$100 Shapeoko Pro CNC Table – Easy DIY Project
Having a solid, stable, and flat surface to sit your CNC Router on is crucial. However, the last thing you feel like doing after sinking your hard-earned money into buying a CNC is to spend even more money on an expensive or complex table. I’m here to show you how I built my own cnc table for only $100!
Confused as to what exactly a CNC router is? Deep dive into the terminology, technology, and much more to quickly become an expert on the newest technology emerging in the woodworking realm!
Read More: What is a CNC Router?
Why Do I Need a CNC Table?
Most CNC machines on the market today, especially those marketed to Hobbyists or Woodworkers, do not come with legs or a base to stand on their own. So unless you’re planning to put your new expensive machine on the floor, you will need to get yourself a table!
Machines like the Shapeoko Pro, Inventables X-Carve, and Onefinity rely upon you providing the surface to mount them in your workshop or maker space. Given the large sizes of these machines, you may find yourself needing to buy or build a table large enough to fit your CNC!
How Do I Build a CNC Table?
Building a table for your CNC machine can be as complex or easy as you wish to make it. Some use construction lumber frames with basic plywood tops. Others build elaborate enclosures from extruded aluminum. Are you looking for a table that is easy to build, attractive, stable, strong, and affordable? These were qualities I had in mind while designing my own CNC table using only two sheets of 4′ x 8′ plywood!
Before you begin building, think about your workshop, the CNC machine itself, and any special needs you may have. Ask yourself the following questions.
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What is the footprint size of your CNC?
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Do you need room for accessories?
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Where will your CNC’s computer live?
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Are there any features you want your table to incorporate such as lumber storage or expansion panels for electrical or safety switches?
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Do you need your table to be mobile and on wheels?
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Do you need your table to fold up when not in use?
These are just a few of the many questions you should be asking to get a better understanding of exactly what you need. Knowing your needs will help guide you in building a table that serves you best in your own unique workshop or maker space.
My Shapeoko Pro CNC Table
I purchased a Shapeoko Pro CNC from Carbide 3D and needed a table for it. I wanted a rock-solid foundation for my machine to sit on. My table had to be dead flat, stable, and not sag over time from the weight of the machine (175 lbs. in my case).
The Shapeoko Pro is one of the larger Woodworking / Hobbyist CNC Routers on the market today. This meant I was going to be in for a larger table than others have made. I decided to make my table 60″ wide and 48″ deep to accommodate the Shapeoko Pro. This would give me about 6″ clearance on all sides from the machine to the table edge.
I wanted a table that was mobile, so put it on top of a set of six heavy-duty locking caster wheels. The large casters allow the table to glide smoothly across my workshop floor when needed, while their locking feature keep the table parked securely when it’s time to work.
I have a small workshop (16′ x 16′) and making room for this CNC table was a big task! To maximize the space and uses, I incorporated material storage into the table and also gave room for my shop vac dust collection to live under the table top, too.
CNC Table Plans
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I plan to add an emergency stop switch to my CNC table in the near future as well as other switches to control dust collection, lighting, the router, and more. Knowing this ahead of time, I was able to design my CNC table with a special removable panel that I can mount all the electrical hardware onto for a nice clean look.
The last need for my CNC table was for it to be affordable! I was able to come up with an efficient design that used only two sheets of plywood for the whole build! This made the cost of the project at $100 USD — a great deal!
Building My Shapeoko Pro CNC Table
Where Can I Buy a CNC Table?
Not looking to go the DIY route on your table? Is your free time limited and you’d rather buy a table? Here are some considerations to think about when picking a commercial option for your CNC.
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How large is your machine?
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How heavy is your machine?
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What is your budget?
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Will you be adding an enclosure to it?
A recent poll of a CNC Woodworking group I am a member of showed these as the top tables people buy for their CNC Router machines.
Kreg Universal Bench System
With the Kreg Universal Bench, you can easily create a table to the right size to fit your CNC machine needs.
You will have to supply your own top and shelf (if desired).
Rockler Customizable Shop Stand
The Rockler Shop Stand is very similar to the Kreg system, but a bit more affordable. Rockler offers many size options to get the exact size you need for your CNC router.
You will have to supply your own top and shelf (if desired).
2×4 Basics Workbench Legs
Made of durable high-strength plastic, this is a leg kit to get you started on a semi-DIY solution for your CNC table setup.
You will have to supply your own lumber for the framing, top, and shelf (if desired). However, you will not have to make any special joinery cuts with this system!
