Shapeoko 5

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This page describes some of the specifics of this CNC Machine.

For more general resources please go to the CNC_Routers page.


About our machine

  • Model: Shapeoko 5 (full specs here)
  • Cutting Area: 48"(X) x 48"(Y) x 4"(Z)
  • Gantry Shift distance for joinery: 3.15”
  • Table workholding slots
    • Use M6 tee nuts
    • Slots spaced apart 4.04” (103 mm) center-to-center
  • Spindle: 65mm Air-cooled 1200W spindle with ER-16 collets
    • Common Collet sizes: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", smallest 1.5mm
  • Spindle RPM: 8k - 24k RPM
  • Vacuum: Dewalt StealthSonic with a Dust Deputy
  • Computer: Mini PC Windows 11 connected via USB
  • Control Software: Carbide Motion
  • Acquired through a generous donation by Gabriel Markley.

Fixture Locating

A grid of locating pin bushings have been installed in the main structural beams of the machine. These can be used to place fixtures in repeatable locations, easing the setup process for designs which are produced repeatedly.

  • Diameter: 6mm
  • X axis spacing: 8.08" (205.232mm)
  • Y axis spacing: 15 2/3" (397.933mm)

Blame Carbide 3D for using such irregular numbers in the machine's design.

Guides and Manuals


Important Notes

  1. RPM is very important with this one. Make sure it is set appropriately for your project.
  2. Never leave it running unattended.
  3. Cut-throughs should have a sacrificial board underneath. Do not carve the main worktable unless you are prepared to repair it.
  4. Workholding should be done with nuts and bolts or double-sided tape. DO NOT USE SCREWS, this will chew up the main board.


Shapeoko Operating Instructions

  1. Pre-requisites
    1. Have your GCode file already made using your software of choice. We generally use VCarve Pro.
    2. Have your material ready and sized to fit on the machine you are using.
    3. Have your tool(s) for the cut(s) you are running.
    4. Have your safety glasses and hearing protection.
  2. Power On
    1. Examine machine. Make sure it is clean, clear, no tools left on it or in the router.
    2. Ensure main power strip is on.
    3. Ensure computer is on.
    4. Turn on the CNC by twisting the red emergency stop button until it pops up.
  3. Starting up with Carbide Motion
    1. Open Carbide Motion.
    2. Click the "Connect Cutter" button to connect to the machine.
      1. If there is an error when trying to connect, unplug the USB cable to the machine and plug it back in, then try again.
    3. Click the "Initialize Machine" button to home your machine.
    4. Click "Load New File" and navigate to your prepared GCode file. Select the file and click "Open".
  4. Preparing the tool
    1. Select the collet that matches the shank diameter of your tool (typically 1/4").
    2. Insert the appropriate tool for your GCode into the spindle and tighten it with the wrenches.
  5. Preparing the material
    1. Grab a piece of material appropriate for your project.
    2. Many methods exist for securing the material to the work table. Briefly, these are: double-sided tape, hold-down clamps, and custom fixtures.
    3. Make sure your material secured to the table, ensuring it is secure enough for the operation you plan to do.
    4. If you are doing a shallow engraving, double-sided tape should hold well enough.
    5. If you are cutting all the way through something thicker than .5 inches, it needs to be very secure. If you try to move it while clamped and it shifts at all, it is not secure enough.
  6. Zero the machine to the workpiece
    1. Go to the "Jog" screen in the upper right menu.
    2. Use the buttons to navigate the machine to the zero position. This will be determined in your GCode file, so be sure to remember what you set for a zero (or "XY Datum").
    3. Tip: Use the "Increment +" and "Increment -" buttons to change how fast the machine moves when you press the navigation buttons.
    4. As the tool gets within 1 inch of your material, reduce the increment to avoid crashing the tool into the material.
    5. When the tool is at the correct zero point relative to the material, go to the "Set Zero" button on the bottom row.
    6. Click "Zero All", then click "Done"
  7. Prepare to Start
    1. Click on the "Run" screen in the upper right menu.
    2. Click "Start Job"
    3. Click the "Feedrate -10%" button and reduce the "Override" value on the left to 50%. This will give you more reaction time to stop the machine if it is going to crash at the start of the job. (You can increase this after it has been running for a minute with no issues.)
    4. Ensure the vacuum hose is connected. Turn on the vacuum for the machine.
  8. Start The Cut
    1. Click "Start". The machine will move to the starting area and pause. A prompt will display to change the tool (if necessary).
    2. Click "Resume", and the machine will measure the tool on the BitSetter. CAUTION: Make sure the dust boot is removed and the attachment for it is raised all the way up.
    3. After the machine is done measuring the BitSetter and the tool has moved slightly off of it, hit the Pause button.
    4. Attach the magnetic dust boot, then hit Resume and the machine will begin cutting.
    5. Do not leave the machine unattended. If nobody is watching it and it crashes, it could do a lot of damage to the machine.
    6. Crash: If the machine crashes or otherwise needs to be stopped immediately, hit the red E-stop button to stop the motion. Report crashes to the #electronicslab channel on Slack.
    7. Cut not going well: If it is not an emergency, you can stop the cut by clicking "Pause", wait for the machine to move the router out of the cut, then click "Stop" and turn off the router.
  9. After the cut
    1. Vacuum up the dust from the cut. Clean up on top of the machine, under the machine, the floor, and anywhere else dust went.
    2. Remove your material and any screws or clamps from the bed, leaving it completely clear.
    3. Remove the tool from the spindle and store it appropriately.
    4. Turn off CNC by pressing the red emergency stop button.
    5. Log out of computer
    6. Clean out dust collector, take to a garbage can in the main shop.

Troubleshooting

Router is not turning on
  • Check the Power switch.
  • Check the plug.
  • If the light is on but it doesn't spin, the motor brushes may need replacing.
It throws an error when running my GCode
  • Your code may be exceeding the maximum dimensions of the machine. Double-check the job size and the position of the workpiece to see if it is too close to the edges.
  • If there was a lot of "chatter" or vibration before the error, it may have detected that and stopped the machine as a precaution.
It shows an error when trying to connect the machine
  • Unplug the USB connection to the machine and plug it back in.

External Resources

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