Changing brushes on DeWalt DPW  611 compact router
 
When your router won’t turn on, nine times out of ten, it’s because your brushes need changing! Here’s how to fix this problem in ten easy steps.  Although this tutorial is for the Dewalt, it will also apply to the Bosch, Ridgid, and Makita routers as well.  Since this is a widely used router for the Shapeoko 3 and Inventables XCarve CNC desktop routers, it's always good to have a few extra brushes on hand.
 
 
What you’ll need:
T-20 torx driver(preferred) or flathead screwdriver & some sort of pointy tool or hook for spring
 
Steps:

1. Remove top four screws using t-20 or flathead screwdriver
2. Locate the routers brushes by placing the router in front of you with the power cord facing away from you. While looking at the router from above, the brushes are located at six and nine o’clock on the router.
3. Using your small hook or “pokey device’ remove the brush’s power supply clip by lifting it straight up and off.
4. Once the clip is removed, working from the left side, use your pointy tool/hook to life the metal spring from the back, off of the brush, leaving it resting off to the right to allow access to the brushes.
5. Gently remove the old brush by pulling on the power supply wire, sliding the brush out.
6. Slide the new replacement brush in and attach the power clip. Use your small pointy tool once more to pull the spring back into place, securing the brush.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 on the opposite side of the router (both sides are configured the exact same way).
8. Place the top back on the router and tighten the screws.
9. Test your router by switching it on!

 
A few extra tips:

• Use compressed air to blow dust buildup out of your router while the top is off!
• Always keep extra brushes on hand in case your router stops working in the middle of a job

TOOLS / MATERIALS
■ Dewalt DWP 611 Trim Router : https://amzn.to/2UspwmB
■ Dewalt DWP 611 Replacement Brushes : https://amzn.to/2Z4Rt2H
■ Bosch Colt Trim Router : https://amzn.to/2CisHSj
■ Bosch Router Brushes : https://amzn.to/36FtHxM
■ Ridgid Trim Router : https://amzn.to/32oW1kT
■ Ridgid Router Brushes : https://amzn.to/2Nn73CL
■ Makita Trim Router : https://amzn.to/2qx05C5
■ Makita Router Brushes : https://amzn.to/32h2gXS​

The Touch Probe allows you to quickly identify job zero (X, Y, and Z) by running the probing feature found in Carbide Motion.   The touch probe from Carbide 3D is pretty expensive.  I've found an alternate for 1/2 the price on Amazon.  It works just as well.  The one difference is that it does not have a green and red light indication (but this is not necessary for it to function).
This alternative CNC Touch Probe can be used with Shapeoko 3 that use Carbide Motion. Can also be used on other CNC routers on control software that support a probe with the standard .100 (2.54mm) connector spacing.  The probe supports 4 different types of probing XYZ (otherwise known as corner probing), X (to find the left edge of your material), Y (to find the front edge of your material), and Z (to find the top of your material. Can be used on Nomad 883 Pro as well, but this will require removing or rewiring the tool height sensor. Since that connection is also plugged into the 2 pin PROB connector.  
The kit includes aluminum probe plate a 60” cord to connect to the control board and 10 inch wire alligator clips.  
Features:

• Automatic measurements to deliver precision
• Automatic calculation and correction of the tool offset
• No errors due to manual tool setting using gauge blocks
• No typing errors and corresponding subsequent damage
• Time saving, reliable, tactile measurements

I've created a video to help show you how to set it up and use it.  The video is with the official touch probe, but will be identical with this touch probe.

​                                                BUY IT USING THE BUTTON BELOW:

If you need a way to store your touch probe, I 3D print a touch probe holder.  You can find it on my Etsy shop, benmyerswoodshop or click the link below to purchase one!

Click HERE to go to the official Carbide 3D website for installation instructions.

Part 4 of the series, I used some advanced features to design a wooden sign.  I walk you through how to cut out multiple tool paths with endmills and v bits.  Also show how to use the probe with a v bit.  In this one we actually cut the sign on the CNC.
​
I created this video series aimed at the true beginner to hobby CNC's.  Although Carbide Create is made for the Shapeoko, it can be used for any CNC because it just generates G-Code.
Please leave any info i left out that you want to know about in the comments below.  I'll be out with more videos soon.

Become a Patreon Member!
https://www.patreon.com/myerswoodshop

TOOLS / MATERIALS
■ Carbide 3D Shapeoko 3 XXL : http://bit.ly/shapeoko
■ Asus Rog Laptop : https://amzn.to/2R9uhvB
■ 90 Degree V Bit : https://amzn.to/2XGzMp8
■  1/8 Downcut Bit : https://amzn.to/2EHWlS3
■ Suck It Dust Boot and Oops Clamps : http://bit.ly/suckitdustboot
■ Touch Probe : http://bit.ly/touchprobe
■ J Tech Laser : http://bit.ly/jtechlaser (use code 'myers' for 10% off)
■ Fein Turbo 1 Vac : https://amzn.to/2PzrZEs
■ Remote Keyboard : https://amzn.to/2QNvLi9

When you want a consistant X and Y zero point the best way to do that on the CNC is by using a fence.  I've designed a fence to fit into my custom wasteboard.  Now you can get consistent clamping and zeroing with large or small pieces.