I was just working with my SO2 and was wondering the same thing, having the knob is very useful since I use a sheet of paper to tell when the tool is just touching the work. Having to jog the Z axis with buttons on the computer would work but it would make setting the tool onto the work harder than it is now.
I agree Allen, that and I don’t feel you have the same level of control as you do when using the knob. It is too easy to “Jog” it a little to much when using the powered option! I’m sure as improvements are made to Easel it will make it easier but I think a manual option is also good for adjusting the height without power.
In the update we made to Easel You can change set the distance you want the machine to move with each jog. For example you can set it to move .001". That is 1/3 the thickness of a piece of paper.
Sounds like all I need is my X-Carve upgrade kit and then it’s time to get crazy!
So, This hardware, the spacer, is missing or not incluse :
If there not same LG ?
ShapeOko 2
25312-14 3/8" x 5/16" x #12 bore, Aluminum Spacer x 4 pcs.
Upgrade to X-Carve
25312-23 Aluminum Spacer 5.1mm ID 9.5mm OD 9.5mm LG x 4Pcs.
I have finally completed the mechanical upgrade of my SO2 to X-Carve. Now I need to know if there are any changes required to the Grbl configuration to let it know I am using the ACME rod? I assume that it does not move the Z axis the same distance per turn and the old threaded rod.
The value now is
$2 = 320.0 (steps/mm z)
It would be nice to see the full Grbl configuration list for the X-Carve (sorry if this is already published somewhere, I did not find it when I looked)
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I just finished my upgrade of my Shapeoko 2 to the X-Carve and expanded the footprint to a custom size. Here is a video of my upgrade!
Just found this great video Produced by Mike Merzke. Really nice overview of the upgrade process.
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For me the mechanical side of the upgrade was straightforward but the electronic side was not. Trying to find out what version of gbrl i needed ( i believe it’s 0.9i now ) if there’s different versions of gbrl for m8 or acme rod ( i now believe not) . Even when i think i know the version unable to find the firmware on inventables site. or a link (did see a link but looked like source code no help for me). Also have the 48v quiet cut spindle and limit switches what jumpers do i use . i do feel a video of shapeoko 2 upgrade is needed for the wiring at least.
Thought I would share, I completed the upgrade with little to no issues, took around 1 full day of work. Seems much more solid, better support for the spindle. Thanks a ton for coming up with this kit.
Original Machine before Upgrade
Machine after Upgrade
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I have been wondering what the Shapeoko 2 with an upgrade is properly called. Is it Shapeoko 2X or is it 2X-Carve? Inquiring minds want to know! 
Mine is a hybrid (X-carve gantry plates, X-carriage and Z-axis parts). I’ve been calling it my X-Oko.