Shapeoko 5 Pro CNC Router: Is it Worth it?

I've had my Shapeoko 5 Pro CNC Router for a while now and I felt it was time to give you my thoughts on this machine.
Previous to the Shapeoko 5 Pro, I had the Shapeoko 3 XL and there have been MANY changes in the 5 Pro. So, let's go over them together.
Key Features of the Shapeoko 5 Pro CNC Router from Carbide 3D.
- Tailor your cutting size: 2x2, 4x2, or 4x4
- Work with a variety of materials, from wood and plastic to select metals
- Attain peak performance and precision with its robust motion system
- Included tools like Sweepy 2.0, Bitsetter, Power Pendant, and more
********Related CNC Woodworking Videos***********
Easy & Free CNC Projects #1: • Quick and Easy CNC Pro...
CNC Bits For Beginners: • CNC Bits For Beginners...
DIY CNC Clamps / CNC Files Included: • DIY CNC Clamps / Files...
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#shapeoko #shapeoko5 #shapeoko5pro
Shapeoko 5 Pro Review Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:34 Shapeoko 5 Pro control box
1:19 Shapeoko Power Pendant
1:35 Shapeoko 5 Pro ballscrews and linear rails
2:31 Carbide 3D BitSetter
2:50 Shapeoko 5 Pro size
3:35 Workholding table bed
4:35 Gantry Light
4:53 Sweepy V2 Dust Boot
5:45 Shapeoko 3D Project

[@knecht105]

Excellent overview of this new machine, I have been wondering how this new machine is for accuracy, from your detail work it looks pretty accurate

[@MakeTechCreate]

Thanks, Colin! Yup, it's a big step up in accuracy from my previous machine.

[@nitrojunkie22]

I will be upgrading to a 4x2 in the near future (I currently have a Shapeoko 4 Standard). I'm glad to see that the Bitsetter is standard equipment now. The Bitsetter is probably by far the best accessory you can have.

[@MakeTechCreate]

The bitsetter is a major time saver! Now, all we need is an automatic bit changer 🤣

[@pb48711]

I wouldn't. I have a bricked out 5 Pro in my garage and it's been a nightmare.

[@nitrojunkie22]

@@pb48711Not to sound like I’m busting in ya, but sounds like possible user error. I know several people that have the 4x2 and 4x4, and they haven’t had any issues.

[@chrishayes5755]

rigidity and capabilities as far as how hard you can push the machine are probably the most important metrics to review IMO.

[@MakeTechCreate]

Probably true, but there's nothing I do that push the limits of this machine. Soft metals would probably be the true test, but that's something I don't mill.

[@51rclewis]

Thanks for the video! I am considering this CNC or the Onefinity Journeyman Pro. Did you do any compares prior to buying the Shapeoko ?

[@MakeTechCreate]

I did. In the end, they're both great machines and very comparable, and you'll be happy with either, I think. I picked the Shapeoko over the Onefinity mostly because I was already using Carbide 3D products and was comfortable with them.

[@51rclewis]

@@MakeTechCreate Thank you! That is definitely one of my dilemmas as to go with the free software or pay for the VCarve Pro

[@nitrojunkie22]

@@51rclewis I use three different programs.....Carbide Create/Carbide Motion, VCarve, and Easel. All have their pluses and minuses, depending on what project you're doing. I would say, however, that I use C3D software the most, VCarve second, and Easel bringing up the rear.

[@boninm252]

Look into the customer support before you purchase. Try to call it and see what happens. They don’t answer. Good luck.

[@MakeTechCreate]

​@@boninm252 I haven't tried their phone support before, but email support worked for me... although they have been slow at times.

[@PatoLoco1833]

Great review. Overall, worth it for a beginner/DIYer?

[@MakeTechCreate]

Thanks. I would say yes. Note, I've heard of people having issues with the spindle kit, so you might want to check into that if that's the route you're going. I use their router and have had no issues there.

[@Samadhiworks]

I’m having issues right now with the spindle kit and looking for answers

[@zchan1120]

​@@Samadhiworks what issues?

[@Samadhiworks]

@@zchan1120 in carbide motion I was unable to select VFD as my spindle. I got on a phone call/WebCam call with support and they walked me through a process of removing something from the code in the software and then the option to add the VFD became available . definitely wasn’t something I could have figured out. Now it works like a dream.

[@jackwagonww]

How fast does this rapid? Seems slow in the video.

[@MakeTechCreate]

I don't push my machine's, in fact I probably run them slower than most. If you have a look in Shapeoko groups, you'll get a better idea on the limits of the machine.

[@cjamonwilliams]

Can you make a rifle stock with this

[@MakeTechCreate]

You can do double-sided projects with it, so mostly... but you'll still need to cut out the mounting area. If you want to machine a complete stock, you'll want a cnc with a rotary attachment.

[@frankshannon3235]

It’s definitely worth it but now there’s the AltMill and things are getting complicated. I’m frozen until I know more.

[@MakeTechCreate]

There's certainly a lot of options on the market!

[@RobertGreiner-os7um]

I also have been having many problems with my 5 pro. Very depressing to say the least.

[@MakeTechCreate]

That's discouraging to hear. Are you also having electronic issues? Do you have a spindle?

[@J.erem.y]

This machine is a ticking time bomb, the controller they designed has wrongly specc'd octo couplers, cold solder joints. A lot shipped with missing components off the main controller board itself. You are locked into using their over priced spindles if you add one as they molested the signal coming out for speed control unless your willing to take it apart and bypass the noise isolation completely to get a usable signal. On the spindles, they spin up 0-100 percent on power on even using their offering. More often than not, you will get the machine missing parts/hardware and pretty much every bolt on this thing isn't torqued correctly right out of the box. Oh and they put little tiny stepper motors on it and give them way too much current to the point of if you even come near the heat sink you will get burned, they are so above their thermal budget in this design I couldn't imagine the stepper drivers lasting more than a year/year and a half with decent use. They also delete / moderate / censor thread on their own forum of people talking about more of the serious problems with this machine. I'm sorry, I have the 3XXL and bought the 5 because I loved the old one. What a giant mistake. In my opinion the only thing that can fix this machine is a torque wrench and the a Masso Controller conversion. BUYER BEWARE.

[@MakeTechCreate]

It sucks that you're having so many issues with your machine. Mine has been mostly solid, so far. I'll agree that many of the fasteners are tightened properly when shipped and you definitely need to check those. I don't have the spindle, so I can't comment on that ... but the controller has been solid for me, so far.... I had massive issues with the one on my 3 XL. Have you contacted Carbide3d about all this? What were their replies of you did?

[@OnefinityCNC]

Sorry to hear this! Give us a shout if you're looking to up your cnc game!

[@user-xx5sx5ey7w]

Where I get that??

[@MakeTechCreate]

From Carbide 3D

[@michaels8297]

Don’t buy this machine. I just bought one. They sent it with an untested controller that was defective with a common problem that is plaguing their controller boards. They say they fixed the problem as of a few months ago but my board purchased a couple weeks ago had the same issue. The company themselves wrote blog posts on this issue talking about how much of a problem this has been for them. They are trying to push out more of these than they can handle to quickly. Their support is awful as well. They knew I was backed up on orders because of their delays after many email correspondence calls and voicemails. Despite saying they would overnight a controller I still haven’t even received so much as a shipping confirmation after almost a week of following up daily. Save your frustration and money. Buy a more professional machine. If you’re trying to start a side business it will pay itself off in no time. Why spend thousands on a junk. They have great KZbin marketing but don’t be fooled!! Do you buy power tools at harbor freight? Then don’t buy a shapeoko

[@MakeTechCreate]

I'm sorry to hear you had issues. My machine has been mostly rock solid, so far ... much better than the controller on the Shapeoko 3. What issues are you having?

[@michaels8297]

@@MakeTechCreate The company has been having issues with cold solder joints in their controller boards. This pretty much disables to device by not letting it home. They said the revision 5 controllers, which is the one they sent me, does not have this problem anymore but mine clearly did. I am parsing the tradeoff between just upgrading to an avid machine. I talked to a sales rep about the differences between the two and they didnt want to compare the which makes me think that the avid will be like comparing the Shapeoko 5 to the Shapeoko 3.

[@MakeTechCreate]

I didn't know that. So far, I've had no issues with mine ... knock on wood. The controller on my Shapeoko 3 was horrible, though... constant disconnection due to static issues... especially in the winter

[@OnefinityCNC]

Hey Micahels! Give us look if you want more options!

[@rat8356]

Is the one stipulation for getting kickback or a free machine from a company for doing a review on youtube is to never show the machines running in real time and without the true sounds the machine actually makes?..i mean i cant find one video of any of these machines that the video has not been sped up or stupid music playing instead of the machine sounds..its just ridiculous that all the cnc videos are basically clickbait and the only thing making money is the youtube channel and the cnc manufacture while the machines sit in peoples garages not being used after they fell for the crap bogus videos you youtubers make while there dreams die because the machine is crap and slow..you should be ashamed of yourself

[@MakeTechCreate]

The ONLY person who should be ashamed is you! I bought this machine at FULL price and use it weekly. So far, I'm satisfied with my purchase! I have ZERO affiliation with the company. I also never claimed to be a video professional, but I created the best video I can! On the other had, you offer the maker community NOTHING but useless comments. Don't like my review? Don't like my video editing? ... the solution is EASY! ... go buy the machine yourself and do your OWN review!

[@rat8356]

@@MakeTechCreatei dont care if you bought the machine yourself, you are still using it to make money from youtube videos you put out about it..many of the other channel creators say the same thing that they bought the machine themselves and are not affiliated with the company..same old crap..play the real audio of that thing so we can hear the things screaming chatter..and how many true passes it takes to cut thru 3/4'' mdf

[@MakeTechCreate]

Lmfao! The absolute arrogance it takes for you to make demands of what I do with my machine and my channel is astonishing 🤣 I'll tell you what, I'll be more than happy to record that video AFTER to pay me for it! Of course, you can at any time just buy your own machine and record your own videos.... no one is stopping you.

[@rat8356]

@@MakeTechCreatei already paid you since i clicked on your video..luckily i skipped thru with about 5 clicks so hopefully i didnt pay you too much..look at you wanting me to pay you to post a unedited video of the machine in action lol

[@MakeTechCreate]

The amount of mental gymnastics you would have to do to think you're paying me by trolling my video is absolutely amazing. You seriously need to find a better hobby than trolling maker videos... your parents will never buy you CNC anyways... move on to something else.