How (Not) To Build A Shapeoko Enclosure -

[@maxor1986]

I want to get into the CNC hobby and I wanted to let you know that it is SO great that there are people like you doing these Videos. It's immensely helpful! :)

[@rabellomat]

Winston, your enclosure are good enough. As engineer, I get it the idea of perfectionism on functionality... But be grateful, dude! You rock! And congrats for your quality content and your criticism on all your projects.

[@RichardCournoyer]

I agree 100%, now go put an an before engineer....

[@Gnew111]

Yeah I slammed mine together because I just was not sure what functionality I wanted. All my shop modifications are typically fast and I think of it as a prototyping.

[@usopenplayer]

I just finished an OpenBuilds Aluminum enclosure. I'm happy I didn't have to spend time with woodworking, but more than half the assembly time was ensuring the aluminum was square. Fun fact, aluminum can bend and twist too!

[@QAYWSXEDCCXYDSAEWQ]

Winston, its a different scale, but I built my own house and I made so many mistakes, but that how you learn. This is great video; one in million really. So many videos show how to do something, frequently skipping sets... knowing what not to do is equally important!! and invaluable.

[@yellowmuginc]

Thank you for handling many of the first considerations that will go into my enclosure! ✌️

[@RonInAVan]

I made a enclosure for my CNC shark similar to yours years ago. For those casters you have on your enclosure I had the same ones I added a board between them so I use my foot to raise both of the casters at the same time that worked out great... Great video

[@chaddgiesing3245]

Winston, your enclosure is awesome. Ive built many tables, shelves, enclosures for my 3d printers/cnc. Ive found that I am never satisfied. Will keep rebuilding them as I see fit. Just like tools always change. Your need for storage always changes. Just accept things will always grow.

[@richardspencer742]

Well your struggles earned my subscription! Very well explained and wanting us to learn from your mistakes says alot about you. So many show perfect videos which isnt real.... Thank you!!!

[@jjs811]

Sometimes the best lessons learned are from mistakes. Think how many projects in the future this will help you with. Keep your head up and and keep moving forward. Thanks for sharing.

[@fred_derf]

Great video, I really like that you show us that it's not perfect, you're human and it helps the next guy who goes to build something.

[@davereynolds6912]

Just finished mine and I out 10 full extension drawers 2 that are only 3 inches deep. 6 under no it casters with 4 locking. I mounted a small fan inside the drawer enclosure and put a 10 inch filter in suction side so I have a slight positive pressure in drawers to keep dust out. It works great even mdf dust dosnt get in drawers😀

[@MistImp1]

Great video. First one I have seen that mentioned head clearance. I am so glad I watched it, because I was just about to make the same mistake, just to use up some scrap lumber rather than buying new. Off to the store I go.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I built a nearly identical designed enclosure for a 24 inch by 49 inch CNC router. I used square aluminum tubing and angle brackets with self drilling and self tapping screws and it went together very quickly. It's skinned in half an plywood and has fluorescent lights in top that I would now do as LED because LED is much better. I didn't paint anything. The ex motor coupling broke and I needed to repair it so the right side of the enclosure was on screwed in a few minutes which was very convenient. The tank and pump for the coolant is on top and the electrical panel is mounted on the bottom right side. Underneath there is storage much like you have in your design. My hand monitor is now that exactly where you're is and I use a wireless keyboard to control the LinuxCNC computer in the electrical panel. I bought a Dust Devil but haven't implemented the dust collection system yet. I mostly cut plastic and just vacuum up the chips afterwards.

[@onlyychevys]

Don't be hard on yourself. I wish I was at your point when I was your age! Just keep doing what you are doing.

[@fournierluc2205]

Hi Winston, I'm rebuilding my workshop and will eventually build an enclosed cabinet for my Shapeoko XL. It is temporarily sitting on a old cabinet with on top of a torsion box. I will take some of your lessons into consideration in my design. I noticed that you did not include a torsion box in your design. weren't you looking for the rigidity? If you build with 2X4, I suggest milling them on a table saw to make them the same thickness and remove any surface defect but I guess you would need to put a table saw on your shopping list. This is probably the most useful tool in a woodworking shop. You should also consider using joinery like lap joints to make your 2X4 construction more sturdy. For the vacuum hose, I would recommend the Rockler Dust right hoses that are very flexible and have incredible stretch and they come in different diameter for different applications.

[@billysmether6237]

Hi Winston. For a cheap, small, flexible vacuum hose I have been using the hose you put on a sump pump. I get it from Home Depot. Its about 10 bucks for a 30 foot hose. Comes in a bag. Only bad part is if the length you use is really long it can whistle when it has no load. Also get yourself a mini wireless keyboard mouse combination from Amazon. They are about 3" X 6" and have back lighting on the keys. Super cheap, 18 bucks total to my door. You will love it! As always thanks for video!!!!!

[@WinstonMakes]

I use a full size mouse/kbd combo. Having the numpad makes selecting jogging increments a lot easier.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Great video! I enjoyed every minute of it!

[@allenk8979]

Thank you so much. I learned many good lessons from you by just watching your video.

[@brukernavnfettsjit]

I have often spend an extra afternoon milling my construction lumber to square before I start building. Because as you say the inaccuracy of 2x4 can drive you nuts for stuff that isn't framing or quick work benches. I see you already have a thickness planer, so with a sled or a table saw you could easily do this on your own. The problem I have with this approach is that you don'r really know what dimension you will end up with until you are done, as that is determined by the most warped piece. So any plans made a head of time will have to be altered to fit the new dimensions.

[@billysmether6237]

Yup this is worth the extra time!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Run every piece through without changing the thickness setting to keep them uniform. Or at least for the final pass on that face.

[@bradley3549]

I agree but I rather buy S4S clear lumber right out of the gate. Sure, it costs a little more since someone else does that work for you, but for a project of this size the cost difference isn't significant enough and I have better things to do with my time than fix lumber (I also don't have a jointer or planer so I guess that is a factor too! lol)

[@willofthemaker]

One thing that helps with projects like this is inserting a model of a human, preferably around your height. I did that after designing a machine at work and really did help with heights and things. You can find free models from various cad websites

[@alanbarnhill930]

Funny how I was not even finished the first version and I am thinking about V2.0! I am adding a side window - idea from Jason as I have projects that are zero'd in the center. Like your doors, will use your idea for that upgrade. Suckit Dust Boot works great, my issue is sound - used acoustic panels with good results. Put my monitor on top and got a cheap PC to be dedicated to the Shapeoko. Wish the enclosure was 2 inches bigger in all directions. Did hinge the front half of the top for serious access when working on the machine. Hope California is treating you well as I look out at the snow!

[@scottwatson5767]

Hey man don’t sweat the small stuff, that enclosure is pretty nice! It will keep the area around it clean and tidy. Have storage on the sides for end mills and such. It looks pretty nice. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@WPGinfo]

I recognize what you're saying. More often than not, it proves to be near impossible to get my projects 'right-the-first-time-around'. For me it seems to take three 'almost s' and even then I tend to think up more improvements -should there ever get a version 4 [it doesn't get to that; we all know that ;) ] Like with many things in life I end up with 'good enough for now' in some instances and some abandoned projects that seem 'beyond fixing'. It doesn't bother me all that much though... What ever the outcome, I keep learning new stuff and THAT is what I enjoy most of all in my projects. Keep at it and you'll become your own 'expert'. Willem

[@alltaira5922]

Thank you for making this video and sharing your discoveries! I am still awaiting my first CNC machine and already contemplating building an enclosure for it. This definitely helped increase my awareness of potential downfalls!

[@desparzaification]

Appreciate you reviewing short comings in projects. Most likely will be repeated by others. reason I subscribed.

[@ClandestineWoodwork]

I made mine into an outfeed table for my table saw, with three drawers for accessories below it. A lot of people scoff at it's height, but I don't have much of an issue with it since I don't have to be stooped over next to it. If I need, I have a short stool that I can sit on. At the moment I've added a large workbench surface to the top and an using it as a sort of workbench in the mean time until I have the space to have a dedicated wood working bench.

[@chuyskywlk]

Ditto: imgur.com/a/WaaZQAR

[@stalwartblasterworks5810]

You might consider installing a downdraft table. I made one from a plastic storage container that I use when sanding parts.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

I always say, Have Winston make the MSoH 3.0 so I can learn from his mistakes. Fundamentally pretty cool; a great jumping off point for my 6040 Containment Unit shortly forthcoming. Excellent, practical voiceover of the steps and thoughts. When you discovered the door, my first thought as well was 2x4's to extend the front.. Really like those casters (Powertec-Amazon). Very acceptable pig for this go :-)

[@dhruvsingh5686]

Hi Winston, great video! I see you had a shapeoko setup in a one car garage townhome. I am in a similar situation and I am afraid of the noise level and disturbing my neighbors. Did you ever have any issues with sound? Is the shapeoko 4 too loud to function in a single car garage townhome (one of the walls in the garage would be shared)? I am considering purchasing a shaeoko but am weary of the noise level. Would soundproofing the walls of the garage help? Any insight would be great! Thanks!

[@barefootlyrooted]

Tons of takeaways here! Thank you!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Cool stuff. Enjoyed your narration. Plywood construction without full 2x4s and only cut down pieces for things. Using a combination of 3/4 and 1/2 plywood can be very advantageous. Oh and it's dimensionally perfect. Use a factory edge to run circular saw along or one of many methods to cut straight. Hide hinges by flipping them so that when closed they are folded together. I'd personally prefer framed windows and that way you can hide all the hinges. They look okay showing but maybe worth considering if you redo it in a couple years.

[@syntaxcaptain]

... Moving a Shapeoko XL by yourself? BEAST! Also, Is there a video where you've explained your air setup for clearing chips away from the tool? Thanks for the videos.

[@The_Digital_Samurai]

Buy a Kreg or other saw attachment to part out plywood cut lists. I bought one for 30 bucks and attached it to my circular saw. I precut my MDF with it and then move to my table saw. It’s pretty accurate on its own despite my preference for the table saw.

[@jp8479]

I feel like your videos are worth thousands of $$$. You basically say in a sentence what cost you a good chuck of your time to learn. Problems & solutions are the best videos. Those with rainbows or perfect vids with no problem are not realistic; unless you got 20+ years in the field

[@ebonicmaser]

What do you miss more, Wawa or Pork Roll? I lived in Toms River for 25 years.

[@brianmosse]

Great vid ,honest and real.

[@robr3015]

Winston, you should have seen the first enclosure I made for my CNC3040..... it lasted about 2 hours before I realized I couldn't get a 36" x 36" through the door, :/ And the second version was built using terrible 2x4s from Home Depot and crappy plywood. I'm hoping enclosure #3 will be the winner ;)

[@jeremypennington]

I just got an XXL at the end of last year and my enclosure and setup is almost done (just installed my power control box I made). I found some 1/4" lexan on amazon for a decent price.

[@TommyColeOnGoogle]

I would like to know more about your air nozzle setup. What are you using as your air supply? I really appreciate your videos. I especially like how you critique yourself. Those little comments about how you wish you had done something differently are tremendously helpful.

[@darranedmundson1505]

I didn't see any inclusion acoustic dampening. Was cutting the noise of the machine down a consideration or is it more about just keeping dust off of the machine and shavings inside?

[@smawhorter]

Wall Control for the win...

[@NeoMorphUK]

Winston, I dare not post pictures of my enclosure of horror that is actually TWO trolleys that I made that join together. The reason I made it like that is because I made it in my living room half way through decorating and randomly decided I needed an enclose for the CNC and I needed to make sure I could get the thing out of the room in two parts when my garden workshop is finished. So yeah, why so big? My CNC is an Openbuilds Ox 1000x750mm and wanted plenty of soundproofing and I made sure there are good levels of shelving front and back for a laptop and the cyclonic vacuum system I put in...the reason for that is that wood dust clogged the crap out of my Dyson filter previously. Hardly any dust reaches the vacuum now and is actually deposited in a large storage box (that originally showed how NOT air sealed they are - had to make an air seal before the vacuum system would even work). It makes emptying a lot easier too. But one thing I love about my enclosure is that it’s REALLY bright because I put in loads of LED lighting strip. No shadows anywhere. My CNC is currently ripped apart as I’m modifying it to make it a dual CNC and laser engraving system and I haven’t got the thing working how I like just yet. I’m also moving bits around, raising the gantry and moving the circuitry box off the gantry and to the electric cupboard (that holds my SuperPID for the Dewalt) to keep everything together (but shielded from the mains... I had some trip outs when the router moved past the circuit board in the past so wanted to rule that out). But yeah... I tend to always oversize rather than undersize... it’s a bit of a problem too lol. I’m like the Russian Space Agency to your SpaceX, Winston. 🤓

[@WinstonMakes]

Hahahahaha, I love the analogy!

[@mitchellkasdin1899]

Not 80/20 but for what your doing the extrusions come in various square and rectangular configurations metric and imperial. It’s a cleaner build then 2x4. SIP panels would also work for the box enclosure fitted to linear actuators for access during setup and interval checks. I have yet to use the aluminum extrusions but the modularity and functionality is a clear winner.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Oh! I saw an Amazon Prime van! I cant wait to see them in our area!

[@WinstonMakes]

The speed is nice, but you don't have the flexibility to do vacation holds for packages which is a bit of a bummer. No more impulse purchasing while on vacations...

[@benjaminl3084]

While your young please enjoy having all this time to build an enclosure like this. You will wish you had it back when life actually starts to get in the way. I'm on 3 months now just building work bench. :(

[@PSModernKitchens]

“CNC shrine” that’s true!

[@benpedersen360]

Haha... A third of the dialog of your video is about how it's not perfect... Appreciate detail guys, but just know, you'll always be ten times more precise than I ever will be

[@andrewtoth7674]

Boy! Thank you for making this video! I have been in the process of designing an enclosure for my future shapeoko purchase, and your constraints seem similar-ish to mine. I've made mine in sketchup, and the biggest constraint is that the cart must fit through a standard indoor door. Without the experience of use, I thought having an integrated in/out-feed table would be good, but while you adapted your cart for standing over your shapeoko to work with it, I set it to be used from a seated position: what are your thoughts?

[@garrettcalkins9657]

Why is the Makita router black? It looks interesting.

[@tarkka]

Sears bags at 1:40? Going down with the ship I see!

[@WinstonMakes]

Never underestimate the ability of a desperate company to put out some really great sales... As long as they have a deal, I'll keep poking my head in the door lol.

[@smartestguy999]

Don't worry, it still looks better than our enclosure - though it has gotten an upgrade recently too

[@rundeep8137]

Nice job.

[@SansP3ur]

Thanks to you, I'm in the market for a Shapeoko. Specifically the XXL. Since it's going in my studio, an enclosure is a must. Would you share any recommendations for the interior measurements? In any case (pun intended :) ... many thanks for the great videos and inspiration.

[@WinstonMakes]

Id suggest at least 3" on either side of the machine, and at least 2" front and back, more with a dust shoe. As for height, I'd pick one that's ergonomic for you. You need to be able to lean in and secure stock without bumping your head.

[@SansP3ur]

@@WinstonMakes :: Very helpful. Thanks Winston and happy chipping.

[@akamaru77]

What thickness Lexan did you use? Couldn't tell from the video

[@23fields]

turned out good man

[@skaltura]

At the very least it does look quite good and detailed/the finishing effort put in to make it look good instead of something just hacked together :)

[@scubasteve159753]

Did you consider a clamshell style enclosure? I am waiting a few months for my scheduled move from Hawaii back to the east coast before I buy my XXL, but have been looking heavily into different enclosure designs. For some reason, I really like the look of many of the clamshell enclosures. Curious if there's a particular reason you opted for a standard cabinet design? Also, have you found that relocating your enclosure around the garage causes changes to your machine's calibration (washboard flatness in particular) due to normal variances in garage floor flatness?

[@EcoMouseChannel]

I'm basically designing my Shapeoko enclosure to be similar to a Datron like machine. But I'm going back and forth between stand up work height, and one that can simply roll under a table. Or a hybrid that has scissor jack legs, only to be deployed when actually using the machine. But unfortunately, I'm not a purist with my machine. I've already got a 5.5kw spindle with VFD and will be upgrading the Z carriage to something stronger, and screw driven. This has prompted me to look into the X and Y belt drive, and even question why I'm keeping those around, since I've probably invested more into my XXL in upgrades, than what I paid for the whole machine. The custom machined vacuum base plate I designed is enough to put this CNC into a more semi-professional category, rather than the hobbyist machine it was originally intended to be. If it weren't for your detailed and insightful videos on the Shapeoko, I might have never bought one to begin with!

[@WinstonMakes]

Eco Mouse If you're going beyond Datron anesthetics and planning on running "Datron style" make sure your design is sturdy. The one thing I'd say belts does better than anything short of a precision ball screw is speed. And when you're pushing 2-300 IPM finishing passes, you can get a whole table to start shaking.

[@EcoMouseChannel]

@@WinstonMakes You haven't checked out my Instagram video where I filled my drill press column with molten lead ;-)

[@George-ew3gx]

Have you added a cooling fan to the cabinet since you built it? Or is one needed..

[@WinstonMakes]

None needed.

[@thichkhampha5499]

can you show me the tutorial of the pcv dust enclosure??

[@appahman]

Winston, are you pleased with the makita spindle? do you have any tips on using endmills smaller than the supplied 1/4" collet? that is, precision collets or just the 1/8" to 1/4" adapters that carbide/amana sell? thanks for the amazing content over the years!

[@WinstonMakes]

For woodworking, the Makita is great. My gripes with it are when it's being pushed beyond what it should be doing (ie. heavy aluminum cutting), so not relevant for most people. Precision collet all the way, I hate adapter/reduction bushings. Once they crimp just a little bit, getting endmills in and out of them is a royal pain.

[@soaringhal]

@@WinstonMakes - I am using the Makita too and mainly aluminium, it work very well (for what it is, a palm router) MRR approaching 10ccm/min possible if the CNC structure (rigidity) allows it :).

[@ManCrafting]

Building an enclosure was a big stumbling block for me. Seriously the sound dampening wasn’t my biggest concern. The dust was. Fortunately the suckit dustboot is so good I don’t have dust issues. As a result. My enclosure is just a stand with arbitrary 2x4’s sticking up everywhere. 🤷🏻‍♂️. You coming to WBC? Also, do you have my sticker?

[@WinstonMakes]

Haha, yes on both counts. I just haven't gotten around to plastering my enclosure with stickers!

[@brynyard]

Just use 2 by 2, soft enough to bend/force it to square, and plenty of strength for what you're using it for.

[@buildnowquestionlater]

Man really learned the same mistake of assuming squareness of raw materials and builds when I built my hidden speakeasy door haha.

[@richknudson5137]

I use this hose for my vacuum system /www.rockler.com/auxiliary-small-port-hose. It is very flexible and recoils back on itself. I guide it through 2" ABS DWV pipe mounted to the back of my bench . The pipe runs up the back then makes a 90 degree turn, then runs horizontal out to about the center of my Shapeoko and terminates with a 90 elbow, down. The hose runs through the pipe making a very neat installation. I found an adapter at Home Depot just like the one supplied with my Suckit except it is flexible so it attaches and detaches easily,

[@TobiasHansen]

Winston, could you fix the fusion link, would love to have it for reference, I am thinking of building my own inclosure to the shapeoko 3 XL and would like to avoid mistakes :-D Fusion360 webpage says the link no longer works. Also how silent is your inclosure, do you think it's possible to build it silent enough for standing in an office? I have 3D printers running without inclosure, and I am not bothered by those, but fear this machine is much louder. :-/

[@WinstonMakes]

Fixed the link. When I migrated Fusion to a new Team it broke every single link I ever posted, so I'm still discovering places that need to be updated. It's possible to build a really quiet enclosure, but whether or not it's practical is another issue. There are people who've basically built a tiny house for their CNC, using two layers of materials (sometimes sheet rock) on the walls and insulating in between. It helps a lot, but it's never going to be silent. Also depends on what you're cutting and how you're cutting. I don't think you'll ever get the decibel level below that of a relatively quiet vacuum cleaner without going to a VFD spindle and *ultra* sturdy enclosure.

[@TobiasHansen]

@@WinstonMakes thx for fixing the link and for your input. No I fear the noise will be to great as well 😕

[@Warpfield]

What is that black router?

[@chuyskywlk]

I had to make mine under an outfeed table for the same space (single car garage) restrictions -- imgur.com/a/WaaZQAR I also dealt with the side/rear access issues by having bolts and some french cleat like catches for the side 3/4 plywood. Does nothing for rigidity of the table surface, but I didn't need much there. I will say, having to sit so low and "duck inside" the enclosure, as you've noted for your previous standing setup, is less than ideal.

[@jcdelmore]

Where are you in California? I’m in Orange County . Would like to meet you?

[@MrTeamfitz]

Hi Winston, love your videos. I am a die hard subscriber. I need your honest opinion if you can help me out. I just bought the XXL and have not opened it yet. If you were me ( let it be known i am a total virgin in the CNC world) would you return it and pay the extra $1000 for the new Pro? I trust your honest opinion . Thanks in advance!!!

[@atrhsdfl867]

Toms River yikes! You saved your life by moving out of there...

[@TheDboardman]

You could have went with FAS lumber or just built the entire thing out of plywood so it would have stayed straight. FAS lumber would have added probably 30% to the price and a plywood design couldn't have added much more than that. Still a great video to watch though!

[@robertmartin5103]

Can I get the dimensions of your enclosure?

[@WinstonMakes]

Full dimensional details are in the linked Fusion file: a360.co/3bL76CE I do not recommend building it as-is.

[@shamong9]

Whats wrong with Toms River? I was thinking about moving there. By the way I hate NJ.

[@WinstonMakes]

45 minutes away from a waterjet shop, 50 from hardwood dealer, hour + for laser. Half an hour away from a makerspace, and all the good ones are further north. 5-6 hours away from a good national park. South Jersey might as well be a nuclear wasteland if you're a maker with a need for industrial services.

[@griffingranberg1507]

Winston, @10:53 your comment about doubting your ability to make things is how i feel as any big build of my drags on (like my current build 🤦‍♂️ IG: @grfn.prjx) - i can’t wait until I can pull the trigger on the shapeoko XXL

[@AceBullion]

Ww have ALL been there!

[@Shredxcam22]

Why would you move TO commifornia? I thought the old cabinet looked great on camera

[@applebutter4036]

First versions of anything are always a prototype.

[@onecarwood]

Hind site is always 20/20. I will never build something that is my be all end all cuz if I did then it would be time for another hobby!

[@bubblewhip382]

Have you thought about dropping your 3d model into VR via an occuls rift or HTC Vive to plan your build ergonomics?

[@certified-forklifter]

cool

[@mikefarinella5268]

A "Vix Bit" is your friend.

[@airgunningyup]

aluminum extrusions are way overpriced now that its popular. for this application though theyd act like tuning forks.

[@sithinstructor]

Center punch for getting perfect drilled holes. Hand plane for making non square items fit perfectly. Hand plane for squaring non square lumber.

[@sithinstructor]

Oh and as always... love the content.

[@kevinclark8311]

Very informative video. If have a few moments... take a look at a copy of Popular Woodworking magazine, April 2019 #245. There is a really good build article titled “Optimize Your Shop Space - Outfeed Table with Built-in CNC Router.” Hope this is of assistance. Keep up the great work! Cheers

[@daryl10101]

Instead of complaining about wood not being perfect why not get a table saw and maybe a planer and jointer. I had to leave after more and more bashing of the crappy wood you chose to make things with.

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

that not why trim is ued for

[@BobBeatski71]

I think you're being too hard on yourself.

[@coy3570]

dude...get rid of that cnc!problem solved.

[@DJ_k3bab]

>moving to California You've made a huge mistake Move back or you'll forever regret it

[@astroigel8425]

i passed out @ min 10 because of to much info @ to much speed