Shapeoko 5 Pro Review

After using the shapeoko 5 pro for 3 months I take a look at the good and the bad and discuss whether its right for you. This is not a sponsored video in any way.
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[@Barnett14TV]

A quick clarification: You can join the community and access the video resources without purchasing a machine.

[@ShawnCNC]

Great video! Sorry if you answered this, but where did you get your table from that the CNC is sitting on? Looks like a perfect fit.

[@builtforlife]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5mvaJmih76Hq8k

[@williamcraft7696]

The only negative aspect of the machine is that there isn't much space under the Gantry for larger materials. However, after putting it together, it looks like there could be a simple solution for this problem based on where and how the gantry is attached.

[@builtforlife]

There is a way to offset the gantry and build and edge clamp for doing joinery from what i understand, but mine is running too much to play with that.

[@DenisDeCharmoy-fl3ht]

I have not found your inlay video on your channel. Please leave me a comment where it can be found. Blessings

[@builtforlife]

What inlay video are you looking for?

[@Mike-xi1iu]

Ive been into woodworking forever and am just looking at getting into the cnc world. Great informative video. Nice work.

[@builtforlife]

Thank you

[@stlwoodworking]

I just did a video on this as well on my channel. I started with the 4 Pro XL and added the 5 Pro. I also went with the VFD Spindle. Good Job on your video

[@builtforlife]

Thanks I’m trying … I’m learning a lot of new things at once (KZbin, editing software, lighting, audio) it’s a lot of work but i hope it will eventually look like i know what I’m doing.

[@stlwoodworking]

Also I have a file if you would like it to cut your own slats for the machine. Also not sure about your program because mine does not go back to home between bit changes

[@builtforlife]

Yeah i think it’s the programming. What are you using to create tool paths?

[@speedrager6074]

To clarify: with Carbide Create, the machine runs all your toolpaths and changes in one "project" file and does not need to rehome between bits.

[@NWGR]

Thanks for the review, much appreciated. I was almost set on a 2x4 S5Pro, but in all honesty, the onefinity x50 is a far better value for me. I like not needing to have a PC attached to it. I'm glad the benchtop CNC market is so fierce; it's been enticing all the manufacturers to really bulk up on features without inflating the price. In regards to 3d printing, I started with an ender 3 pro, but if I were shopping today, I'd save up some extra cash and go straight for a prusa. I want to use the machines, not need to constantly tinker with them.

[@builtforlife]

I thought the onefinity had a tablet attached. That is essentially the same right? As far as the competition is concerned it is 100% good for us. It will drive innovation, and consumer value … that is awesome!!!

[@NWGR]

@@builtforlife The tablet is just a touch screen; you can even order it without it and buy your own bigger screen (many of us do; there's a nice asus 21" touchscreen that's popular with it). The brains (PC) are in the control box. It functions a lot like a 3d printer in that you can do all your designing on your home PC or laptop, put the file on a flash drive, and then plug that into the onefinity control box. Ease of use and setup is another thing the onefinity has going for it. It goes together in about 30 minutes if you're taking your time. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@builtforlife]

Thanks for the info … my set up is not too different other than the computer being the brain. I have a Laguna a my work that is more similar to what your explaining with its own VFD and control software that just reads G-code. Maybe I’ll do a video showing both and explaining the difference

[@johnread7404]

@@builtforlife It's not a tablet, it's just a touch screen, exactly the same as a touch monitor. There is no storage on it and it doesn't run the machine. The controller does. A lot of people get confused by this and think it's a tablet.

[@rtroiani]

I just sold my SO3 XXL and will be ordering a 5 Pro. On the slow homing, I had that on my 3 and they gave me a command to type in to speed that up, but I can’t remember it. If you ask them they can probably hook you up.

[@gruvinnz]

I have the 4 pro. It's solid. The biggest downfall of Shapeoko's products is without any doubt their crappy controller and software. I wish they just put a standard Mach3/UCNC/LPT port on their machines so we could use decent software. Their crap is soooo lame by comparison. (I built my own controller and threw theirs in the bin. WAY better. We shouldn't have to do that when we're paying this much money for the machine itself!)

[@builtforlife]

You are clearly more well versed in the software side than I am. I have had multiple people tell me this about the controller though.

[@gruvinnz]

@@builtforlife Hey. Yeah, actually, their controller itself runs the well enough, using trusted GRBL software internally BUT Carbide3D for some bizarre reason decided to write a custom (highly limited and buggy) "wrapper" around it. This means you have no access to GRBL itself and thus many of its standard features. Want to pause a job half way through, rewind a bit and continue? No problem in GRBL or UCNC or Mach3 or LinuxCNC. With Carbide's system, you're basically screwed. You have to abort and either rerun from the start or scrap the piece altogether. Want to calibrate your own Z-probe? Maybe the one they shipped is off by a thou? Nope. Can't even do that. You have to trust that their factory got the thing made perfectly accurately and it didn't change between then and when you go it. Still the BEST physical machine available in its class for the money and global availability (I'm in NZ). Just such a damned shame they physically prohibit anyone from running better software to drive it, once they're ready. OK/ I'm done. hehe Have a good one!

[@builtforlife]

Love it … you are screaming all the problems i have with the machine. The more and more i use it the more I find things i want it to do that seem simple. Like change the rapid positions locations to where i want them to be. It’s not my last CNC i will ever have but it works for now.

[@brianblather]

Thanks for pointing out the dust collection tip. I'm pretty sure at some point, someone will put a 3d printable bracket up on one of the many sites.

[@builtforlife]

You are probably right I’m gonna start watching thingiverse for it. I try to always have friends with 3d printers ha ha ha

[@spaminacan4u]

What brand is the table frame you've got yours setup on? I'm about to order an XXL and I like that steel frame vs building one out of 4x4 posts and wood frame

[@builtforlife]

I welded that one up out of steel from a pallet rack, but Kreg makes a metal frame for a 64x64 top.

[@Morfoot6]

I wanna know what computer mount you have there? I’ve been looking for something very similar to that!! Good video, thanks.

[@builtforlife]

There is a link in the description to this one. Let me know if it doesn’t work. The mount is the best thing i did to this table it’s awesome.

[@kerrybrown8880]

Thanks for the review, I am a woodworker looking to add some automation for projects - Looking at your table, why did you set it up so high?

[@builtforlife]

I’m in a 2 car garage with part of it being a gym so i made it high to nest another work table underneath it. I had to use cubic feet instead of square feet.

[@51rclewis]

Nice video! I’m wondering if you compared this machine to the Onefinity Journeyman Pro prior to buying? I’m contemplating one or the other.

[@builtforlife]

I did compare… the price was better on the shapeoko and i will end up with a commercial cnc when i am able to take this full time i think.

[@QAYWSXEDCCXYDSAEWQ]

Very interesting Vetric can export g-Code for carbide motion! useful to know!! subscribed, your option is valuable!

[@builtforlife]

Thanks for watching! We are glad to have you!

[@daveyJ213]

Awesome, honest review and information. Thanks for posting.

[@billmurphyoutdoors337]

Just wondering if lightburn is an option on operating this cnc...thanks Bill

[@builtforlife]

I have lightburn and i am fairly up to speed on it and i do not know if a feature that would allow you to run a cnc. It’s really the tool database and ability of the software to calculate the tool path.

[@RubenLichteveld]

Nice video. I’m a carpenter, looking to start with CNC and a laser cutter as a hobby. Which would you recommend first, a Shapeoko 5 pro 4x2 or an Xtools D1 Pro 40w (I saw a laser cutter frame under your table)?

[@builtforlife]

I do have an XTool D1 i would recommend a laser first and probably not the XTool 40. There is a channel call clack shack he has tested a bunch of diode lasers. That may be a good source for you.

[@jasonsimon3204]

I guess I should add: great video. Seriously honest.

[@MrLawlanator]

Would you be able to provide the real world dimensions for the S5Pro? I'm currently building up the cushion to buy the machine, but I really wanted to get a stand and enclosure mostly setup before I made the purchase but I'm hesitant to trust Carbide's listed footprint. I think one of your prior videos showed it'd be sitting on a 64x64 table and seems to be taking up every ounce of space on it.

[@builtforlife]

I have a Facebook group that would lend itself to this conversation a lot more. I will be happy to get you measurements and pictures and show you how it filled out the 64x64. The group is Built For Life. If you don’t have Facebook let me know and i will get you the dimensions.

[@troymartell151]

Get a used 4x4 and I'm sure it will come with a handful of problems And proably no support on it at all

[@builtforlife]

Everything comes with risk, however carbide 3D is pretty well known for their customer support being very helpful.

[@karlsangree4679]

Love the review; thanks for posting it. I'm thinking of upgrading from a FoxAlien Vasto. I think I have it narrowed down to the Shapeoko 5 Pro 4x4 and Onefinity Elite Foreman (4x4). My Vasto is working well but I'm finding that the Vasto's 15"x15" platform is just a bit small for some of the work I do. I'm torn between the 4x4 and 4x2. I have the room for a 4x4 but took note of your commentary on the machine homing time which would be twice as long on a 4x4. But... I just know that the first time a job doesn't fit on the 4x2 I would be kicking myself.

[@builtforlife]

Thanks for watching. If space and price are not a factor then the 4x4 seems the way to go. I have a laser that is 16”x16” and it got small very quick. My 4x4 cnc hasn’t been too small yet.

[@karlsangree4679]

@@builtforlife Space is not a problem and I am of the "Buy once, cry once" school of thought. Just ordered a Shapeoko 5 Pro 4x4. Thanks again.

[@spudrunner7917]

Nice ! Can you give me the info on your computer mount please ?

[@builtforlife]

I just updated the video description and put a link in there for you. Thanks for watching.

[@jasonsimon3204]

I own a small business where we have plastic boxes that we send out. I’d love to have raised letters on them. My signs would be 2’ x 9”. My idea is to cut the letters from HDPE or similar material. Is it a good idea to buy the S5pro for the purpose? My guess is that I’ll cut about 200 signs per year so not a lot of use. I’d love confirmation that it’s a good fit over a laser cutter or 3d printer. Thanks in advance for the opinion.

[@builtforlife]

Well if that’s all you would be doing is cutting letters out a laser may be more your speed. Though if you see the potential for more options a CNC can do more than a laser. There are lots of manufacturers of 2 color HDPE for signs that look really good with the beveled side created by a V-bit. If you have any more questions or want insight check out my Facebook group “built for life” it’s easier to share picture and comments.

[@jasonsimon3204]

Thanks a ton!@@builtforlife

[@bobd5119]

Excellent review! Your first-hand experience is really meaningful.

[@builtforlife]

Thank you for watching!!

[@daniels4338]

You can alter your programs to change how the machine moves during tool changes.

[@builtforlife]

I use vectric and haven’t figured out how to do it yet.

[@blackbbobmer]

ordered mine , what table is that , That you have cnc sitting on

[@builtforlife]

It’s one i built if you check out my channel and video library there is a video all about it.

[@rat8356]

sure is quiet

[@michaelzemanek2314]

Good review. Glad you posted it. I have had an XXL PRO for 2 years and love it. I enjoy learning with it.

[@builtforlife]

Thanks .. this is the first time i have ever done a review. This is a great hobby with awesome money making potential.

[@LachieJamesThomas]

Legend!

[@sgtsmif]

What table is your cnc sitting on?

[@builtforlife]

I built it. I did a whole video of the build. Its called “Kreg table clone for less money”

[@faw3511]

Good info. What's the blue table? Thank you.

[@builtforlife]

I built it link below. I built the table underneath it that nests inside too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5mvaJmih76Hq8k

[@faw3511]

Beautiful job. Thank you.@@builtforlife

[@bgood188]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been searching for more insight to using vcarve with the shapeoko 5 pro. Your the first to even mention it. I’m leaning toward the onefinity only because of vcarve.

[@builtforlife]

Vcarve has a built in post processor for carbide motion you simply select what format you want it saved in (in my case carbide motion) and either send it direct to carbide motion or save it on a drive and pull it up on the computer you are using to operate the machine.

[@bgood188]

@@builtforlife thanks for the insight. This has been helpful

[@bgood188]

@@builtforlife one quick question. If you have multiple tool paths in vcarve when you go to carbide motion are the tool paths treated and separate files or one file?

[@builtforlife]

You have to divide them up at a minimum by tool. So 1 file for V bit then a second for an end Mill. You can run multiple tool paths on the same file provided they use the same tool.

[@bgood188]

@@builtforlife thanks for the help on this. You answered my biggest question. Again thanks

[@dannyparke4477]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@kuzcatlan]

@10:14 that’s the VFD Spindle Kit option for $750.00, correct? Is the actual cutting size 4’x4’?

[@builtforlife]

Yes the spindle kit is around $750. And yes the cutting area is 4 foot by 4 foot.

[@keithbrown8890]

Great job. I have a Shapeoko 5 Pro 4' x 4' too. I plan on getting a Harbor Freight dust collector based on what you did.

[@builtforlife]

I’m glad you liked it I’m going to revisit the dust collection soon and show in more detail how it’s hooked up because i get so many questions about it.

[@J.erem.y]

Glad you got one that worked! They are having some serious issues with these machines. You might want to check if your electronics are affected. NOT a great time to buy one of these machines.

[@builtforlife]

Outside buying a commercial grade machine ( laguna, phantom) i think you will have issues. There is a lot of vibration and moving parts. I have had my issues but they are all fixable… luckily I’m not trying to run a commercial business with a hobby machine.

[@mohillbilly5841]

What are the serious issues?

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Wow!! I forced myself to finish the video before I commented. I'm going to leave everything out except for two things and neither reflect on Carbide 3D or the 5. 1st - the wasteboard strips that are going to be so inconvenient to replace. I won't even mention that you could zero off the bottom of the material and never need to replace them but you know that with your vast experience. One thing to mention.... you are reviewing a cnc router but worried about some mdf strips?? Is this a attempt to be funny?? 2nd - and this relates to the first. You have a line of flat pack furniture your going to design and sell?? Correct?? but replacing your wasteboard strips is going to be inconvenient. Either your just rambling on to make your video or your serious which is worse.

[@builtforlife]

I mentioned the things that bothered me were nit picky … thanks for watching and thanks for the feed back.

[@solafidedesignskc]

Clinton rude! Also, MDF will actually move over time like any other wood material, so yes, over time, regardless of the 0 point, you will need to replace the MDF.