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Question Shapeoko benchtop CNC. Anyone else using this?

Discussion in 'CNC Routing & Laser Cutting' started by DStanworth, Nov 3, 2019.

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  1. Nov 3, 2019 #1
    DStanworth

    DStanworth Stanworth Sign

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    I have recently purchased the Shapeoko router for my shop. Turned out to be a good purchase. It cost less than my vinyl cutter. At $1,800 definitely worth a look. Comes as a kit and has a 33" x 33" cutting area. I think the z axis has 4". Here are some images of the table and a cool little routed sign I made with 1" thick Sintra.

    I wanted to purchase a full size commercial unit but decided I'd give this a try to see if cutting my own letters would be a good fit.

    Weblink
    https://carbide3d.com/shapeoko/

    Thanks!
    Dennis

    router.jpg router1.jpg m2.jpg m4.jpg
     
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  2. Nov 3, 2019 #2
    DStanworth

    DStanworth Stanworth Sign

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    Here is another sign I have made with the Shapeoko IMG_7006.jpg IMG_7007.jpg .
     
    • Like Like x 6
  3. Nov 4, 2019 #3
    Martin Denton

    Martin Denton Member

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    Nice work
     
  4. Nov 4, 2019 #4
    White Haus

    White Haus Formally known as RJPW..........

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    Man, that's impressive work you're putting out!! Top notch.

    How was the assembly? Was it hard to get it producing accurate results like that? For that price it definitely seems worth checking out.

    Thanks for sharing!
     
  5. Nov 4, 2019 #5
    Cross Signs

    Cross Signs Active Member

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    Very nice!
     
  6. Nov 4, 2019 #6
    signsofsigns

    signsofsigns New Member

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    Your work looks AMAZING....
    How big of the letter or panel you can cut with this machine?

    thanks

    Niki
     
  7. Nov 4, 2019 #7
    Rocco G

    Rocco G Member

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    I myself had looked at this unit but didn't get back the initial phase. Will it work with software like V-carve pro from Vectric or even Aspire? Will it do any 3D or "2.5D" work? For example on the Moonshine sign, could you have had the machine cut the white of the letters as a raised section without having to make it a separate layer of material? Or is it just limited to doing flat cutouts? This looks like, for the price, a good intro to CNC. I mainly do electrical signs and have someone to do my routing (for things like push-thru lit faces) but want my own machine for 3D work.

    Thanks
    Rocco
     
    • Like Like x 1
  8. Nov 4, 2019 #8
    fixtureman

    fixtureman Member

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    It will work with any Vectric software as I see them on the Vectric page. I have seen some nice 3d cuts that were made on them also.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Nov 4, 2019 #9
    RatherDashing

    RatherDashing Member

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    I have two Nomads, which are the small desktop enclosed units by the same company. I want more work area, but don't want the mess inside a classroom. I like the company and the products.

    What material are you using for that sign?
     
    • Like Like x 1
  10. Nov 11, 2019 #10
    strypguy

    strypguy Active Member

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    I'm buying one of these soon. They are having a Black Friday special right now until Dec1st, I think. John
     
    • Like Like x 1
  11. Nov 30, 2019 #11
    DStanworth

    DStanworth Stanworth Sign

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    Actually it was pretty easy to get good results. I'm not real handy with tools but I assembled in half a day. I have no previous experience using a router although I have always worked in shops that had a cnc but I worked in the design department so I've never ran one of these. I was not sure it this would be a good tool for my one man shop but I figured it was $2k. If it did not work out it would not be the end of the world. I've had nothing but success with this machine. I mainly cut 3/4" and 1" PVC. There is a bit of a learning curve learning new software. You have to wrap your head around 'feeds and speeds' controlling how fast the router moves and how deep it cuts. There are different router bits that you have to figure out. I've been using it for about 5 months now and I've probably invested $4k in the machine and material and router bits, teaching myself to use the machine. Now I am good to go.

    It is capable of 3D machining not just 2D cuts. I was using the software that came with the machine but about to purchase Aspire VCarve Pro for $700. I should be able to cut prismatic letters.
    I purchase a bunch of letters from Gemini and Steel Art and now I can cut my own. Now I have to figure out how to paint letters.

    About to do an article in SignCraft about this machine.

    Stanworthsign.com
     

    Attached Files:

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  12. Nov 30, 2019 #12
    DStanworth

    DStanworth Stanworth Sign

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    My latest project with the Shapeoko

    _DTS4285.jpg
     
  13. Nov 30, 2019 #13
    DStanworth

    DStanworth Stanworth Sign

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    Here is a project where I cut 1/2" thick black PVC letters. Then I ran painters paper thru my plotter with a sandblast blade and made an installation pattern.

    IMG_7383.jpg IMG_7384.jpg
     
  14. Nov 30, 2019 #14
    DStanworth

    DStanworth Stanworth Sign

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    Aug 13, 2018
    Walnut Creek, California
    Here is one more.

    1/2" thick PVC Letters, matte acrylic, vinyl, stand-off's and a piece of plywood.

    _DTS4294.jpg
     
    • Like Like x 1
  15. Dec 1, 2019 #15
    strypguy

    strypguy Active Member

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    Amazing work. I just got my Shapeoko XXL setup. I'd love to know more about your bits, speeds, and feeds for PVC and acrylic. Also, where are you getting the PVC and acrylic? I'm new to CNC as well but have been playing around and learning the included software and an older version Aspire, 8.0 from a friend. You can private message me if you like, Thanks, John
     
  16. Dec 6, 2019 #16
    Peachtree Signs

    Peachtree Signs Member

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    That's pretty cool, I'd like to have something like that at home just to mess around with
     
  17. Dec 6, 2019 #17
    BIG EASY DOES IT

    BIG EASY DOES IT Very Active Member

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    Check out ToolsToday Their instagram account has a lot of CNC work. Their shop guy is just setting up this exact same machine to use in their shop. He does some really good stuff, might want to give him a follow. Been looking at one of these for my house.
     
  18. Dec 7, 2019 #18
    player

    player Major Contributor

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    Don't forget about the 5 micron dust particles that will kill you. Professional dust collection, ventilation and air makeup system is required. CNC machines pose a health hazard.
     
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