We quietly make changes to the Shapeoko 5 Pro all the time, but most of them are not things that the average user would ever notice. Today, we're ready to share the latest change, which has already been shipping- the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro.
The main change from the Shapeoko 5 Pro to the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro is the baseframe members. In the picture above, you can see the new, thicker black baseframe tubes that replace the previous silver baseframe tubes. This change adds a ton of rigidity to the base of the machine.
Now that the machine is rigid enough to be supported only at the corners, we're able to offer a leg kit that eliminates the need for a separate table. We're just getting production ramped up, so there will be a lead time for the leg kit.
The leg kit for the 4x4 machine is available for purchase here. A kit for the 4x2 should follow in a couple of weeks.
Now that we have a larger front face on the machine, it was a small change to add some options for vertical workholding to use with the Joinery Shift option. So, on the front of the machine, we've added a bunch of M6x1 threaded holes that you can use to clamp your work vertically. (The clamps in the image are not included)
It's shipping today! Any new Shapeoko 5 Pro from us will actually end up being a Shapeoko 5.1 Pro, so you can order today at https://shop.carbide3d.com/products/shapeoko5.
Usually, we make incremental running changes that do not require a change to the name of the machine. This change has support and documentation implications, so we had to add a new version number so we have a specific way to refer to this iteration of the machine.
Out of habit, we'll probably still use the names "Shapeoko 5 Pro" and "Shapeoko 5.1 Pro" interchangably for a while, but the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro is the only machine that is available from us going forward.
Yes, you can upgrade your Shapeoko 5 Pro to the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro. We had to disrupt our production schedule to get this change made, so we do not have extra inventory of the Shapeoko 5.1 Pro basframe members right now. We'll work to get enough inventory to offer this upgrade as soon as possible.
We already put the product page up, so you can sign up to be notified when we have them available. You can sign up here.
We'll keep you up to date on new things in the world of Carbide 3D, and CNC in general.