How to Upgrade Your ShapeOko 2 Spindle and Make an Electronics Enclosure

The ShapeOko 2 is a great low cost CNC machine in lots of ways, but the spindle that comes with the kit is just... adequate. Luckily, the spindle can be updated easily, and there are tons of different options. In this case, I decided on the quiet spindle upgrade from Inventables, mainly due to how quiet it is.

The video above shows you everything you'll need to know, but here's the run down.

Here's a picture of all of the components that you get in the kit from Inventables.

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. (Adding a pc fan here as an exhaust would be a good addition)

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!

If you like this project, you might like some of my other ones! I make ALL SORTS of stuff, check out my site at http://www.iliketomakestuff.com