I have a Shapeoko 1 and have been considering getting a 3D printer extruder to change out with the spindle when I want to use additive technology. Has anyone attempted such a retrofit?
I am not sure the Z Axis is accurate enough there is quite a bit of wobble which would create terrible looking prints. Also, you would be very limited in the height of things you could print. I am sure there are other issues such as needing a new controller so you could add the extruder motor, end-stops and hot end.
I did: Shapeoko CNC Router, Rigid, Accurate, Reliable, and Affordable works okay.
@William_Adams Thanks for the link. Sounds like a plan! Have you run into any problems with print quality?
Print quality is okay. It suffered on my machine 'cause I was using long bolts w/ re-used nylon spacers (left over from my SO1) and a not terribly stiff HDPE extender plate — I’m sure the design could be improved, but I sold my SO2 — I’ll probably try again w/ my SO1.
Arguably it makes much more sense to use the Shapeoko to make a purpose-built 3D printer — see the wiki for a list of printers suitable for this (there’s a bit of effort involved in cleaning off milling dust before 3D printing), but I’ve always loved the idea of multi-purpose tools.