Hi, Milton here from East Tn., new to the forum and the cnc world. Just got in to woodworking about a year ago and was thinking about a used shapeoko pro. What are your thoughts on buying and starting with a used cnc?
Used machines are a good value. It is kind of like buying a used car. Someone before you paid full price and you are buying it for a lot less. However just like a used car how do you know it is in good shape if you are not a mechanic. The Shapeoko machines are pretty good in general and frankly not sure you could wear one out. Obviously if it is run enough you might need to do a tune up pretty much like a used car.
So if I were buying a used car I would look at Toyota and Lexus and not at Kia and Nissan. In general Kia and Nissan are problematic. So buying a used cnc is like buying a used car. Even a Toyota/Lexus can be worn out but usually a simple cursory look would tell you if it has been rode hard and put up wet too many times.
Even if you dont know anything about a Shapeoko CNC have it demonstrated. Bring up the Carbide Motion and connect. At the very least have it jog around to the 4 corners. If at all possible have the seller demonstrate with a simple project like cutting a pocket in a piece of wood. That would prove that the basics of the machine are good.
If the seller cannot demonstrate you are taking a risk. So if you can get it cheap enough it might be worth the risk. If the seller cannot demonstrate it that would be a red flag that either they dont know how to use it or it is broken. Either way it would be a red flag.
It’s a good option if the machine fits your needs and budget.
For an SO Pro you can get a Maintenance Kit:
(be sure to pick the right machine type from the drop-down menu)
which will allow you to replace the belts and lubricate the linear rails/blocks.
Big things to check are that a computer can connect to the controller on the machine and that it can then be moved through the full range of motion for all axes smoothly — if there are any accessories, check that they work as expected.
See:
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Thanks for the info.
Good luck on finding one locally, Very few show up for sale even on this site. A testament to their popularity.
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I’ve had 4 Nissans in the last 14 years and loved them all. Never had any issues with any of them… 2012 Altima 3.5l Coupe, 2016 Maxima (my fav ever), a 2023 Pathfinder(leased) and last week I just bought a 2025 Murano. We went through so many over the years as our wants/needs changed
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I bought my Pro XXL used 3 years ago and it’s great. The previous owner delivered and set it up and stayed while we did a test cut. Although he made me pay him before we did the cut 
Of course I long for the 5 Pro but the used one is good. Just make sure it works even if that is seeing it in the sellers shop.
A couple days ago I bought a used SO4XL that was a little rough but after spending the day on it yesterday its up and running great. I got an amazing deal on it.
The kit that Will posted is a must, I ordered one and will install it when it gets here.
When you go to see the machine you are thinking about make sure the current owner runs it for you so you know it operates the way its supposed to and isn’t making any grinding or loud noises. Have a good look at the wiring harnesses and all the hardware you can see for condition.
Good luck!
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Nissan has made some good cars/trucks. However they have made some real stinkers. Nissan has been losing money for a while as Renault Group owns Nissan and they are not known as a great company. So many car companies have been conglomerated into larger companies like Stelantis and others like that. When they are gathered together the individual brands do not get the attention they deserve.
My point was more that a used Shapeoko is like buying a good used car brand. My Toyota Tundra has 200,000 miles and gets 18 MPG and has never had any major problems. It does not use a drop of oil between oil changes and is very reliable. Many modern cars will never make 100,000 miles because they are made to sell and not necessarily made to last. Plus many cars are so complicated no one knows how to fix them when they break.
Our world has gotten complicated and much of the complications are not necessary. My SO3 XXL is still humming along and has never had any real problems. It is not as fancy as newer models but the good news is Shapeoko machines are well built and well supported.
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I would consider selling mine. PRO 4 XXL Located near Charleston SC. I built it 4 years ago and it runs great. I am looking at upgrading. It also has a 7watt laser.
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Good Morning, $2,300 to much for a Pro with a Carbide Router?
I guess it depends on included bits and accessories and how much you really need/want it.
The router is only about $80 so that’s not a huge component of the cost.
I think I paid $1900 a few years ago for the ProXXL, BitZero V1 and about 8 bits. And that guy delivered it from 2 hours away.
That’s how I got started. About 4 years ago I bought a used Shapeoko Pro XXL. Used it for about two years and loved it. When I upgraded to my S5P I sold my Pro XXL for like $200 less than what I paid for it.
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Are they $800 difference between a pro and 4?
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