I’ve gone through the ins and outs of my ShapeOko 2 CNC machine before here, and as a kit it is a fantastic place to start. It comes with a rotary tool which, for the most part, does the job that you need it do to. It’s not the most powerful tool, but it works. It’s a pretty noisy tool, but it works. It’s got 1/8″ chuck, but it works. But as is the nature of the ShapeOko, or any open source hardware project.. there are ALWAYS room for upgrades.
Inventables has released a Quiet Spindle upgrade for the ShapeOko 2 that gives you everything you need to get a much more power, much quieter spindle. While there are lots and lots of options when it comes to a new spindle, this kit has everything you need, and is relatively simple to add on to the machine. It does introduce several new electrical components to the machine, and those have to have a home. I decided to build a little cabinet, with a drawer, to put under the machine, so that I wouldn’t increase it’s footprint. The cabinet is a great place to hold all of the bits and bobs that you need on occasion when using the machine, like bits and allen wrenches.
After I got it built, it felt pretty blah so I decided that it needed an interesting drawer knob. 🙂
Overall, I’m extremely happy with the upgrade and the impromptu enclosure, and especially the dino-knob. I hope this is helpful to you, if you decide to upgrade, or are just interested in the machine!
Here’s what you’ll need:
(these affiliate links support ILTMS)
Here are all of the components that you get in the kit.
Solder in a single pin on the motor side in the 5V slot.
Solder 3 pins on the opposite side, into slots 12, 13, GND.
Wire the plug and leads to send power out from the power supply.
Connect the output of the power supply to the speed controller.
The output of the controller splits to the relay (red) and spindle (black).
Connect the controller to the relay as shown, then attach the spindle.
Solder the spindle wires.
Cover the connection with heat shrink tubing.
Here’s everything wired and working.
Mount the spindle in the ShapeOko 2.
Cut plywood down to the size you want the cabinet, with one divider, and connect the pieces with glue and brad nails.
Cover the bottom side with 1/8″ plywood. Attach with glue and brad nails.
Measure the existing divider position, then set the other end with brad nails.
Layout the electronics in the small side.
Drill holes in the back to feed in power for the supply and Arduino.
Glue in scrap blocks around components to stop them from moving around.
Mark for cutouts to allow access to USB and power on the Arduino.
Cut these out with a bandsaw or jigsaw.
Counterbore a large are on the back side.
Then drill a hole the size of the shaft of the speed potentiometer.
Attach the knob, and mount the front panel with brad nails.
Cut an area out of the back panel, and replace with pegboard for ventilation.
Drill a hole in the side, for the motor wires to access the Arduino.
Use a spacer underneath when attaching the drawer slides.
Make a simple plywood box for the drawer.
Glue and nail on 1/8″ plywood for the drawer bottom.
Screw on the drawer rails to the bottom of the drawer.
Once in place, cut a panel to the front of the drawer that is the size of the opening. Attach with glue and brad nails.
For a knob, cut a plastic dinosaur in half.
Fill one half with two part epoxy.
Once dry, screw through the drawer into the back of the dinosaur.
Cover the top with 1/8″ plywood, but this time countersink screws for easy removal.
Set the ShapeOko 2 on top, and you’re ready to make something!
