Shapeoko 6 near future?

CNC Machines
1

Will there be a new shapeoko released to follow the 5 anytime soon?

I only ask because I am considering an upgrade from my shapeoko pro but I don’t want to get caught buying the current latest model only for a new model to be released a couple month later (this happened to me when I bought the shapeoko pro, as the shapeoko 5 was released within a couple months after receiving it).

I’ve hit the rigidity limits of this machine and the only way to bring my production time down in any significant way further, I need to upgrade

thanks

2

I will quote the launch page:

https://carbide3d.com/blog/introducing-shapeoko-5-pro/

We want this to be the flagship Shapeoko for a long time, so it has to be the best machine possible.

and I don’t see how things can be improved on while staying within the limits of budget and shipping constraints and so forth (but I’m not one of the folks doing product design).

Note that the Warthog controller used for the HDM and SO5 Pro has an expansion adapter for which no attachments/add-ons have yet been released — I’d expect to see those before any new machine — but check in w/ the folks at sales to see what they can share.

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3

As you stated you dont want to buy a 5 if a 6 is shortly coming. I cannot blame you. However companies dont want to announce new models that are not certainly going to be built. If a company announced a new model and then canceled it that leads to consumer confidence problems. Plus if they announce a new model the older model will not sell.

Eventually C3D will make a new model. The overall market will force them to because competitors will keep improving their machines so C3D has to compete. It would take a crystal ball to tell if and when a new model would be on the horizon and crystal balls do not work.

So when to buy a new machine is a crap shoot. So if you are a gambling man then buy the 5 and hope for the best. If a 5 would suit your operation even if a new model came out the 5 would still work. If you always persue what is next you will be in constant change or anticipation of change. That position is not good for your nerves.

Some people buy a new car every year or so. I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra and a 2003 Ford Thunderbird. I buy my cars new and drive them until the wheels fall off, get out and put them back on. Plus I save a lot of money on keeping my cars for a long time. I can buy new car scent to spray if I get the urge for a new car.

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4

when the 5 was announced it was said the electronics part would possibly available for 4 or pro.

Is that still true, and how to get it done?

5

No idea.

That’s a question for the folks in Sales.

6

Thanks, I also want to know it.

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Exciting ideas around Shapeoko 6! If they aim to enhance onboard control or streamline serial communication for smoother operation, integrating a compact microcontroller like the AT89S51-24AU would be practical. It’s a reliable 8051-compatible chip, perfect for handling low-level I/O tasks while keeping system cost and complexity down.

7

My impression is no replacement for a good long while for the Shapeoko 5. C3D has eluded to working on several accessories here, as well as the machine having more capabilities for accessories than previous machines. I theorize thats where hardware R&D is going. Not to mention they’ve been working on CM and CC more lately.

But that’s just my personal impressions based upon what they’ve said here.

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