I have a Shapeoko 5 on order for making boxes cabinets and larger projects of different types. Very excited! I also make smaller parts for different types of toys and small decorative items for the larger projects I work mostly in wood but would love to use aluminum/ copper/ plastics for some of smaller details. I do also use 3D printers some items as well and/ nylon
Here is my question for the gurus on this site ( thank you in advance) Would it make sense to get both the Shapeoko 5 and Nomad 3. I am pretty sure I can make my money back so not a cost issue, but wondering if they are more complementary or if it would not be with it
Thanks for the feedback! Maybe another question what can the nomad do that the shapeoko can not… also evaluating I’d two 5s might be an option (though now we are getting a little more expensive) How good is the 5 at shaping 3d metal pieces ?
I don’t have a Nomad but do have a 10x10 from another vendor as well as my 4XL. I find I use them for completely different uses. My small machine does lots of detail work as well as inlays etc. While the larger machine could probably do it, I like the rigidity of the smaller machines for the detail work.
This was cut on a smaller machine and the bit size was around .020”. Some of the tails on the letters are only .020” wide, so keeping runout and rigidity in check is important. The blank Mother of Pearl is 1”x1.5” for reference.
Thanks for the follow up great insight on the detail work and the flip jig seems very handy for game pieces! Looks likes there is a Nomad 3 with a flip jig in my future!