January 19, 2022

Onefinity CNC vs Shapeoko

Key Differences between Onefinity and Shapeoko

ย Onefinity CNCShapeoko CNC
1On the X, Y, and X-axis, Onefinity uses Ball Screws.Shapeoko uses belts and a lead screw for its Z-axis on the X and Y-axis.
2Is dependent on linear motion and sealed bearings.Reliant on plastic v-wheels.
3Its Z independent Suck it dust boot is charged for an upgrade.A Z dependent dust boot is provided for free.
4Cutting area for Onefinity is32.25โ€(X) x 32.25โ€ (Y) x 5.25โ€ (Z)For Shapeoko the cutting area is 32โ€(X) x 33โ€(Y) x 3โ€(Z)
5Cannot operate without a computer connected via USB.Shapeokoโ€™s controller IS (microcomputer) requires no connection to a computer.
6Can be accessed remotely on the same network using any of these devices; tablet, phone, and computer.Can only perform when the computer is connected to it via USB cable.
7Housed in Canada.Housed in the USA.
8Can Easy to moveIs massive and requires at least two people to carry it.
9Has a touch screen monitor.No touch screen but instead, a connection to the computer.

Similarities between the Onefinity and Shapeoko CNC

There are several similarities between Onefinity and Shapeoko CNC. The parallels can be drawn from their features and characteristics as follows:

1. Price: Their cost is of the same value, US$2000.ย 

2. Software: Interestingly, Onefinity and Shapeoko CNC run via any GRBL based software.

3. Connectivity: Wi-Fi/internet/network are not prerequisites for both of them to operate.ย 

4. Type of Router: The Makita Trim Router meets their 65 mm router for use.ย 

5. XYZ Probe: Overall, they both have the XYZ Probe.

Features and characteristics of the Onefinity CNC

Onefinity CNC

In the hobby CNC space, Onefinity CNC is proving to be one of the most common upcoming products. You wouldnโ€™t miss its innovatively designed shape. The Onefinity Woodworker is an example of the most popular and purchased by hobbyists. It concerns Onefinity CNCโ€™s features and characteristics; this article looks at Onefinity Woodworkerโ€™s size, material capability, linear motion, spindle, software, among others, to mention but a few.

Size: Dimension and size constitute an essential part of the features and characteristics of Onefinity. Onefinity Woodworker X-50 and X-35 versions have the following cutting area;

32 ยผโ€ x 32 ยผโ€ x 5 ยผ.โ€ย ย 

Their footprint size is 46โ€ x 45โ€.

A table of 46โ€ x 45โ€ to place the controller box.

Material Capability: Onefinity Woodworkerโ€™s material capability is not limited to wood material as per its naming. Instead, it can cut other materials such as plastic, aluminum, brass, and hardwood. It is capable of intricate 3D designs when the correct software links to it. A classic example of its efficiency is drawn from its capability to cut 0.04โ€ depth, mills Aluminum 6061 at a 100 ipm feed rate using a Makita router fitted in a ยผโ€ bit.

Linear motion: In Onefinity Woodworker, CNC is the axes driven by a ball screw mechanism that doesnโ€™t have backlash errors compared to lead screw drives. You can notice its high-level efficiency by continuously high-level cutting and speedy task execution.

Spindle: Interestingly, Onefinity Woodworker doesnโ€™t bundle spindle or router. The intended project instead determines the choice of the spindle. As such, for woodworking, the Makita RT0701C is thus recommended.

Software: The Onefinity CNC kit comes with preinstalled software on the Buildbotics controller. The software serves to control the machine. To access the software, make sure you connect to the same network as the controller. Onefinity can operate without a computer to enable its functions should you have a touchscreen interface.

Features and characteristics of Shapeoko

Shapeoko CNC

Shapeoko CNC comes with a unique set of features and characteristics that mirror the Onefinity CNC machine in some aspects. Available are two models of Shapeoko CNC, namely Shapeoko Pro and Shapeoko 4. The choice on which CNC router you can purchase is made more accessible by the unpacking of features and characteristics of Shapeoko.ย 

Two models of Shapeoko CNC: You choose Shapeoko Pro, which has higher productivity than Shapeoko 4. Shapeoko Pro outclasses Shapeoko 4, citing its extra high-performance rigidity and cutting supported by linear rails. The latter model is an excellent choice for you should you look for something affordable based on its pricing and the V-wheels, which are economically reasonable.

Machine Efficiency: Shapeoko features the machine that gets your work or project executed in totality. Considering that the CNC machine does not complete your project to the dot, itโ€™s your prerogative to find an object that concludes everything. Shapeoko answers such a call as a reliable, rigid, and accurate CNC router. The good thing is that Shapeoko CNC comes in with all its settings.

Hybrid Table: In built-in, the Shapeoko Pro is the Hybrid Table. Available on the Shapeoko 4 is also an option for Hybrid Table. It would help if this Hybrid Table structurally made to build a CNC router. Made with appropriate T-slots, the Hybrid Table also serves as a rigid base for the CNC machine and a versatile work-holding system.

Some of the essential features of Shapeoko CNC ate listed below:

1. Dust Collection Function

2. 2D CAD/CAM Carbide Create

3. The Carbide Motion

Which is better โ€“ Onefinity CNC or Shapeoko CNC?

From experience of using both, Onefinity and Shapeoko CNC, youโ€™re guaranteed that Onefinity doesnโ€™t have issues with rigidity. Of course, Shapeoko has a standard rigidity capacity; nevertheless, it compares less against Onefinity (X-carve).

The ball screws on Onefinity against the Shapeokoโ€™s belts, ball screws do not succumb to physical changes and respond to temperature fluctuations, thus strengthening Onefinityโ€™s accuracy.ย 

The latter is not preferable for the following good reason; the belt is affected by belt stretch, which leaves them deformed and warm-up due to continued expansion and contraction. As a result, Shapeoko loses accuracy way quicker.ย 

Onefinity relies on a linear shaft anchored on a sealed beam, whereas Shapeoko has v-wheels. The shaft system is more durable and can cleanse the dust off as movement occurs. V-wheels are nothing close to that! They need alignment, get deformed, and get broken such that maintenance and supervision are frequently required to support their lifespan. You wouldnโ€™t use the machine where you are supposed to open your eyes monitoring the eccentric nuts from time to time.

Finally, you can draw a conclusion from the above three reasons that Onefinity is better than Shapeoko in terms of accuracy, assembling parts, physical structures, and durability in general. Not to render Shapeoko as a useless machine, given the two as an option, it is wise and prudent to have Onefinity as your gadget.ย 

David D. Hughes

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