Free design software for your Shapeoko 4, in the browser
Your Shapeoko 4 already comes with Carbide Create Core, a good free program for Windows and Mac. Surfacecraft is another free option: it runs in the browser on any computer, Chromebook and Linux included, and the same account also does laser and pen work. Carbide 3D says its machines accept standard G-code, so you can use either.
For the Shapeoko 4 Standard, XL and XXL. Nothing to install. Mac, Windows, Linux and Chromebook. Updated .- Work area
- 17.5″ × 17.5″ (Standard), 33″ × 17.5″ (XL), 33″ × 33″ (XXL)
- Firmware
- GRBL 1.1, run with Carbide Motion 5
- Spindle
- A 65 mm router, such as the Carbide Compact Router or a Makita RT0701C, set on its own dial. The router isn't included.
- Preset
- Shapeoko 4 Standard
- Output
- G21 G90 G94 · M3 S… · one .nc per bit
What to know about the Shapeoko 4
Three sizes, three presets
Pick Shapeoko 4 Standard, XL or XXL and the work area and inductive homing are filled in.
Router speed on the dial
The router sets its own speed, so the feeds table gives an rpm to set by hand. Use the nearest setting on your router's chart.
Run it in Carbide Motion
Carbide 3D says the Shapeoko 4's GRBL 1.1 firmware must be used with Carbide Motion 5. Design anywhere, even on a Chromebook, then open the downloaded file in Carbide Motion at the machine.
Shapeoko 4 feeds and speeds to start with
Starting points for solid carbide 2-flute end mills, worked out for the Shapeoko 4 Standard preset and kept under its 5,000 mm/min top speed. They're the numbers Cut Studio suggests when you pick the bit and material.
| Material | ⅛″ 2-flute end mill | ¼″ 2-flute end mill |
|---|---|---|
| Softwoodpine, spruce, fir | 4,752 mm/min 22,000 rpm · 1.51 mm per pass | 4,848 mm/min 12,000 rpm · 3.02 mm per pass |
| Hardwoodsoft maple, cherry, walnut | 3,608 mm/min 22,000 rpm · 1.51 mm per pass | 4,272 mm/min 12,000 rpm · 3.02 mm per pass |
| Plywoodbaltic birch, birch plywood, cabinet plywood | 4,400 mm/min 22,000 rpm · 1.51 mm per pass | 4,560 mm/min 12,000 rpm · 3.02 mm per pass |
| MDF / particle boardmdf, hdf, particle board | 4,080 mm/min 17,000 rpm · 1.51 mm per pass | 4,560 mm/min 10,000 rpm · 3.02 mm per pass |
| Acrylicacrylic, cast acrylic, plexiglass | 3,080 mm/min 22,000 rpm · 1.27 mm per pass | 4,752 mm/min 22,000 rpm · 2.54 mm per pass |
Chiploads come from bit makers' published ranges (Onsrud, Amana Tool, Whiteside), kept at the gentle end for hobby machines. Set the router's dial to the nearest speed on its own chart: dial charts differ from router to router. Every machine and bit is a little different: listen for chatter on a test cut and adjust.
From box to first cut
Surfacecraft makes the G-code. A sender runs it: Carbide Motion 5, which Carbide 3D says the Shapeoko 4 must be used with.
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01
Create a free account Open Cut Studio in your browser. Nothing to download.
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02
Add your machine Pick the Shapeoko 4 Standard preset. Check the top speed against your manual.
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03
Make a design Draw text and shapes or import an SVG. Give each shape a depth, a cut and a bit.
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04
Check the 3D preview It's built from the real G-code, so what you see is what the bit will do.
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05
Download and run Load the bit the file's header names, zero where it says, and run it in your sender.
Shapeoko 4 test G-code
A first cut to check your machine before you design anything: a 40 × 30 mm pocket and a 40 × 30 mm outline, both 3 mm deep, with a ⅛″ 2-flute end mill in pine. Made by Cut Studio with the Shapeoko 4 Standard preset, at the softwood numbers in the table above, and it runs in about 1 minute.
Clamp a piece of pine at least 100 × 60 × 6 mm. Zero X and Y on its front-left corner and Z on its top, then run the file in your sender.
A V-carved house sign
Type the house number, pick a 60° V-bit and set the depth. Surfacecraft works out each stroke's depth from its width, and the 3D preview shows the carve before you start.
Shapeoko 4 software questions
Yes. Carbide Create Core is included with every Shapeoko and runs on Windows and Mac. Surfacecraft is a free alternative for any browser, with laser and pen studios in the same account.
Carbide 3D lists 3D modelling and machining, rest machining, ramped entry, toolpath tiling and standard G-code for any CNC machine, for $120 a year or $360 for a perpetual licence.
Carbide 3D says its machines accept standard G-code. Start from the Shapeoko 4 preset for your size and open the file in Carbide Motion 5, which Carbide 3D says the Shapeoko 4 must be used with.
Yes. Designing, toolpaths, the 3D preview and G-code export are on the Free plan with no time limit. Pro adds sending jobs straight to the machine, more machines, AI tools and commercial use.
Free software for other machines
Your Shapeoko 4 is ready. Now it has software.
Design and G-code are free, with no time limit. Send to your machine over USB with Pro.