Shapeoko 5 pro review. should you buy this machine?

[@CallmeSam00]

Loose screws - on a machine of that size, I'd appreciate loose screws on delivery, actually. Something this big and comparatively lightweight has quite some flex to it and will also have bent and twisted during delivery. So, instead of that force going straight onto the structual bits, it'd be better for the machine to be able to give a little. I'd then first set up a stable, flat and very level foundation and then place the thing on there and carefully, step by step measure for parallel with a micrometer and for squareness with a machinist square, then fasten screws and tap with a rubber mallet until i get the precision i'd like to have. Also, all grease traps need feeding, then. Yes, when you blast that thing through wood, you might not see the difference (in brass, bronze or aluminum you definitely do), but your bearings, screws and other mechanical parts will have a much longer lifetime for it.

[@prius9253]

Excellent. Money ready and needed to hear the cons. Suppose I'll wait now, and see how/if these issues are addressed. Thanks so much.

[@gaiustacitus4242]

I would use a torque wrench and verify that every screw is tightened to specification. As for lubricant, I recommend using either a good sewing machine oil or mineral oil as these will lubricate the equipment without risk of residue build up. I'm considering the purchase of either: 1) Onefinity Elite Foreman; 2) Shapeoko HDM; or 3) Shapeoko 5 Pro. While the Onefinity gets better reviews, the Elite series has an 18 to 20 week lead time after payment in full. The reason for considering the HDM is that it ships with an 80mm spindle and VFD and ships within 3 days of order. I want (but don't need) a 48" x 48" cutting area, which is why I'm considering the 5 Pro. The downside to the 5 Pro is the VFD spindle kits are sold out, and on top of that they are only 65mm and only uses ER-11 collets.

[@fgbeetle]

I have the exact same complaints, I moved my bit zero up to the gantry , just extend the 3 wires .added a z brake to hold spindle up on power down, added air and coolant,to mineOH LETS NOT FORGET THE LOOSE SCREWS! LOL GREAT VID BUD!

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

You're a enclosure building madman Josh!! There are so many good ideas on it.....including the BitZero on the Z that I am going to be asking you a lot of questions. My shop is tiny and I am building not a enclosure but a ex-posure that will be extended out of my shop to hold my Elite Journeyman. I'm going to be using a lot of your awesome ideas.

[@MitchellsWoodwork]

Hi Josh! Where can I find a video or more info on your setup? I checked your YT account and didn't find anything.

[@fldiving1558]

Great review. I had a 3 XXL and now have a 4 Pro. The 3 XXL was a great machine. In retrospect I should have kept it, as I have had a few issues with the 4 Pro. I am looking into the 5 pro as I could use the extra cutting space, and I like the improvements (in theory) over the 4 Pro.

[@espressomatic]

It's a shame that most of these desktop systems are put together as if they're home-made. That wiring is a mess and should have been done with cables to keep it clean. The 5 Pro is clearly their best system, but it just doesn't cross the finish line, IMO.

[@toddmolloy311]

Well 4 larger close loop servos similar to the hdm will put that to the test. Probably turn that frown upside down to 🤣

[@bestyoutubernonegraternumber1]

Yeah, Shapeoko Pro 4 is superior to the 5. I know it still had belts but the rest of the fit/finish is much better. Why did they do that to the bitsetter on 5? That was dumb.

[@thecreator1455]

I OWN THE 3XXL AND THE PROXXL I WAS GOING TO UP GRADE TO THIS MACHINE SO I DON'T HAVE TO TILE MY BIGGER PROJECTS ANYMORE, THANK YOU FOR REVIEW. 👍👍

[@MrToms427]

Thanks David, I had this high on my list. No longer. Not that I'm not capable of doing all the fixes, but for the money I'd ecpect a great deal more quality. To many vidoes that are unspocered where theres parts issues and quality issues. Goof luck. I hope the machine serves you well.

[@colinds]

Doesn’t look like your wiring harness is routed properly. Which is causing the wires to come out of the the back channel like that. 3:39 Agree with your comments overall. Had a few loose screws as well and One stepper motor was missing the connector. Packaging was amazing. The thing is rock solid. Gantry light is a really nice touch. Bit setter and bit zero aren’t working quite right on mine. Support is getting me squared away though. First few simple cuts in and it’s rocking. Haven’t pulled the trigger on the spindle though.

[@davidgrissom8448]

wires are routed exactly as the pdf says to route them except I didn't use the right back plastic wire guide so I could get the wires high enough so the gantry wouldn't hi them. other than that I ran them as directed.

[@TheriotContracting]

For your dust collection it is possible to share the "trigger" wire in the VFD and run it to a Relay that matches the voltage of the trigger, if there isn't enough current coming from the board, you can add a transistor as a "pre-Relay" before the relay using another power source for the current to operate the larger relay. It is advised to use a diode in between the vfd and the relay to eliminate any feedback to the board or vfd. I know this may be out of a lot of people's ability to do, but I just thought I'd put it out there. You can find videos to do this, "using a NPN transistor as a relay" or replace with PNP depending on the polarity of the voltage being used.

[@davidgrissom8448]

i am not that electrically minded to know how to do all of that. I actually dont mind hitting a button.

[@shawnliu2590]

This noise comes from the stepper motors. The cheap motors will create a lot noise and close loop motors will not. And this stepper motor will lose some step when the machine meet cutting resistance that will cause the product inaccuracy. And the nut has some steel ball inside to follow the ballscrew. If the machine use cheap ballscrew will have some noise and harm the stick.

[@jakemat]

Make a video on how it runs, how fast it can cut, how deep it can cut, and what kind of cut quality you get.

[@jarexxsuvexx8212]

You can easily get that info from carbide3d.🤨

[@davidgrissom8448]

I will be making that video soon

[@Polkilo]

Thanks for your review! Waiting for a video how it’s work 😉👍

[@automan1223]

If you are not mixing “way” oil with coolant a la milling machine Mobil 1 5-30 should do fine . Locktite hardware as you go over it . I have a 3 and the wiring has always been a chore to keep routed

[@derekjenkinson8014]

Sure you can change the home position in the g code to the front left.

[@mikeprice820]

I use one of those light controllers on my HAAS TM1 and TL1 for coolant.

[@rmpbrown01]

David - I have this same machine coming and was wondering what would be the ideal dimensions for the workbench tabletop? The Carbide site says the footprint of the machine is 60 x 35 inches. What are your table's measurements? It's hard to tell, but it looks like the front of your machine overhangs just a bit, but it seems you have space behind the machine. I assume there is a reason you can't push the machine further back, but I just can't see it. Please let me know what you would recommend the tabletop be size wise.

[@jayeckhart1561]

I have the Shapeoko 3 and I have been having issues with the screws falling out. Trouble is that I think some of them have been sucked up by the dust boot.

[@VoltageStudio]

Take them all out and use VC-3 (Vibra-tite). They will never come loose again by themselves and would be easily removable after if needed.

[@rtroiani]

Great review. I just sold my SO3XXL and will be ordering a 5 Pro. On the pauses, it's definitely Carbide Motion. I installed the latest Carbide Motion on my SO3XXL and all those pauses are now there. My machine wouldn't work right on V6 of motion correctly, so downgraded to V5.

[@ohitsyouagain9032]

As a former toolmaker I'd recommend a silicone based lube for lead screw, and clean with a microfiber towel, not an air hose. I'd viewed many vids online with ones blowing off debris with air. Air is the worst application one can apply around any computerized equipment; and guys stop blowing your clothes off with an air hose you're going to end up in an ER - just my thoughts from years experience.

[@Made_by_House]

as far as the oil, they sell a maintenance kit now

[@patriotwoodworker6092]

Damn brother. Thanks for making this. I have their older pro. It’s okay at best. I’m looking at another brand all together so many times I’ll be in the middle of a long cut file and the damn thing just stops. It’s still spinning but the machine freezes so I have to start all over again

[@davidgrissom8448]

just FYI i love this machine now. started a bit rocky but it is an amazing machine now.

[@insideout144]

If next wave and shapeoko linked up they would have a solid all around machine. Like say Axiom

[@mzimmerman1988]

good feedback 👍

[@AgribusinessDR.G.]

If I get one I will just assume that every screw is loose and go through the entire thing with a screw driver and a marker.

[@mcfarlandcustoms]

My biggest issue is that they limit the feed rate to 200ipm.

[@jeffverdin6105]

Meh… depends on what you’re doing. A very high percentage of people have zero clue as to how to get the absolute most out of their machine. Catch 22. I have a different machine that’s faster. So I’m non biased

[@iwannaapple7190]

They advertise 300 ipm. Is that wrong?

[@51rclewis]

Hey Dave - thanks for the video. I’m trying to decide between this CNC and the Onefinity Journeyman Pro. Did you do any compares prior to buying this Shapeoko?

[@brandonk3575]

I'm in the exact same spot. Did you make a decision yet?

[@AcrylicMemories]

Do More videos with it Subbed............best regards

[@philjacobus860]

I bought the oil on Amazon. Think it was a 2 pt or quart. Not that expensive.

[@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

[@woodworkingandautomation]

Nice review David, that's why I built a machine with smaller footprint, and no loose screws...with automation. Enjoy!

[@tedrowland7800]

This is why I have not bought a C.N.C. I don't want to pay all that money and have to troubleshoot.

[@rubenreynaga1572]

on your create program where you set up your work you can change the home for your machine you have 4 choices of where to put it. About your video i got tired of what it seems a million complaints I skip it the end end you were saying good things. anyway good luck.

[@eddiemoreno2922]

I am thinking of getting one, is it best to use lock tight on the screws?

[@bradleykornele]

Is there laser option yet like onefinity?

[@iwannaapple7190]

What are the "bugs"? And does the axis ever skew? Have you ever had issues where it will not return to the exact same x0 y0 position (even though it may say x0 y0)? And I watched your video again. Even though you did not go so much into the performance of the machine, I notice you do not have ANY cut marks into your waste board. While I and other videos I've watched you can see cut marks. To me, that is evidence of accuracy of the machine. I have a longmill and I know several times I have measured my wood accurately but yet the bit goes through my wood and still goes through the waste board MUCH more then I set it for. I really would like to sell mine and I am looking at your machine or a oNefinity but I would like to get one where it is at least accurate enough to not cut through my waste board as that can get expensive. Also, can you tell me how the x-axis travels? Does it have v-wheels and if it does has that been a problem?

[@daboyakasha101]

you ever try setting your Z0 against the spoilboard itself?

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@daboyakasha101 Yes. The Longmill has a glitch. I believe that was one thing that set it off. It also seriously dug into the washboard through my wood. That same glitch also tried to drive the bit through the touch plate. Never did it again. There were times when it was successful though.

[@daboyakasha101]

@@iwannaapple7190 dang, i used to have a X-carve and overtime the z axis would get out of whack with the rollers and z belt tension and I'd lose steps and I'd have to readjust the belt and bearings. but the longmill z axis looks more robust than that. You ever consider the toll pulling out of the collet? I sometimes have that issue even now with a much better router. you think its a controller or software issue?

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@daboyakasha101 I'll check the tension on the z belt. I did replace wheels. Looking to get onefinity soon. Gonna check it out more to see what's wrong. I don't like the machine though

[@JustinTyme1966]

Can you acually cut 4ft wide or is it that you can fit a 4ft piece in the machine. I have the 3XXL and if I try to cut anything at the 32" (that hey say I can cut) I sometimes get a limit switch fault and lose my location.

[@jacobbrown1690]

Yes

[@johnread7404]

You can cut the full 4'. The machine is bigger, but the cut capacity is a full 4'x4'.

[@GuidoMillonezz]

Imagine you pay thousands of dollars and those mtf send u a machine with loose screws

[@AxltheTemplar]

I can't get past initializing, the X axis won't move.

[@michaels8297]

That same thing happened to me. They have broken controllers they are sending out to people. This is very common problem. This company is a joke

[@AxltheTemplar]

@@michaels8297 got it fixed, the machine is pretty good once you beat that problem.

[@ChipPuccio]

is that a sweepy 2 for dust collection?

[@lennyco1]

Do you wish you bought the 4x4 table?

[@davidgrissom8448]

no. i absolutely love the 2x4. it fits my work space perfectly. i don't have the space to dedicate 4x4 to a cnc

[@Todd-W]

onefinity is your enemy C3D. why give them the ammunition they need to succeed instead of doing the C3D way (doing it right the first time)? Just for the record, I've hated 1F ever since those idiots came out with the "SUCKIT" dust boot which literally did not suck.. it was a POS and I hated every single response I received from support on it.

[@iwannaapple7190]

What do you think about their elite?

[@MG6Makes1776]

@@iwannaapple7190 who knows, no one can get one with 6mo+ lead times.

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@MG6Makes1776 Wow, it's up to 6 months now huh. That's a big demand

[@almichka786]

@@iwannaapple7190 I received mine a week ago and the build quality is great. It is built like a tank. I have the Elite Foreman. If a dust boot is the biggest problem you have with a machine that is a very small and fixable problem. There are several different types of dust boots that work.

[@johnread7404]

Their supports for me has been incredible. I am in the UK and have an Elite Journeyman. I often saw comments while waiting for the machine, about people being overnighted parts, but used to think, they are in North America what happens to me if something goes wrong, I'm in Europe, surely it will take forever? Had an issue with some missing resistors on the closed loop steppers. They replied to emails within 15mins - 30mins from my messages being sent, and after asking and being sent photos to diagnose, they sent me the resistors that were missing and also threw in a spare motor (just in case I'd damaged one using it without the resistors because I live so far away). From first reaching out, to having parts in my hand to fix the problem was less than 48 hours with DHL Express. From Canada to the UK, via USA in 46 hours! Superb support. They have since backed this up with another smaller problem, which didn't require it, but they sent me three new motors to keep in case anything goes wrong, for free. These motors retail at $100+ each. I'm sure they pay less wholesale, but still. They were again with me within less than 2 working days. This is just my experience, and I'm sure they get it wrong sometimes, but what company doesn't. I've had nothing but positive experiences. They could've kept people better informed during the wait, especially the early pre orderers, but I think they were overwhelmed with the orders and will learn from it.

[@andrewtaylor4554]

I made it halfway thru b4 I realized I can’t listen to a guy bitch about wiring etc when he can’t even cut off his poorly placed tywraps proper …. Cheers

[@davidgrissom8448]

in my defense this was only a couple days after I had it running. I didn't think I was bitching i was simply stating my findings.

[@edwingomez5101]

Quick fix with lockttie

[@resorter66]

Wow that wiring job you did does not look very professional

[@davidgrissom8448]

well I'm not a professional electrician so this is what a carpenter's wiring looks like! It looks a lot better now. this was a couple days after setting up the machine.

[@doulos5322]

You complain an awful lot for the very basics of cnc stuff. those rails and ball screws do not need very much maintenance I grease my linear guides once every 6 months and jus brush off the lead screws with a paint brush diff machine self built but same style hardware. The hiwin bearings for example say every 500km of travel.

[@davidgrissom8448]

i didn't think I was complaining at all. I was just stating my opinion. I love this machine and have made a lot of money with it. i just try to make honest and fair videos trying to it as objectively as possible. i mean seriously who wants to watch a video where everything is great and this thing is amazing nothing was wrong! that is a video the manufacturer can and does make.

[@J.erem.y]

I'm just going to leave this here as Carbide is having all kinds of QA issues, there are A LOT of broken machines customer support is throwing parts at hoping for the best. Even going as far as to blame some unknown 3rd party and pass off responsibility to them. These machines are NOT tested before they leave, they are essentially assembled and drop shipped from a 3rd party. Carbide doesn't even see 99.99% of the machines as they go out. Missing hardware is common. Bad electronics is VERY common now. So in short no, you shouldn't buy this machine.

[@davidgrissom8448]

my machine has ran flawlessly for about a year now. initially it had a couple hickups but now it is great.