I wanted to know which is better than the the 4 or 5. I’m having trouble deciding which one is the five that much better?
The 5 is a sea change in terms of machine as discussed in the announcement:
https://carbide3d.com/blog/introducing-shapeoko-5-pro/
if you need to push material removal rates, don’t have much time in the shop, and want your projects done faster, and will be using the machine frequently enough to justify the need to lubricate all 3 axes, the SO5 Pro is the way to go if it’s w/in your budget. My first project on my SO5 Pro fit together perfectly, first try.
The SO4 is fine if your projects fit in its working area (or can be tiled on it), and you’re willing to allow a bit more machine time, and adjust things a bit to arrive at the desired surface finish — and it’s far more kindly to one’s wallet, and only has one axis w/ linear rails, so less maintenance. My projects on my belt-drive machines have usually required a bit of dialing in, and at first usually required a couple of test runs. Signage of course, “just works”
As regards size, my recommendation is:
- if working with sheet goods, get an XXL (or 4x4)
- boards, XL (or 4x2)
- if projects are smaller and fit, Standard (or 2x2)
Thank you so much! That was very helpful
As someone who has had every Shapeoko since the Shapeoko 3, I say…it depends. 
Obviously the cost is different. 
@WillAdams is right in that the S5Pro is more frequent, but easy maintenance. Just making sure the linear bearings are well lubricated really. Other than that…mine has required nothing else. The S4 maintenance is less often, but checking belt tightness and v-wheels is more time consuming when you do hit your maintenance schedule.
The S4 can feed at a faster rate, but is much less rigid. So if you were doing a lot of plastic work in really gummy stuff, it might be the better choice. Other than that specific use case, the S5 will outclass it every time.
The 4x2 is a highly under-rated size. You can still tile a full sheet (with more work), but it can fit on top of a tool-box that has had the top slightly extended. My 4x4 is lovely since I have space, but if most people were honest, the 4x2 would cover most projects easily, and takes up far less shop space if you’re limited.
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I was also new to the CnC game, and also new to Carbide. I know cost is a constant issue with everything these days, but when I pulled the trigger, I said to myself “might as well get the newest baddest machine they offer, rather than going cheaper and later regretting not going all out”. SO I got the 5 pro and I love it. Carbide has been great for support and I haven’t even begun to get close to the limits of what the 5 can do… Not the best answer, but at least perspective on how I reached my decision.
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I’d like to have a 5 but my 4 Pro is serving me quite well. maybe I’ll upgrade when 6 comes around. If I didn’t already have the 4 I’d get a 5 though for sure.
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I held off buying a machine until I saw the Pro 5.
I did not want to deal with belt drives.
The 5 is great the only complaint i really have is the controllers have been a rough start and the x axis gantry ballscrew could really use a bellows.