeds & speeds
 * Theory
 * Parameters, calculators


 * HW upgrades --- Upgrade Overview
 * jog/control pads
 * Probes
 * Z mods
 * bed mods
 * belt mods
 * spindle mods
 * Troubleshooting & maintenance --- FAQ, Assembly troubleshooting
 * top 10 mistakes & issues

Official Documentation
http://docs.carbide3d.com

Unofficial Documentation
This wiki of course, the /r/shapeoko wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/shapeoko/wiki/index

https://shapeokoenthusiasts.gitbook.io/shapeoko-cnc-a-to-z/ which is enumerated above

About these pages

 * Parts --- Overview of different parts and components, additional information on: Belts and Pulleys, Electronics, Microcontroller, Stepper Motors, Spindle Options and Mounts and Endmills


 * Additional Build Information --- Tools, Grbl Configuration and Assembly troubleshooting


 * Using Your Machine --- Workflow, Calibration and Squaring the Machine, Fine Tuning, Workholding
 * Materials (Feeds and Speeds)
 * Troubleshooting


 * Gallery --- Hello World
 * Projects
 * Projects (wiki)
 * Fabrication Techniques & Hardware
 * Designing for Fabrication


 * Software
 * Supported File Formats
 * Computer Aided Design
 * Computer Aided Manufacturing
 * Preview (Verify / Optimize) G-Code
 * Communication / Control
 * Grbl


 * Additional Resources
 * Glossary
 * Books
 * Online resources

Much information about the original machines is still present here and has been archived (see Shapeoko 2 and ShapeOko 1 Build Instructions in the sidebar) and these pages serve as a catch-all for anything not covered at Carbide 3D (the official company page, blog, shop pages, and documentation), the Carbide 3D Customer Projects Gallery and Project Gallery, and SO2 assembly instructions hosted on github.com) and the Carbide 3D community forums and Shapeoko user forums.

ShapeOko is now made in partnership w/ Carbide 3D which also makes the Nomad 883, a smaller, enclosed machine w/ a custom spindle. See https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/424b8073-f8ff-4972-a411-ee5b4b00759c/Nomad-883-Pro and https://trello.com/b/hqyIBPYR/carbide3d-nomad-cheatsheet