I’m looking to get into CNC milling as a hobby to make things for family and friends. B/c I’m not sure if this is something I would grasp, enjoy, etc. I’m thinking I should purchase a used machine instead of a new one. I’m seeking counsel on this question:
How far back into the line (version) could I get a machine that’s still supported by Shapeoko (eg. get replacement parts) and still enjoy the benefits of some of the key functional updates?
For example, would you encourage me to look for a Shapeoko 4 or Pro but not the 3 b/c there was a significant upgrade introduced after the 3? I see a 3 for sale on with a water-cooled spindle and all upgrades but I don’t know if there are known issues and to stay away.
having a new machine — a used belt-drive machine would need a Maintenance Kit to allow it to be rebuilt to pretty much like new: Shapeoko Maintenance Kit - Carbide 3D
the experience of/need for assembly — FWIW, I view this as a negative, and used machines which folks did not assemble themselves are a bit trickier to get up and running at first for some folks.
That said, whatever Shapeoko which we sold you buy, will make you a member of the Carbide 3D family
There’s a lot of people here that are using and enjoying the Shapeoko 3 so i wouldn’t be afraid that it’s “too old”.
As far as not being sure if you would grasp the use of the machine, there are so many very nice helpful people in this forum that the learning curve is doable. All levels of users here that will definitely make your cnc journey enjoyable.
@cobbr68 I’ve been using my 3XXL for 5 years (or more) and it’s great. Over the years, I’ve put the HDZ and BitSetter on it, but that’s basically it. I’ve been thinking of upgrading to 5pro for the size of bed and to the 80mm spindle so I can use 1/2" bits and get things moving quicker…but there’s nothing wrong with my XXL and it’s a great machine to work with. Don’t think of it as a training machine - it’s the real-deal right away. Nothing wrong with a 3.
Might also add, if you are skeptical about your ability, or the process itself, a Shapeoko 3 would be a good start.
If functioning properly it is a very accurate and reliable machine. Rebuilds are very inexpensive and easy to accomplish. No need for costly lubricants. Repairs on the newer machines are complicated and expensive.
Try the 3.
Alot of this is personal opinion/feelings of the operator. The rest is based on your skill level in some areas that apply to mechanics.
Are you going to freak out at small slip ups and not use the machine for days on end while you worry about something small? Would lower cost reduce this feeling? Do you need more rigidity for accurate parts or can you re-run the same part a few times and adjust as you go? Are you in a financial position to run one of these machines? Are you mechanically inclined? Do you have time for a larger maintenance routine? Do you need a machine of a certain size? Do you want a VFD?
I have an SO3 XXL with HDZ. It is a great machine. However the SO4 is somewhat better. They support the SO3 but they are still selling the SO4. You have to keep a look out on craigslist and/or Facebook marketplace. CNC machines are not high volume for used sales. If you keep a good look out you will find one relatively close to you.
As far as ability, everyone here on the forum was born without any knowledge of the CNC. Yet most everyone has learned to use their machine. There is definitely a learning curve but it is not that bad and this community will help you. there are a lot of resources on the net to help you. There are other brands but I really like this community and C3D stands behind their products with support in and out of warranty.
In addition to this the SO5Pro feels very much still in its infancy with regular changes and people still consistently finding small faults/issues. The controller boards are the most difficult part as they are struggling to keep relations with manufacturers as their order quantity has a minimum and making a small revision can be very costly. The hardware itself sees very minor changes and albeit a much more rigid machine it’s fairly costly and damage to anything can cost more on this machine than others albeit more unlikely from Non- user errors.
All great points and recommendations as usual:) I would just add that “typically” a newer machine is often Safer than an older iteration or used machine. Definitely not saying “always”! That being said… I bought a used SO3XXL years ago and absolutely love it (BUT I knew the owner and had actually helped her assemble it).
I have a 3XL with Z-Plus and a lot of extras that I am going to put up for sale on this site. 27 new bits, tools, enclosed dust/noise cabinet with lighting. Kill Switch.
I’m in Reno NV
$1200
I bought a used 3xxl last winter for same reason as you mention. I used to do a lot of router work by hand, but today everyone has a CNC, and hand lettering just wont cut it. I searched various options, and Shapeoko won out. Cost $1,000. Blew a mother board in first 60 days, but The support was great, and part was only $100. I’m more than happy with the 3xxl, but I will also say i could have gotten a smaller one, as most of my work is signs and art work. Most of my work is from a jpg sw program, so it’s tough to create into CC basic. The software is the hardpart.
Recommend Downloading Carbide Create(free) and playing with the basic software to see if you are into it.
Use this forum, the guys are great.
watch the tutorials and play, you can simulate the project.
when weather gets crappy I will probably get CC Pro, but I need to get a design software that’s better than my photo sw and exports to SVG.
1 thing i learned > Don’t leave the machine powered up but idle and walk away for a few hours.
For creating jpg into an svg you can do that with the free Inkscape.
You open inkscape and then open your bitmap image. Highlight the image and go to the menu bar and select Path. Then select Trace Bitmap. A box on the right will appear and you can adjust thresholds to get a good image. Then “Save As” Plain Inkscape SVG. The older versions saved the svg in 72 DPI but maybe they updated that to 96 DPI. Carbide Create likes 96 DPI svg without having to resize. The software is free and is quite powerful.
Another alternative is Affinity Designer. That software is about $75.00 but they have half price sales all the time. That software you can create an svg from scratch with curved text and many other features. Unlike Adobe products the softwre you OWN and is not in the cloud. I have been very happy with it. I also have the Affinity Photo which I edit pictures for my photo club. They have a 3rd product that integrates both photo and designer together but I seldom use it. A professional graphics shop would likely benefit from all 3 and there is no monthly subscriptioin and you own the software.
Agree with Guy about Affinity Designer (AD). Carbide Create is great for its primary task of creating tool paths but can’t compete with a dedicated vector graphic program for design. I do all my artwork on AD then export SVGs to CC. AD is also available non-subscription.
If any of you have every played Pickleball, you know that there is a unique culture which embraces and welcomes newcomers, orients them to the rules/scorekeeping and teaches them how to play. This forum reminds me of that unique culture. One of the reasons I was leaning towards Shapeoko over the others is how welcoming you are and your willingness to take 10 mins to share a just a tidbit of your wisdom. Your shared wisdom creates excitement, confidence and courage in me. I’m hoping to buy a used SO Pro this weekend near Charlotte where I live. I’ve never heard of Affinity Designer so I’m adding that to me list of videos to watch along with Carbide Create and others.
I ran across something called Carbide Motion. Do I need to learn that?
@WillAdams Can I purchase the 4 training sessions separately?
Carbide Motion is the software provided by C3D for actually controlling the machine. You would design in CC (or another design program), then load the resulting cutting instructions into Carbide Motion to actually do the work.
There are other programs that can also control the machine, but Carbide Motion is the only one that will work with the free version of Carbide Create.
Thanks Guy, I downloaded inkscape per other comments, but could never figure out how to use it. Will give your comments a shot.
I really hate everything being subscription nowadays, i get it - but don’t like or support it.
I use photoImpact pro for pictures, been using it for a really long time.
Yeah what’s up with that!? I wonder why Adobe made it to (basically) where when you create something you don’t own it…. Even after you earn already paid for it!!
