ShapeOko is an inexpensive, kit-only, computer-controlled milling machine (CNC mill). Its most distinctive feature are the MakerSlides – designed to allow very accurate and constrained X-Y motion. It uses an Arduino with a special stepper shield to control the motors.
It comes in three different kits, starting with a basic mechanical kit up to a complete kit including raw materials to mill. Inventables sells the kit.
Wanting a challenge, I purchased the basic kit figuring I could buy the motors and electronics as I went along. In retrospect, I should have gone with the next level up kit which included the motors as it would have simplified a number of build issues. So if you want to know what issues you may run into when you purchase a basic mechanical kit, read on.
A. Building the basic mechanical unit
C. Electronics Assembly
D. Sending gcode from Linux
E. Creating a part on CamBam and milling it
F. My To-do list
The last frame shows a rough Shapeoko logo output because the unit has not been tuned.
Milling HDPE with finished ShapeOko