Image: ShopBot Tools
ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
ShopBot Tools
Best for: Production woodshops, sign makers, schools and makerspaces that cut full sheets daily and want a US-built router with factory support
Typical starting price
$31,127Editorial baseline for this machine
Overall score
Best current buying path
Where to buy
Prices change often: compare the stores below
- Shipping varies by retailer
- Check manufacturer site for availability
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Quick verdict
The PRS5 Alpha is ShopBot's current flagship gantry router and the successor to the PRSalpha. The 96-48 size cuts 103 x 49 in (2616 x 1245 mm) with 8 in (203 mm) of Z travel, on a redesigned table whose rails sit level with the bed so sheets can be loaded from any side. Motion comes from closed-loop alphaStep steppers with 7.2:1 gearboxes driving rack and pinion on every axis, rated for 720 in/min cutting and 1,800 in/min rapids. The starting configuration includes a 2.2 hp HSD spindle with VFD and RPM control, ShopBot's control software and VCarve Pro. Larger tables, 14 or 26 in of Z, stronger spindles, vacuum hold-down and an ATC version cost extra.
Who this fits best
Production woodshops, sign makers, schools and makerspaces that cut full sheets daily and want a US-built router with factory support
Buy this if
Production woodshops, sign makers, schools and makerspaces that cut full sheets daily and want a US-built router with factory support. Closed-loop drives correct position and stop with an alarm instead of silently losing steps.
Skip this if
Starts at $31,127 before vacuum hold-down, a bigger spindle, longer Z or the ATC version, and needs a licensed electrician: 120 V for the motors plus 220 V single-phase or three-phase for the spindle.
What else you still need
A licensed electrician and the right supply (120 V 15 A for the motors, plus 220 V single-phase or 230 V three-phase for the 2.2 hp spindle), a computer to run the control software, a dust collector for the included dust skirt, spoilboard material, bits, and vacuum hold-down if you want it.
Material reality check
Wood, plywood and other sheet goods, plastics, high-density foam and aluminum, according to ShopBot.
Better alternative if...
If you need a full 4 x 8 table but not closed-loop production speeds or factory support, the Avid PRO4896 covers a full sheet for much less, provided you assemble it and choose your own spindle and electronics. See Avid PRO4896
Where it wins
- Closed-loop drives correct position and stop with an alarm instead of silently losing steps
- Published cutting speed up to 720 in/min (18.3 m/min) and rapids up to 1,800 in/min (45.7 m/min)
- Rails sit level with the bed, so sheets load from any side, and the space under the table stays open
- Starting price includes a 2.2 hp HSD spindle with VFD and RPM control, plus VCarve Pro
- Two-year warranty, lifetime phone support and detailed documentation from ShopBot in North Carolina
Where it falls short
- Starts at $31,127 before vacuum hold-down, a bigger spindle, longer Z or the ATC version
- Needs a licensed electrician: 120 V for the motors plus 220 V single-phase or three-phase for the spindle
- Ships as modules for on-site assembly; the gantry alone weighs over 150 lb (68 kg) and needs two people
- Rack, pinions and V-rails need regular cleaning and greasing
- Takes a 120 x 79 in (3048 x 2007 mm) footprint for the 4 x 8 size
Specifications
2616 × 1245 mm
32569 cm²
1641W
2.2 hp HSD MT1073 high-frequency spindle included, with Yaskawa VFD, ShopBot RPM controller and ER25 collets (manual tool change); 4 hp HSD or 5 hp Colombo spindles and an ATC version are options
Sealed UL certified ShopBot control box with closed-loop Oriental Motor alphaStep steppers and 7.2:1 gearboxes, remote E-stop pendant; runs ShopBot SB3 software on a PC (ShopBot also documents its browser-based FabMo control)
n/a
$31,127
premium
Full specification table
Relative to database
Benchmark Scores
Overall Score
Composite across 5 dimensions
Community Sentiment
We have not summarised owner feedback for the ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router yet, so this section is intentionally left without claims. Check the sources for current owner discussions.
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