Upfront Disclosure. Onefinity AND Shapeoko sent me their machines, FOR FREE. Shapeoko asked that I show of their machine when I used it, Onefinity asked that I beta test the machine and help improve the machine and push it's limits for them.
Check the end of this article for views on the pro/4/HDM
If you’re looking at CNC – computer numerical control machine – you’ve probably come across the Onefinity and the Shapeoko CNC machines.
If you've been following me on social medias, you've seen me use both machines. Both CNC machines work in a very similar way, but will create 2, 2.5, and 3D cutouts of the same materials. They are both designed to be affordable desktop models to be used by hobbyists, home business, and small business alike. They're also priced around $2,000 us making them a solid choice as a first CNC machine.
The question is – which one should you buy? I get asked this daily, so I figured I'd write up a post about the differences between the two and which one I've decided to keep in my personal shop. Click the "read more" below to read the full article.
What's the best CNC machine for beginners?
I'm going to address the most common question I get first, that is "What's the best CNC machine for beginners?". The only difference between a 'beginner' and an advanced machine is the ease of assembly. Every machine needs to use a CAD (computer assisted drawling) program to design files, and these CAD programs are usually all the same. There's a handful of popular ones and they are used on every cnc machine in existence. Therefore, whether you have a $300 dollar machine or a $300,000 machine the program to design for it will usually be the same. So what really makes a cnc machine 'newb' friendly? It has to do with how easy it is to assemble and how easy the directions are to aid in that assembly. This article is aimed at hobby cnc's in the price range of around $2000, focused on Onefinity and Shapeoko, but there are two other cnc machines in this category that could be considered, the Millright Mega V and the Inventables X-Carve, the latter of which I have owned.
Here's the total average time it takes to put each together from unboxing to completion (on average):
- Onefinity : 13 Minutes
- Shapeoko : 5 Hours
- Millright Mega V : 3-5 DAYS
- X-Carve : 5 DAYS
The Onefinity arrives out of box 95% preassembled. The Shapeoko arrives 30% assembled. The Millright Mega V and Inventables X-Carve arrives 0% preassembled, as in, EVERY SINGLE nut and bolt are in a plastic baggy and you need to put each one together. If you know of a friend who has ever put one of those together, there's a reason why they won't come over and help assemble it, it's a nightmare. After you do one, you'll never want to do it again.
The second part of this is the assembly guides and/or assembly videos. I'll link them for each machine below:
- Onefinity: (Official) Assembly Manual / Assembly Video (<15 minutes)
- Shapeoko: (Official) Assembly Manual / No official Assembly Video (but you can view mine here)
- Millright Mega V: (Unofficial) Assembly Manual / Two 1 Hour Video's Here and Here
- X-Carve: (Official) Assembly Manual / No Official Assembly Video
I've linked all the manuals and assembly videos because I think it's best to make a decision of 'ease' of putting one of the CNC machines together up to you, the reader. In my opinion, it's apparent by the (short) length of both the Assembly Manual AND Assembly Video of the Onefinity being so SO much shorter than the other 3 (and having personally assembled 3 of the 4 machines), the Onefinity wins by a landslide on ease of assembly from unboxing to fully assembled state.
Winner: Onefinity
The Main Differences Between The Onefinity and Shapeoko CNCs.
While the Onefinity costs $1995 vs the Shapeoko's cost is $1970, the main differences of the Onefinity CNC and the Shapeoko CNC are:
- Onefinity uses Ball Screws on the X,Y, and Z axis, the Shapeoko uses belts on the X and Y axis and (as of 2020) they use a lead screw (not ball screw) on their Z axis. Shapeoko provides an upgrade to a ballscrew Z slider (called the HDZ) to match the standard Onefinity Z slider at a premium upgrade add on cost of $450 extra.
- Onefinity uses linier motion, sealed bearings, the Shapeoko uses plastic v-wheels.
- Shapeoko comes with a z dependent dust boot free. The Onefinity's Z independent Suck It dust boot is a $67.05 upgrade.
- Onefinity has a cutting area of 32.25"(X) x 32.25"(Y) x 5.25"(Z), the Shapeoko has a cutting area of 32"(X) x 33"(Y) x 3"(Z) (Onefinity Journeyman has a cutting area of 4 feet by 32, WAY bigger than any Shapeoko)>
- Shapeoko requires a computer to be connected via usb in order to operate it during the entire cut time, the Onefinity's controller IS a micro computer that requires NO connection to a computer.
- Onefinity officially supports the Jtech Laser add on, Shapeoko does not.
- Onefinity has built in support for VFD's (spindles) (i.e. drop down selection in controller), the Shapeoko does not.
- Onefinity includes a touch screen monitor to control the machine, the shapeoko requires connection to a computer.
- Onefinity can be controlled via any device (computer, phone, tablet) on the same network, the shapeoko can only be controlled via the computer that is connected to it via usb cable.
- Onefinity supports plug and play webcam remote viewing on the controller, the Shapeoko does not have any webcam abilities.
- Onefinity goes from unboxing to cutting in less than 30 minutes, the Shapeoko takes over 5 hours from unboxing to cutting.
- Shapeoko takes two people and a ratchet strap to square, Onefinity is self squaring when assembled according to their instructions.
- Onefinity uses 35mm hollow steel tubes for rails, and Shapeoko uses aluminum extrusions.
- Shapeoko includes one 1/4 endmill with the machine, the Onefinity does not include any endmills.
- Shapeoko has a waste board frame built into the machine, the Onefinity is designed to attach to any flat surface.
- Onefinity is modular and can be moved easily, Shapeoko requires at least two people to move.
- Onefinity's design can be stored and used vertically (see @furniturebypete using it hanging on a wall), Shapeoko can not because of heft and belts.
- Shapeoko ships within 1-2 weeks, Onefinity's lead times are 3-4 months.
- Onefinity tests every unit in house and sends the test cut with the machine, it would be near impossible for Shapeoko to do so.
- Shapeoko is based in the US. and Onefinity is based in Canada.
Some similarities between the Onefinity CNC and Shapeoko CNC are:
- Both cost right at $2000us.
- Both can be run via any GRBL based CAD software.
- Neither require internet/wifi/network connectivity to operate.
- Both generally use a 65mm router (typically the Makita Trim Router )
- Both have an active forum and Facebook group.
- Both have outstanding support.
- Both have XYZ probe.
What software is included?
Another common question I'm asked often is "what software should I use/buy?" This comes down to personal preference. The Onefinity does not come with any software. The Shapeoko 'comes with' Carbide Create. I use quotes around 'comes with' because that implies it's only usable with Shapeoko. This is not true. Carbide Create is available, for free, for anyone via a simple download HERE. Thanks to a recent update, Carbide Create has the option to select a standard GRBL post processor with just a few clicks. This allows the Onefinity use the Carbide Create just as easily as it works for the Shapeoko. Onefinity released a video on how to do that HERE. So the fact that Shapeoko 'comes with' software and Onefinity does not is a bit misleading.
I've done some videos on how to use Carbide Create. I link them here:
The same holds true with Inventables (x-carve) easel. While marketed as the software x-carve 'comes with', it also has a post processor selection to be used with any grbl based cnc (like the Shapeoko or Onefinity). You can start using Easel, for free, HERE. (be warned, this software is online ONLY). Onefinity has released a video on how to use Easel with their machine HERE.
In any case, both easel and carbide create are rather limiting. Some more powerful software that should be considered is Vectric Vcarve (One time payment) or Carveco (subscription based) (use code 'myerswoodshop' for 5% off) or Fusion 360 (free for education or individuals). I personally use Vectric Aspire for my use.
Winner: Tie
Deep dive into differences of the physical aspects of the machines.
These are my personal experiences of using both the Shapeoko and Onefinity. I do get messages daily asking for support of both machines, so I'll include those thoughts also.
My first is, and has been since people saw the Onefinity, about the unsupported linier rails. I get it, the bulk, heft, and shear size of each machine is very hard to gauge in a picture. The easiest way I thought about showing off just how stout the Onefinity's rails are visually, was to stand on them. You can check out that short, unscientific video here:
Rigidity isn't an issue with the Onefinity. It held me, my son, and the spindle just fine. Shapeoko has decent rigidity as well, however if you view my x-carve vs shapeoko part 3 video, you'll notice flex in the rails when I push on them (not as much as the x-carve...and that series is why I'm not comparing it to the Onefinity, it's inferior to the Shapeoko in every way (it's literally a Shapeoko 2.5). You can see that video here:
The second main difference is ball screws on the Onefinity vs. the belts on the Shapeoko. There's a debate online with the belt vs. rack and pinon vs. ball screw. There is a great and very detailed article about them, better than I could ever do, HERE. TLDR version of it is, there is very minimal upkeep with ball screws. Blow or vacuum the dust off of them after a cut and after a certain amount of use, just reoil them and that's about it. The good thing about ball screws is they are more accurate, they do not physically change, and they will not break. Belts have something called belt stretch, so after a period of use, or even during a single long cut, as they warm up, they expand and contract, making their accuracy over time less. They can also break...which is a shame during a cut, consider whatever project your making goodbye. Recovery from that is rare. It's especially depressing when a belt breaks during a cut and you have to wait on a replacement part to keep working, delaying costly production work.
Broken Belt
Broken V Wheel
The 3rd major difference is the linier shaft with a sealed bearing vs v-wheels. There's little that can happen to a shaft with the bearing. They are sealed so the just push the dust off the shaft as it moves. V-wheels are a different story. If you search the internet, fb groups, or forums of machines with v-wheels you'll see countless posts of broken, malformed, or misaligned v-wheels. These need constant maintenance and supervision as vibration from cut forces can make the eccentric nuts come loose and change the accuracy and consistency of cuts.
As of a few months ago, Shapeoko replaced their standard z slider that used a belt with a lead screw (not ball screw) Z slider. It's definitly a good move as that was the weakest point of the machine. However, the switch from the belt z slider to lead screw z (z plus) still uses v-wheels to travel along the x axis and lessened the clearance and distance the z can travel. I'd consider the latter aspect as a down grade. The Onefinity comes with a ball screw, heavy duty Z slider that has OVER 5" of clearance and travel, standard. Shapeoko offers a similar 'upgraded' Z slider called the HDZ, but that is a $450 add on cost to the standard machine. Even after upgrading, your still left with belts on the X and Y axis.
I would like to point out, however, there are some incredibly smart people pushing the belted Shapeoko to produce some absolutely incredible results. I, myself, never had any major issues with accuracy of the Shapeoko for the things I created. That is to say, I never created anything that was dependent on being accurate, as door signs and the like doesn't matter if I'm off .005". However, if your trying to push every last bit of accuracy making parts, especially out of metals, you'll get better results from a factory Onefinity machine, without the constant tinkering and maintaining of the belts and v-wheels. If you are new to CNC, how much do you want to spend maintaining your machine? Let's be real, you just want to set it up, load a file, and cut.
For the money being equal, ball screws and bearings are better equipment than v-wheels and belts.
Winner: Onefinity
Customer and Community Support and Warrenty.
Although the Onefinity and Shapeoko may be considered 'hobby' machines, $2000 is still a serious investment. This is even more so when you're buying a CNC for the first time. You don't know what you don't know. Shapeoko is know for being top tier when it comes to support. I've experienced this myself when I broke a belt. Of course it was over the weekend. When I sent an email, I received a response within a few hours, and the next business day I received an email with a tracking for a new belt. Also, Carbide 3D has been in business selling machines since 2015(ish) and has shipped thousands of machines around the world. The user base is very large and the community is very active. This is great for when your having an issue, you can just post a question with a picture or video on Facebook, HERE, and have a handful of answers within minutes. They also have a wealth of knowledge on their forum page, HERE. That's one of the benefits of selling machines for years, if someone has had an issue, it's probobly already been discussed with a solution.
On the other hand, Onefinity is in it's infancy. The company behind Onefinity, Suck It Dust Boot, has been around the CNC world before the Shapeoko has, but they haven't been selling machines, at the day of this blog post (November 2020), for much longer than 6 months. The user base is, understandably, small. That's not to say the community isn't active, helpful, or full of knowledge. They also have a Facebook page, HERE. At the time of writing this, if I've done my math right buy their shipping tables, over 300 machines are in the wild, with over 500 by the end of 2020. By all indications via the groups and forum, Onefinity is just as on top of support as Shapeoko is. They respond to questions and issues extremely fast and the general consensus of the group is support has been outstanding. I cannot personally attest to needing support per say, as I'm a beta tester for them. I'm in relatively frequent contact with Onefinity, trying to break what I can so they can make a better machine in the end :P There we're a few others who tested (Two Moose Design and Furniture By Pete) the machine also and none have needed any repairs or performed any maintenance in the 8 months they've had them. Onefinity also has a active forum full of information, HERE.
Both Shapeoko and Onefinity have pretty standard written 1 year warranties. However, Shapeoko are known to support their machines for the length of the machines existence. Onefinity is too young to know if they will continue their (outstanding) support after a year (although, I'd be surprised if it was any less than what they provide now).
Both have very active YouTube channels full of helpful videos. I'll post them below.
Winner: Shapeoko
I'm giving Shapeoko the win on this one, not because Onefinity is any less helpful in support, but just for the fact that they have the longevity of sales that Onefinity can only gain with time.
Conclusion: Which one is the winner? Which one should you buy?
Onefinity won two of the 4 categories that I've highlighted (Tied in one and only lost the 4th because of time). For those reasons I'm giving Onefinity the win. Remember, I've personally had an X-Carve, Shapeoko 3 XXL, and the Onefinity Woodworker CNC's in my shop. Since my shop is small, I only have room for one, and that one is the Onefinity CNC. I've you've ever purchased tools before, you'll know when you buy the cheapest one, you usually end up replacing it later with the one you should have bought. Fortunately, since they are so evenly priced, you're not spending any more to get a better machine.
Most Budget Friendly CNC: Onefinity
With the Onefinity being all ball screw axis and a heavy duty z slider standard, you don't need to purchase all kinds of add ons to bring it up to something useable. And with all of the advanced features and the high tech controller, it's amazing they can set the price under $2,000.
Most User Friendly CNC [Best overall]: Onefinity
If your new to cnc, you don't want to spend hours, let alone days, putting together a machine you've never seen or used before. With the 90% preassembled Onefinity machine, all the hard work is done for you. It only takes 15 minutes to set it up and be ready for cutting. They also provide a great user manual and installation video to get you up and running fast.
OVERALL WINNER:
Onefinity CNC
Shapeoko Pro And something else...
"But Ben, what about the newly release Shapeoko pro?" "Pro", isn't that just a company telling you the nonpro isn't good enough? It's a nice looking kit that definitely improves on the Shapeoko 3.
(I mean, that power button does look sweet in the end of the rail). The unfortunate thing about it is that 2 of axis are STILL belt drive (albeit a wider belt) and the Z is still lead screw not ball screw (z plus) with only 3" of travel. They did remove the problematic v-wheels (basically saying the standard Shapeoko was not optimal) and bolting on some linier rails (that will need to be cleaned very often, profile linear bearing don’t seal as effectively as round linear bearing and will definitely clog/gum up much easier which will require a lot more maintenance). They also upgraded the frame and waste board (again, an acknowledgement that it's incredibly hard to square the machine without a ratchet strap around it and the middle of the waste board sags on the standard Shapeoko). And, you're still tethered to your computer via usb for the duration of the cut. All of that with a price tag of $800 more ($2800 starting price). And if you want to machine HDZ Z slider that comes standard with Onefinity? You guessed it, another $450 upgrade. We're reaching well over $3500 for a machine that's competing with the $2000 Onefinity. I don't think it's going to do anything better than the Onefinity and you're just shy of buying two of them at this point.
What about the Shapeoko 4 and Shapeoko HDM? I find it pretty interesting that they stated 'we have no plans for the 4' and 'there are no issues with belts' and 'we'll never do a preorder'. Then, once the Onefinity comes out they flush all the info and come out with the 4 (requiring you to trash your 3 because it's not upgradable) which STILL uses belts?? and the 'HDM" that uses ball screws (mimicking the Onefinity for WAY more cost) and has a 6 month backorder. This basically cements the idea that Onefinity is the superior machine and Carbide scrambled to make a competitive product. And while they did that, Onefinity came out with more products, like the journeyman rail that is 4 foot cutting area and does not require their users to trash their machines just because of the upgrade, they can actually trade in their x axis rail for credit and get a much larger machine. They also came out with the QCW wasteboard frame (the Shapeoko loyalists biggest grip, 'there's no base'), and the rolling/folding stand, all of which attach to users current machines, shows me Onefinity actually know what their users want and are actively listening to their customers. By releasing upgrades that doesn't cause the user to completely replace their machine, Onefinity is the way to go, in my own option.
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