{"id":3145,"date":"2015-08-19T17:07:40","date_gmt":"2015-08-19T22:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jtechphotonics.com\/?page_id=3145"},"modified":"2025-09-08T13:08:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T19:08:52","slug":"shapeoko-3-cnc-upgrade","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jtechphotonics.com\/?page_id=3145","title":{"rendered":"Shapeoko 3 CNC Laser Upgrade"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Laser<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Who doesn’t want a laser for a Shapeoko3 CNC? We have had great success with the original Shapeoko 1 and 2 upgrades, so it is not much different.  We have had the opportunity to upgrade a Shapeoko 3 in the lab and it runs GREAT!  It is a really stiff machine and the components are all built well and in the USA!  Good job to the guys over at Carbide 3D on putting out another great Shapeoko kit.  Now lets get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will walk you through the electronics hook up, the mechanical assembly, and the G Code needed to run.  It should take only a few hours total from unboxing to running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mechanical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We have made a custom 3D printed mount for the Shapeoko 3 so the laser can fit right next to the Spindle without needing to take the laser off whenever you want to carve.  The mounting kit is located in the shop and contains everything you will need to get your laser on the Shapeoko 3 and running.  This is in ADDITION to the laser kit you ordered and is specific for the Shapeoko 3 CNC.  It includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Power Extension Cord<\/strong>: For extending the power to mount the driver on the electronics box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Laser Mount<\/strong>: To put next to the spindle holder for the laser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Laser Mount Screws\/Nuts<\/strong>: To mount the laser on the laser mount.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Laser Driver Mount Screws\/Nuts<\/strong>: Screws to attach the driver to the electronics enclosure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Zip Ties<\/strong>: To clean everything up for cabling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Zip Tie Holder<\/strong>: To place on the Z axis gantry to hold the laser cable in place and out of the way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Press Fit Connector <\/strong>to put in the carbide board for the PWM signal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Press Fit Tool<\/strong> used to push in the press fit connector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Molex Mini Fit Jr. <\/strong>input cable to attach to the Carbide Board press fit connector and the laser driver.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The Shapoko 3 XL and XXL kit includes everything above, as well as the laser extension cable and extended fan upgrade so you can mount the driver on the side of the machine where the electronics are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Purchase Laser and Mounting Bundle Here<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Electrical Hook Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When connecting a laser for a Shapeoko3 CNC we want to make it easy.  We have upgraded the mounting kits to include a “press fit” connector to push in a connector to the PWM and GND signals on the carbide board versus soldering it in.  It will make the installation much easier to do.  If you purchased a shapeoko3 mounting kit before 8\/22\/2018 without the press fit connector in it, please contact us and we will send you one for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Video Installation Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Check out the new video instructions here