So happy to have finally pulled the trigger on this one! I’ve been watching CNC videos for years now, and it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for the right deal to show up. This one was originally purchased back at the beginning of Covid, and from the seller’s description, hasn’t been run much at all. As I plan to build its permanent position in the shop, I’m wondering what aftermarket upgrades are recommended. I’m aware of the 4" vac hose upgrade at pwncnc, but that’s about it.
Thanks
Bradley, I won this same system in a lottery last year. I’ve used it a few times but “life” keeps getting in the way. A bit frustrated and lots of projects waiting, what use I have had from is has been both excellent results and learned a lot while still learning. To answer your question, two thoughts. First, buy what you need as you need it. You may find that some things recommended don’t fit the kind of use in your shop that’s effective and/or efficient. Second, for myself, I purchased some aluminum track and built a nice MDF spoil board and clamps. I tried the glue and double sided tape. While it works for some thing very nicely, not so much for others. People don’t explicitly say this but one solution is not ideal. Use what works best for the specific task. I’ve got the double sided tape, the glue, T track with clamps and even vacuum pucks. Depending on what the job requires drives which hold down method works best. For me, a lot of trial and error.
As for “other” accessories, I bought the 3D printed vacuum hose clips and standoffs since all the wires, cables, lines, alien snakes and whatever else tends to crop up simply becomes too much. The standoff and hose setup allows you to use zip ties to nicely bundle up everything. I’m using the Makita router and I have another brand as well if needed. So far I’ve broken only one bit and messed up the spoil board once in a corner. (That learning curve I mentioned.)
Especially with MDF but for all wood cutting dust is a big problem. You should have the dust boot before anything else. I also messed up the little plate around the bit, (I HAD two), so cut my own. The files are out there, just do a quick search, make your own. Kinda’ fun.
Your table looks very nice. Make sure you can get to all the bits and pieces for cleaning. Other than that, have fun. You’l figure out and learn as you go what actually works in practice vs what you learn on line and from others. No two setup and needs are the same. If it was easy everyone would do it, right?
Take care……….
I have that same model and I’m really happy with it. I’m presently using it with the Makita router and have a 1.5kw water cooled spindle with the Z axis upgrade ready to be installed.
The one really good add-on, for me, was the Nighthawk 2.5 dustboot by SolaFideDesignsKc. I got the 2.5 as I’m currently using a Fein vacuum setup. This works real well for me in a limited space hobby shop type environment. This item is purchased on Etsy and SolaFide provides great service and a quality product.
I also added the stiffy rod to be ready for the spindle swap.
I replaced the 10” touch screen with a 15” one which helped prevent errant finger presses. I’m not happy with the mount I bought and I’ll be replacing it soon.
Oh, get some of those conductive rubber tipped stylus pens from Amazon. The stylus really helps me in avoiding errant file and motion selection.
I use the Ethernet link on mine.
I’m really happy with my Workman machine.
One more add-on. I placed 3mm (1/8”) aluminum shim plates under each of the 4 X axis blocks to raise the rails. I just didn’t like how close to the bed the Y axis end blocks travel.
If you don’t have a touchprobe (it is about $100 from Onefinity), consider it. It makes locating to your material quick, painless, and consistent.
This is the same machine I started with and purchased it used. You will want a spindle some day in the future but maybe wait until router wears out. I went with the Redline spindle sold by Onefinity so they would support it but either works great. I don’t see a spoil board in picture. You should search Youtube for the GOAT spoil board system and make as your first step. It has all the different methods of hold down built into it. Allot of processes are used so good learning project as well. Only other thing I can think of is replacing that small screen with something bigger. Many including me has had trouble with the screen and had to replace it. So might as well go with something bigger.
Hope this helps.
I’ve had mine for a few years. Early on I found having a Y-axis Drag Chain w/extension wires was helpful. I also got a vacuum hose boom to go over the router to the back where my vacuum is. I got both of those from Rowdy Roman on Etsy…
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowdyRoman
I didn’t like the little magnetic holder for the monitor, so I got a flexible table/monitor stand. Do NOT get one of the goose-neck types.
I haven’t really needed any other additions or upgrades since.
Good luck!
I’d suggest something like this:
Wow! Must have all played the same lotto numbers. Just got mine from a guy who purchased back in 2020 as well. He put it in his basement and never opened it. Saw it on Marketplace and immediately closed the deal. It still has the paper tape from the factory.
My plan is to immediately move to a Journeyman Z rail. I need the 48" width for the stuff I’m doing.
This is not my first CNC, but my first Onefinity. My shop had a Shopbot 48 PRT until a couple years ago. We had a tornado in Hendersonville, TN, on Dec 3rd, '23, that took out our building and with it almost all of our shop. The shop stood without a roof until the middle of '24. All the tools were in the elements for 6 months. Of course, we covered them but the damage was done.
So this is my rebirth in a completely different area. I’m going in to a barn of mine way out in the NE Alabama national forrest where I can run all night without disturbing anyone.
Has anyone converted Shopbot files to gcode?
So this forum will now become my life for problems and stuff.
Congratulations
This forum is full of people with lots of knowledge.
Regarding the Shopbot files do they end in .txt ? if so you can use Notepad ++ open them then save as .nc files
I’ve converted all my older Mach 3 files without any issues.
