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Help! => Machines, Tools and Fixtures => Topic started by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 18, 2019, 09:03:12 PM

Title: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 18, 2019, 09:03:12 PM
Hello everyone,

Does anyone here have first hand experience with Shapeoko XL CNC Router, either own one or have used one to give me a personal review of this unit.

I am considering buying a CNC Router in the future and looking for one in the 3-foot x 2-foot table size range. All of the internet reviews that I have read so far gives this machine a very good rating.

Have a great day,
Thomas
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: toolznthings on June 18, 2019, 11:42:12 PM
Hi Thomas,

I have the basic Shapeoko 3. What can I help you with ?

Brian
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: b.lindsey on June 19, 2019, 12:08:37 AM
Can't help at all, but interested in the thread. Will this be for the car body Thomas?

Bill
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 19, 2019, 01:23:09 AM
Can't help at all, but interested in the thread. Will this be for the car body Thomas?

Bill

Hello Bill,

I must laugh at your question, I just received an email from Chris suggesting that I cut the body out of a tree trunk :lolb:

The main use for the Router would be for other projects, but I could do a brass Instrument Panel and some Emblems now that I think about it.

Have a great day,
Thomas
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 19, 2019, 01:38:02 AM
Hi Thomas,

I have the basic Shapeoko 3. What can I help you with ?

Brian

Hello Brian,

You are the man that I am looking for  :cartwheel:. I am looking at the 3' x 2' XL model and as earlier stated every review that I have found on the internet gives the machine really good ratings. First off, are you satisfied with the unit and how easy is "their" program to learn and operate? I know that their program is an "in house" design but again all that I have read is good. I do all of my design work in AutoCAD so all of my drawings are in both dwg and dxf format which exports directly into the program.

Thanks so much for any helpful information,
Thomas
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Woodguy on June 19, 2019, 01:46:53 PM
The platform provided by the shapeoko system is robust enough for a lot of projects, but be aware that there are many spindle options. How much you can do will depend in large measure on your spindle choice. I don't have a shapeoko, but a larger more robust machine made from CNCRouterparts (now called AvidCNC) components. I began with a small (laminate trimmer style) router as a spindle and quickly moved to a variable speed Kress spindle which was good, but under powered.  I moved from that to a larger router with variable speed which expired in a puff of smoke one day.  I then moved to a 2.2KW spindle/VFD combination and have been happy ever since. I cut wood, plastic, aluminum and one day I engraved some concrete paving stones.


Explore your spindle options. CNC routers are great fun.
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 19, 2019, 02:17:12 PM
The platform provided by the shapeoko system is robust enough for a lot of projects, but be aware that there are many spindle options. How much you can do will depend in large measure on your spindle choice. I don't have a shapeoko, but a larger more robust machine made from CNCRouterparts (now called AvidCNC) components. I began with a small (laminate trimmer style) router as a spindle and quickly moved to a variable speed Kress spindle which was good, but under powered.  I moved from that to a larger router with variable speed which expired in a puff of smoke one day.  I then moved to a 2.2KW spindle/VFD combination and have been happy ever since. I cut wood, plastic, aluminum and one day I engraved some concrete paving stones.


Explore your spindle options. CNC routers are great fun.

Hello Woodguy and thanks,

Yes your are correct about the Spindle choice and on the one that I am considering it has a 1.25hp so I am fairly sure that it will do all that I plan for it now. I have read about your machine and it is a lot more in features. Boy this is hard because there are so many units now available with so many options. However after many hours on the internet I am comfortable with the Shapeoko XL. By the time that I am ready to make the purchase I could change my mind and look at another brand or unit or even upgrade to the XXL model they offer. My biggest problem is shop space, so I must complete the Buggy for the needed space.

Thank you again for the information and have a great day,
Thomas
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 19, 2019, 10:23:10 PM
Hello everyone,

Just had a very enjoyable and informative phone conversation with Brian @toolznthings about the Shapeoko CNC Router and based on what I learned from him, I will most likely buy the XL model. It sure is nice to be able to get first hand knowledge about a piece of equipment and I appreciate taking so much of Brian's time.

Thanks everyone for all the help and have a great day,
Thomas
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: toolznthings on June 19, 2019, 11:17:12 PM
Had a great time talking to Travis today. Lots of shop talk is always good !  :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Hugh on June 21, 2019, 09:14:36 PM
I'm also contemplating one, so thanks all for the discussion! :)

Hugh
Title: Re: Shapeoko XL CNC Router looking for information
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on June 21, 2019, 11:04:02 PM
Hello Hugh,

I think I have been on every CNC router web site that is on the internet and liked all that I read on the Shapeoko XL. Talking with Brian really helped me to make up my mind. As soon as I finish building the Buggy and get it out of the shop, I will get one on order.

I love this Forum because everyone are so willing to help with just about any question or problem.

Have a great day,
Thomas
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