Shapeoko XXL vs. Shapeoko Pro – Which to Buy?

With the surprise announcement from Carbide 3D in September, 2020 of the new Shapeoko Pro CNC Router, you may find yourself wondering about the newest wood CNC router to hit the market and how it stacks up with prior models. Keep reading to compare the Shapeoko XXL CNC Router to the new Shapeoko Pro CNC Router from Carbide 3D!

What is a Shapeoko CNC Router?

Shapeoko is the product line or model name of a wood CNC router from Carbide 3D, a company based in Torrance, California, USA.

Shapeoko CNC Routers are marketed to woodworkers and makers ranging from the DIY hobbyist to the small business owner looking to incorporate automation to streamline their production workflows and beyond.

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?

How Many Shapeoko Models Are There?

Currently there are four sizes or models of the Shapeoko CNC Router available from Carbide 3D. The Shapeoko 3 Standard, Shapeoko XL, Shapeoko XXL, and the new Shapeoko Pro. The Standard, XL, and XXL models are very similar to each other whereas the Shapeoko Pro is in a league of its own with many upgrades and improvements.

Shapeoko XXL Key Specs

While we’ll discuss the differences between the Shapeoko XXL and Shapeoko Pro in this article, here are some main specs of the Shapeoko XXL that you should know.

Cutting Area:	32″ x 33″
Footprint:	45″W x 40.5″L x 16″H
Weight:	145 lbs.
Axis Controls:	NEMA 23 Stepper Motors
Drive Type:	GT2 9mm Timing Belt
Guide System:	V Wheels
Rail Build:	Aluminum Extrusion
Onboard Controls:	Inline power switch.
Warranty:	12 months / 1 year
Manufactured:	Made in the USA
Router / Spindle Mount:	65mm or 69mm
Computer Requirements:	Mac OS X 10.14 or higher Windows 8, 8.1, 10

Shapeoko Pro Key Specs

The Shapeoko Pro is the newest model from Carbide 3D. Take a deep dive into the new Shapeoko Pro in this article, but for now these are the key specs of the Shapeoko Pro that you must know!

Cutting Area:	33″ x 33″ x 4″
Footprint:	50″W x 42″L x 19″H
Weight:	175 lbs.
Axis Controls:	NEMA 23 Stepper Motors
Drive Type:	GT2 15mm Timing Belt
Guide System:	15mm Linear Rails
Rail Build:	Aluminum Extrusion
Onboard Controls:	Inline power switch.
Warranty:	12 months / 1 year
Manufactured:	Made in the USA
Router / Spindle Mount:	65mm
Computer Requirements:	Mac OS X 10.14 or higher Windows 8, 8.1, 10

Shapeoko XXL vs. Shapeoko Pro

No doubt, this is what you’re here for. You’re wondering how the Shapeoko XXL stacks up against the new Shapeoko Pro and how much of an upgrade it really is. Here are the main comparisons between the two machines.

	Shapeoko XXL	Shapeoko Pro
Cutting Area:	32″ x 33″ x 3″	33″ x 33″ x 4″
Footprint:	45″W x 40.5″L x 16″H	50″W x 42″L x 19″H
Weight:	145 lbs.	175 lbs.
Drive Type:	GT2 9mm Timing Belt	GT2 15mm Timing Belt
Guide System:	V Wheels	15mm Linear Rails
Onboard Controls:	Inline power switch.	Built-in Power Button & Inline power switch
Router / Spindle Mount:	65mm or 69mm	65mm
Bed Design:	Solid MDF	T-Slot Hybrid Table
Base Price:	$1,970 USD	$2,800 USD

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Additional Features of the Shapeoko Pro

Carbide 3D didn’t just upgrade a few things to create the new Shapeoko Pro, they completely redesigned the machine! Some noteworthy upgrades over the Shapeoko XXL are:

• Linear bearings and guide rails for all motion — no more V-Wheels

• Wider and stronger 15mm GT2 timing belts

• Built-in Bitsetter for quick tool change

• Integrated hybrid t-slot table made from aluminum extrusions and MDF strips

• Fully supported Y-axis extrusion tubes

• New Carbide Motion 3.0 electronics

• Precision machined motion plates

• Improved cable management and dedicated router/spindle drag chain

• Streamlined assembly process to get you running quicker

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you upgrade a Shapeoko XXL to a Shapeoko Pro?

Currently, there is no upgrade kit to convert your Shapeoko XXL into a Shapeoko Pro. There are many differences in the two machines which would be very complex and time-consuming to convert the XXL over to. The Pro is more than just new guides and table. It is a complete redesign of the Shapeoko machine.

When will the Shapeoko Pro arrive?

Carbide 3D launched the Shapeoko Pro for purchase on October 15, 2020 at 10:00am PT. The turnaround time from ordering to shipment is estimated at 30 days. For current shipment lead times (if any) check out the Shapeoko Pro on Carbide 3D’s website.

Where are Shapeoko CNC Routers made?

Carbide 3D, the maker of Shapeoko CNCs, is a USA-based company operating out of Torrance, California. All of their products, including the Shapeoko machine line are made in the USA. Learn about about Carbide 3D.

What kind of warranty comes with a Shapeoko?

Shapeokos come with a 30-day User Error Warranty as well as a 12 month Defect Warranty. Read all the Shapeoko Warranty legalese.

How is Customer Support for a Shapeoko?

Customer support from Carbide 3D is one of the top rated in the CNC router field. A quick google search or facebook query about getting customer support from Carbide 3D and you will quickly find they are quick to respond and work very hard to help the customer. Carbide 3D’s customer support is US-based.

How large is the Shapeoko online community?

The original Shapeoko was released almost 10 years ago, and the original iteration of the 3rd model over 5 years ago. With such a long history of one product line, the community adoption and support is extremely large. There are many online forums and facebook groups dedicated to the Shapeoko CNCs. Carbide 3D has its own community forum full of information, monthly contests, and much more!

Should You Buy the Shapeoko Pro? I did!

The Shapeoko Pro was my personal choice for a CNC Router after much research and comparing the top models of 2020. The benefits, features, pricing, and support from Carbide 3D all received rave reviews. I am excited to use it in my small workshop and to grow my small woodworking business!

Sam
Samcraft & Green Acre Homestead LLC

Telling someone whether or not they should invest their own money into something is not straight-forward.

You need to determine if the cost vs. benefit is in the right place depending on your needs, goals, and other personal factors.

It is clear to see the Shapeoko Pro is better built than the Shapeoko XXL, however the XXL has a long standing history of reliability and a large customer support base online.

Either way, regardless of which machine you choose, you will be in good hands with a Shapeoko CNC Router from Carbide 3D.