Do I regret spending $3000+ on the Shaper Origin? (1 year review)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 лют 2023
- After making a video overview from the first month or so of using it, I thought it might be helpful to post a video detailing what I like (and don't like) about it one year later.
I use the Shaper Origin on most every project and continue to find new, interesting uses for it. Along with new software updates and ease of use, it's hard to think of a better option if you don't have room for a dedicated CNC in the shop.
Is it essential for the shop? No. But neither is a Sawstop, and I think there are things that are worth the investment. To me, the Shaper Origin is one of those worthwhile investments.
No sponsored.
While not sponsored in any way you can support the channel by using my Amazon associated account links below. I do receive a small kickback if you purchase.
TOOLS:
SHAPER ORIGIN: amzn.to/3qizDve
PLANER: Dewalt DW735 Planer: amzn.to/438wf4l
Shelix Cutterhead for DW735: amzn.to/4256DEg
MITER SAW: Bosch GCM12SD: amzn.to/43aUS0u
ROUTER: Bosch Palm Router: amzn.to/3IJmVMn
DRILLS: Bosch 12V Drill 2-Pack: amzn.to/3OITEVH
TABLESAW: Sawstop PCS 175-PFA30: amzn.to/3ql00QQ
BANDSAW: Rikon 10-324 14": amzn.to/43ckB8C
DRILL PRESS: Jet JWDP-12inch: amzn.to/42cN5Or
LIGHTING:
Barrina LED Shop Light (10 pack): amzn.to/3MKP8Ui
VIDEOGRAPHY GEAR:
Sony A7III: amzn.to/3OKcxrw
Microphones (rode wireless Go II): amzn.to/3WF7SsT
SECURITY:
Wyze Cam Pan: amzn.to/43lLwyC - Навчання та стиль
This video definitely opened my eyes about this product. I appreciate the honest review, thanks.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate your feedback
In my opinion the shaper is a lot nicer and more feature packed than a lot of entry level CNCs. I too am an advanced hobbyist that builds a lot of custom furniture. I use my CNC every project. I use my CNC on shop jigs. I use my CNC on charcuterie boards and custom one-offs. I can’t imagine not having it. That said, my day job is highly technical/nerdy and I knew CNC was for me so I dropped a lot of money on an industrial CNC. Don’t regret it one bit, but I think the shaper is a fantastic springboard into the world of automated tooling.
I'm thinking of purchasing one of these so I'm trying to get as many opinions as possible beforehand. Like you, I also do mostly furniture so hearing you say it's a worthwhile addition to your tool collection is a big help. Thanks for the info.
Of course. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks for the video... addressed my needs/interest, much appreciated! Best to you and yours from St. Augustine, Florida!
Thank you for the feedback! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm glad it was helpful.
Very helpful video. THanks for the unvarnished review. I'm still on the fence about whether to take the plunge, but your comments were extremely instructive.
For what it's worth I think you can do most projects without it. But every now and then there's enough that I've been really happy to have it. So, like a lot of tools in the shop: is it essential, no. Nice? Absolutely.
Nice summary. You make good points in both directions.
Thanks for watching, George.
This video was really helpful! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Glad I could be of help! Thanks for watching!
Last night I finally pulled the trigger on shaper origin. I’m stoked!
Buying one tomorrow, convenient timing of this video!
Right on! Enjoy and let me know the different unique ways you use it.
@@falknermakes Definitely, I can't wait to for it to ship!
Very useful to help me in deciding to buy!
Thanks for watching, Andre! Glad it could help.
Informative and cool presentation-wise. "Backwards compatibility" is the term used in software industry. Good for the company to take care of it.
Thanks for watching Mike. I'm happy that the software is compatible with both lines of the Origin. Especially when they're charging for software, backwards compatibility is key.
I watched vids of boat builders using that rig to build boat frames! Great for that! Huge formers with half mil accuracy is great! Fifty foot shop build is very daunting!
Wow that's wild! Thanks for sharing.
I love my Shaper Origin. I don't use it for every project, but it definitely allows me to do things that I would never even try without one, like doing inlays and some kinds of more complicated joinery.
Thanks for watching. I'm a big fan--obviously--but I know it's not for everyone. I agree that it's great to have an option for inlays and joinery.
I own an Origin and I totally parallel your thoughts. I agree, maybe $75 for Studio but some major upgrades need to be made first. I did not get the plate so looking forward to your video on it. Just found your channel and joined. Looking forward to viewing your videos.
Thanks for subscribing! I really like the plate for repeatable small area work, but it has it's limitations and, really, you could make it yourself with a thin piece of sheet metal or plexiglass, but it wouldn't have the tabs that help with some more specific alignment through grids and whatnot. So, it's been worth it overall.
Thanks for being honest and telling about both the good and the bad! I've been wanting the Origin for about a year but it's a heavy investment for a hobbyist like me. Good to know about the extra costs that might be adding up on the initial investment. I'll probably buy it sooner or later anyway though 😊.
Thanks, Daniel. Yeah like any big expense there are minor things, but overall it's a really useful investment. When you can level up your work with creativity it makes a big difference for the clients.
Dude, I’m blown away your Channel has not blown up yet. You make great videos, with great explanations, and you have a great camera presence and countenance. I’m shopping for an origin, which is what led me to your channel. I want it for guitar building primarily. Great info and video thanks so much.
Thanks for watching and your kind words. Hopefully the channel will get more traction but I enjoy making the videos anyway, which I suppose is the point! I hope you enjoy your origin when you get it. Tons of fun.
Did you buy it for guitar building yet and how do you like it?
@@tomalexiou9573 yes, a buddy of mine and I share it and we’ve built several. It’s awesome
Spot on assessment. I have the Shaper Origin including all of the bells and whistles. I also have a few router jigs (woodpecker) and experice/skillsets that kind of make the SO a seldomly used tool for making circles and other shapes. Having said this, I don't use my Bosch router for but do use the Shaper Origin for a lot of non wood materials like acrylic, metals, and carbon fiber. The Shaper Plate has also made it a lot easier to bring the SO into the equation without having to lay tape and go through the scan process all the time. Shaper Studio is definitely good for some of the quick and dirty work that I may not have time to create using my Fusion 360. In the SO provides with the confidence to execute a project that I did not have before. Idk:)
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. I'm going to be trying cutting some plexiglass forms with it upcoming here soon just out of curiosity. Have you done so yet? Any tips?
Let the SO do most of the work. Use a non-ferrous metals bit and make sure the bit is sharpe and the speed is high enough to avoid melting but not so fast that the edges of the acrylic are too rough.
Great video!
Thanks for watching, Brett!
I was afraid you were gonna be disappointed in the product. Glad you're not!
Only by a couple things. But all-in-all it's a really phenomenal tool--as noted in the video. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for what I think is a very honest review. I'm considering upgrading the size of my CNC and wondered if the Origin would be a good alternative. Great video.
The biggest downside of a shaper origin is if you want to set and and forget it, which it doesn't allow for...so for that reason a CNC can be better. However, if you're not batching out with it, the origin is great.
@@falknermakes Thanks for that. That's exactly what I'm trying to decide. I could use a larger CNC but the Origin would be great for personalizing items. At the moment, I can't swing the cost of both.
Thanks for the feedback; I've been spending all afternoon watching interesting videos on how to work with SO, but this one will help me in making the buy/no-buy decision.
I'm currently starting out and haven't yet invested in any tools. Considering that I'll be getting a Hammer saw-shaper, do you think I could avoid buying a handheld router if I had a SO?
Not at all. I use a trim router all the time for smaller cuts and quick needs, especially round overs and whatnot. I also use my router table for fixed jobs that can be faster than the SO--dados, for instance. I have a 1/2 inch plunge router but with the SO I use it rarely. Best of luck on your new purchases! Any questions about your initial shop setup?
Thnx you’ve answered a lot of questions that I was not aware of having to buy into a software subscription is a deal breaker for me I don’t mind buying new software as I go but buying into a yearly thing no way ! Or maybe I don’t fully understand 🤔
Thanks for watching. The software isn't required to make it work. However, it really helps with designing. They do have a "light" version for free that can do some basic design. Alternately, you can still design in another program that makes SVG files and use them with the Origin.
@@falknermakes thnx appreciate your help
Origin is an awesome tool! It enables you to have the capability to do things your couldn't before all in a small compact package...
Absolutely. I've really enjoyed having taken the dive into trying it out
The Shaper is fabulous. But the pay for features is ridiculous. The auto pas should be included in a software update and not be another 200 extra.
100% agree
I'm looking to purchase one primarily for making router templates and to cut inlays.
Yes. Perfect use of it. I'm posting a video about inlays shortly.
A very useful video which has only just come up on my list - certainly because I have looked at other SO videos. I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years and have obviously seen a huge change in what’s available to the small shop.
I’m looking at the SO. Why as I don’t have an issue hand cutting dovetails, bow ties etc. etc. Well, it’s partly convenience and partly labour saving. Convenience in that repeatability is so easy; Labour saving in that, as my body complains more and more about continuous mortising, chiselling etc., I have to look at ways to lessen body-impact (don’t laugh, you will all get there). I’ve had the dominoes for many years and now rarely use my large morticer.
I think/hope that the SO will develop my design work in that I do feel constricted by what I know I can achieve on, say, inlays. I could achieve much with a full (say 4’ x 4’) CNC (with its space demands) and I may go either way.
Reasons not to buy a SO are:
- it’s a vanity tool. It isn’t a need so much as an interest. I’m now semi retired and build only for family, friends and a few old clients. So, it’s an investment as I would have looked at every other investment in machinery and equipment that I made over the years (effectively payback calculations).
- the cost or, really, the unknown costs. I know what the total package for the tool costs (about £4000 in the UK) but feel uneasy about the unknown future software costs. I would be happier if I could pay, say, £500 for unlimited access to future software and upgrades.
- buying more Festool. Most of my Festool stuff is very good but the company, it seems to me, is run by bean counters and marketeers. The prices they charge (isn’t it strange how all the retailers charge almost the same as each other for each tool?) aren’t based upon cost plus margin but rather based upon how high a price will the market take? That really means that Festool, and all its brands, exploit the market to its fullest, selling on its name which is so heavily marketed.
Thanks for watching!
I was intrigued about the tool but after hearing about the pay to play pricing strategy they use I would never buy one for joinery. There’s other ways to do that. I would only buy it if I had things that required a lot of detail. Maybe something like Celtic knot inlays and it would have to earn its keep.
Yeah the detail work--similar to a CNC--is the real selling point. And like you note: most things in woodworking can be done in multiple ways. Thanks for watching!
Nice to know!!!i´m from belgium!!😊😊😊😊😊✌️
Awesome! Thanks for watching.
I love my shaper as well. I don’t pay for studio. I am using affinity designer. But I bought autopass feature and it is excellent.
I think my latest project really justified studio for me, which will be in an upcoming vid, but I'll have to take a look at affinity. Do you then just send the svg to the shaper?
@@falknermakes Yes, I export the project as a svg file and upload to my files in shaperhub. Of course, with the studio it is much easier, but as affinity designer is only one time payment, it works for me.
I got years ago when they were starting up and paid $1400 for it. Since then I have used it twice to do some name engraving on name plate. I am quite familar with computers and have built several of my own, but every time I set out to learn CAD software, I get frustrated and quit. I am looking forward to the new Trace software which you can draw something, take a photo with your phone, and upload it to the Origin and it will create the SVG cut file. I'm hoping this will get me using the device and getting acustomed to it, and maybe again try to get a grip on CAD software.
Wow, $1400 is insane. What a steal. I'm really excited about the Trace software as well, as it will make a lot of the tediousness of finding SVGs less of an issue. I've been happy with the "Studio" software, but I don't love the yearly cost. For the most part it allows me to avoid the CAD software altogether.
Having made my remarks below about sub based business models... THis seems like a lovely tool and as a tiny workshop owner it allows precision cnc otherwise unobtainable.
I feel you. I appreciate your comments for sure and I'm definitely trying to avoid the subscription based life when possible. It's crazy how it's just expected now and you're right that the only way it might change is if consumers change habits. I'm just not confident that's a reality.
@@falknermakes yeah it' tough when you are facing a market with no alternative choices!
I can't see my actual remark that you are commenting about... weird....
Yeah I noticed that after I saw it initially it disappeared after your added comment. I thought maybe you had deleted it but clearly not.
@@falknermakes I cant even see it in my history. That's genuinely strange... like Big Brother strange!!!
Subscriptions have permitted the end of competently built products and rampant greed.
When I first heard of the Origin, it seemed cool, but pricey at about $2500.
New pricing and subscriptions have ended any remaining interest I had before revisiting.
I think that might be the case for a lot of folks.
@@falknermakes Any recommendations for which entry-level CNCs to look at? I'd mostly be interested in cutting vs. engraving. I didn't see anything in your videos, but LOL at the pic for "Garage Shop Too Cold?" :)
Any opinions on how precise you need to be when using a Shaper Origin? I'm getting tremors in my aging hands - do you think I'd get reasonable results from a Shaper Origin?
I'm actually really impressed with how well it responds to shaking or minor movements. Of course with more major shaking or tremors it wouldn't work, but even when I've accidentally slipped it will retract a bit really fast and generally keep the piece intact. Wishing you good health! Hope that helps.
$200 for a feature that should have been in the device from the start? Subscription software is not something I'll ever, ever buy into and I'm a software developer by trade.
Yeah it's annoying.
Shaper studio is the software on the shaper origin or is it an online software? Do i absolutely need the studio operate the origin?
Studio is an outside design software and is absolutely not needed. You can use the shaper origin 100% without it.
Yeah, I haven''t done sutdio.. I hate when companies produce something that should be included and then turn it into a revenue stream. When I first saw Shaper a few years back they were just starting to produce prototypes and they offered a $1200 startup price. I waffled a while and then when they started producing lots of videos showing how it worked and what it could do, I pulled the trigger at $1400. It took almost 2 years to get it. Last year I bought the work station also. Tracer may get me to start using. I just have so much going on since I retired. I backed Tracer so we'll see when I get that installed.
Congrats on your retirement. Good to be busy! The trace software seems exciting and I've liked the "plate" for recurring cuts.
I hate subscriptions. I'd rather pay for new features or modules if priced affordably. Software updates should be free if they fix bugs or they don't change the functionality of the unit from what it normally does.
100 percent agree.
I see you made some Buffalo bills and Sabres signs
I am in Buffalo waS wondering would you recommend it for beginners
Thank you for your video and time
I absolutely would. If you have a shaper origin it's really easy. If not, I've made them with a scroll saw or, if not that, you can probably use a jigsaw although a jigsaw would be tough. If you move from "layers" and then spray each, you can get a really nice result. Go Bills!
@@falknermakes
Is there any software to buy with that
How hard is it too use for a beginner
Go Bills
I’m looking to upgrade my cnc. Can you batch out parts with that thing, or do you just make the templates with it?
Oh fun! However, it is NOT good for batching out parts. It's an incredible tool for one offs or repeated work, but since you have to drive it each time, it's really ineffective for the "set and forget" duplication benefit of a CNC.
@@falknermakes I’m also considering the one finity journeyman. The x carve is good for templates, but I’m hoping to speed up my process, so I can actually have time to make things I can sell.
Oh shoot are we supposed to be making money off this 🤣 my business plan needs significant review...
@@falknermakes that’s what people keep telling me! My wife especially wants to know when that happens. 😂😂😂
How do you think the shaper works with making stairstringers?
I wouldn't use it for stair stringers. I think there are better formulas you might use instead with traditional tools. Then again, I've never tried it.
I have my shaper a second year together with workstation it costet above 3800 Euro here in Europe… I like it but it has downfalls and I dont use it that much that I think. I could go back I would buy in this Price a nice big CO2 laser
Absolutely. How is that for space? One of my big reasons for buying it over a laser or a CNC was portability and space, but I haven't looked into lasers as much besides things like a Glowforge, which seemed way too expensive for what it achieves.
Let’s go Buffalo!
Let's Gooooo!
I was one of those who purchased Origin V1 & Workstation along with router bits, collet set and other accessories a few months before they announced the secret release of V2, after spending an absolute fortune on what was to become old hat, I was devastated.
When I made my purchase, I understood the product was still in its infancy but would improve over time via updates, I felt cheated when the new update Jenner was nothing to write home about and that a basic feature on all CNC - AutoPass would cost £210 and Studio would be annual subscription of £109. Considering Studio is so basic and lacking basic design tools such as pen, it feels like they are either smoking crack or just having a laugh, I paid £50.00 for first year which is still overpriced in my opinion, for a one off payment of £67.99 you can purchase a Affinity Photo or Designer.
I refuse to be nickel & dimed so I won't be giving this company a penny more of my hard earned cash by purchasing any of their paid updates, hardware such as Plate, Trace or router bits which I now buy from Rennie Tools; I have created jigs and boards with Shaper tape so I limit use of Shaper Tape.
If they played fair, I would have purchased Plate, Trace and all other future accessories and most likely been a loyal member of their community for many years but hey ho.
I considered selling it but I would lose too much money so I resort to using it to engrave my makers mark on pieces I build, other than that I hate using it and prefer to use my router, it sits there collecting dust and I cringe every time I look at it and kick myself for not investing my money in a proper CNC or another piece of machinery that would be more productive.
I also don't understand why a company owned by Festool is Kickstart funding Trace using other peoples money, it's a joke.
If you are considering buying into this product, I hope you have very deep pockets.
Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Useful info. I'm debating whether to buy the shaper or a CNC router and comments like yours help because the shaper *seems* to fit my needs. The subscription model is not something I like at all but it does seem to be a thing these days even with the a more normal CNC router machine.
lol is like when i got my GOPRO7 and 2 weeks later they sell the gopro8 .. never again buy a gopro product
@dworkin7110 I think this machine is for those who have limited smaller spaces. I want to engrave table tops, but i cant fit a machine with an 8x5' footprint in my garage, nor could I afford it.
@scumbagsteve5029 I wouldn't bother unless you like being nickel & dimed.
£105 yearly subscription for a basic app that looks like it totally took a week to make and £210 to unlock its full potential (Autopass), or else it's laborious to use.
One of the most expensive tools I own yet used the least.. Seriously regret buying mine.
Thank you. The subscription for the price of the tool is a huge turn off for me. I’d rather invest in a stand alone CNC that has greater functionality
Makes a lot of sense, especially if you have the room for a dedicated CNC. I would probably go the same route.
I Love my origin. It is a technological marvel. But, my Onefinity CNC cost less and is FAR more useful.
Right on. Nice to have both is sounds!
Once a year they sell the original model for around a grand. So if you have to have it. Get it that way. Save some cash.
Ps. After watching this I’m out. I’d rather try my luck with a panto router and own it. Rather than pay, $50 and now $100, and hey a one time fee and now you can…
No. I’ll buy it. I’ll buy templates. But I would prefer to own something rather than constantly pay to own it.
That’s coming from the, I may never make a dime with this time mentality. If you can use it and get $30 more per build. And you’re making 2 things a week with this. Sold. Do it. Great deal then.
Around a grand would be a smoking deal and I would definitely recommend buy buy buy. I've never seen that.
The back and forth is pretty typical I think and I'm with you on the pay to play model. I really don't mind paying the one time for some unique software upgrades but I don't like the annual cost for shaper studio. I feel like that should be standard and then upcharge for the one-time upgrades if they want to go that way.
For what it's worth I really enjoy it still despite the costs and would still bite the bullet ultimately. For a small shop the versatility has been well worth it.
Thanks for watching!
Great video thanks. (except for the irritating back ground music)
Thanks for the feedback and for watching! I always go back and forth on the music so it helps to hear what you think ☺️
I will never buy subscription model hardware. It's a direction I don't want the industry to head towards. Don't support it!
I hear you. And I also like pineapple pizza. I hope more companies don't head that direction. I also hope shaper origin and festool reconsiders, but not likely.
It’s just another business cost @puffinjuice
I agree. Every dollar we spend is a vote. We need to send the message to companies that we won't be gouged.
To expensive for me 😢
Yeah it's an arm and a 🦵 for sure
DO NOT BUY! I am a veteran woodworker and I purchased a Shaper
Origin a year ago. Unless you have unlimited TIME do not buy a shaper origin. It will stay in its case and collect dust. The concept is awesome but the technology is not there yet. IT IS JUST A GIMMICK RIGHT NOW.
Thanks for your thoughts. I don't agree from my experience--I've used it on most projects--but it's just like anything else: just a tool.