I recently got interested in buying a CNC router and the Shapeoko seems to be the best one at a reliable price. My question is, how good does the Shapeoko 3 XXL cut 3D reliefs?
I am comfortable with CAD/CAM software and creating the g code, but I just want to make sure the machine is capable of running the code with the proper tooling. I am also aware the machine must be correctly calibrated.
Any pics of actual projects you have done with the Shapeoko XL/XXL would be cool
(I feel like I’m going to regret waiting such a long time buying it lol)
From your picture I’m having a hard time seeing the scale of this, but if it fits in say a 31"x31" envelope and the Z depth isn’t beyond 3" it should be okay, the accuracy is definitely good enough. I made this little box and I’m pretty happy with the detail:
And this was almost 2 1/2" thick, but I machined it as a flip:
Biggest limitation I’ve had is in Z depth, but there are aftermarket Z sliders that can add to that depth (you will still be limited by the length of 1/4" diameter tools available).
I have done a few reliefs, the machine is excellent for it, I can’t find any photos other than this horse, which was the first relief I tried, and it came out pretty well. designed in Vectric Aspire, no sanding to finish, just a light coat of poly