Shapeoko 2 to Carve Upgrades

[JeremyJohnstone]

@ThomasMcquitty

When you say using steel the plates. I am good with that. Is there a recommended type?

This method uses steel:

X-Axis Stiffening Modification

Using the process documented by @CharleyThomas and my video, I finally made a project on stiffening the X-axis using a 3/16" thick steel plate. I noted in the project that it can be done with aluminum plate as well. https://www.inventables.com/projects/x-axis-stiffening-modification

This method uses bolts:

A 30 minute x-axis mod to reduce chatter

My feed rates were limited by chatter with the stock 300W spindle. I just upgraded to an 800W GMT spindle and wanted to stiffen the x-rail at the same time. I inserted M5 50mm hex cap bolts vertically in the gap between the x-axis maker slides. They are a perfect fit for the gap. I used 5 bolts spaced about every 6.25". [image] I used a small washer on top (any larger would interfere with the idler wheels), and used a larger washer on the bottom. It is important to use washers which will not …