Which Shapeoko Machine?

CNC Machines Shapeoko
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Can someone give me guidance on which Shapeoko machine to choose? Specifically the Shapeoko 4 vs. Shapeoko Pro vs. Shapeoko 5 pro.

I bought a Shapeoko 3 years ago. I’ve been very happy with it but I want to cut larger projects and do more items in batch processing.

I’ve been setting Z zero with the old sheet of paper under the bit–quite time consuming with multiple bit jobs.

I’m thinking about cutting 4ft wide ply, but I really don’t know if I need that. I understand this is based on the projects I want to cut; however, I don’t have any specific designs in mind. I am just unsure where I want to go–side hustle with low volume customized products come to mind. Again, no specific products in mind. Suggestions would be much appreciated.

I’m using a DeWalt trim router for my spindle. Very loud so spindle suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks for holding my hand :wink:,

Allen

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The 5 is the only one that can cut 4’ wide. I’m not really sure if that is cut envelope or just the width between the rails.

I have a Pro XXL and its max cut width is about 34 7/8 and max width between the rails is 40”.

I bought mine used a few months before the 5 was announced. I probably wouldn’t have spent the money on the 5 at the time, but I wish I had one now.

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3

So the answer depends on what you want to spend. The SO5 seems to be a great machine but so are the SO4 and SO4 Pro. The tale of the tape is how big do you want to go. The SO4 and SO4 Pro have been out for a while and the SO5 is the newest. To future proof I would recommend the SO5 from what I have read here on the forum. For me my SO3 XXL still meets my needs. If it were to suddenly disappear I think I would go with the SO5. The other consideration is your shop space. The SO5 is quite large with a table underneath it. So if you have the money and the room an SO5. It seems that the SO5 is the culmination of all the past machines short comings and is the pinnacle of what C3D has to offer right now. I have no insight into the roadmap of the Shapeoko machines but it is early days for the SO5 and if you got one it is not likely that an SO6,7 or 8 will be on the horizon anytime soon.

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4

The advice I got was buy the biggest one you can afford, you will grow into it. I got the PROXXL and am happy I did when I did.

You have experience, so it will be easy to grow into a new larger machine since you have an idea what you want to do.

Good Luck

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5

If you have the budget and want to do work 4’ wide, then you’ll need an SO 5 Pro 4x2 or 4x4.

If you want a more affordable machine which you can leave in your shop and only use occasionally, without the need for maintenance of the linear rails and blocks, then get an SO4.

If you want something in-between, and the projects you work on will fit on it, get an SO Pro.

For size considerations:

  • get a Standard or 2x2 if your projects fit on it
  • get an XL or 4x2 if you want to work with boards
  • get an XXL or 4x4 if you want to work with sheet goods
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6

pro xxl and definitely get the vfd spindle. I don’t think they have the bugs worked out of the 5. The 4 pro will do everything the 5 will do except for size. Keep machine clean and belts tight. I use mine every day and have no problem with belts.

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Good advise, I just don’t my future projects clear in my mind. Got lots more thinking to do.

thanks

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Will, as usual succinct and to the point. Very helpful.

Than you

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Your “road map” point is very smart. I think I’ll bug the folks at C3D for insight.

Than you very much.

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I just took a re-look at the Pro XXL. It might do the trick for me. Thank you for the pointer!

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I’ve been thinking about the vfd spindle at lot. Just the noise reduction over my DeWalt trim router almost justifies the price for me.

Thanks

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Yes, I’m rethinking the Pro XXL. If I could just firm up my future projects it would be pretty easy to select a machine. Lots more research and thinking to do.

Thank you.

1 Like
13

I know almost no one that says they wish they would have gotten the smaller model, but hundreds that wish they got the bigger one. :smiley: Do you have the space for the full S5Pro 4x4? It’s a beast and you look at the measurements, then you get it and it’s larger than you thought. :smiley: I agonized for weeks on building a table for the 4x4, and still made modifications after. The 4x2 is really cool as it fits on a Husky/HF/etc toolchest with a slightly larger top added. I used to think spindles were not the best way to spend money, but now that I have them on the machines, I wouldn’t give them up. :slight_smile:

The ability to pass thru a full sheet on the 4x2 and 4x4 is awesome. I didn’t have specific plans, but as soon as I got the 4x4… large projects just showed up.

The S4 and S4Pro both kick rear. We have a S4Pro at work and have no plans to upgrade because it does what we need very well. The bench for an XXL is easier to make with sheet material for the top.

I’ve had them all, and the good news is any of them are awesome. Here’s my idea from what you said:

S5Pro 4x2
S5Pro 4x4
S4Pro XXL
S4 XXL

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14

Great insights! Looking at space, which I had not considered, is a big mark against the S5Pro 4 x 4. The price difference between S5 pro 4 x 2 and the S4 Pro XXL is very significant for me.

Still coggitatin’ as we said during my boyhood in the South :thinking:

Thanks for taking the time for time and thoughts,

Allen

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You could probably find a deal on a used Pro XXL from someone looking to move to the 5. If you’re still in the south I would consider it :blush:

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Great idea, I’ll begin searching for a s4 xxl pro. Not in the south anymore, ended up near Denver. It was here where we raised our kids and are blessed with 4 grand kids.

Be well,

Allen

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I saw some recently posted in Houston that were a good deal but that’s a haul for you.

Maybe create a new “Want to Buy” post here. I know I have seen posts from several guys in the Denver area.

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Also, keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace and possibly Craigslist.

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Great minds…already tried FB. No luck but will keep on it.

Thanks

Allen

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If you are interested, I have a SP4 Pro XXL that I am looking to sell. It is less than two years old and hardly used. I live in Grand Rapids, MI.