A Case for Buying both a Shapiro 5 and nomad 3

[GCole (Geoff Cole)]

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
Geoff

[scarecrow1120 (Craig Green)]

So, what you are saying is that while one is running, you are getting the other set up to run or changing parts. I like your way of thinking.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

They are nicely complementary:

• you can use the Shapeoko to make fixtures for the Nomad which take full advantage of its 8"x8" working area
• you can use the Nomad to make intricate hardware for larger projects

[GCole (Geoff Cole)]

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 ?

Thanks
Geoff

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

The Nomad can easily use the specialized workholding we have for it, esp. the 2-sided flip jig:

Nomad Flip Jig

and it’s more suited to small-scale, intricate work, esp. in tougher materials.

[Ensalaco (Joe E)]

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.

[GCole (Geoff Cole)]

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!