Take a look back with us of ShopBot CNC tool models through the years. (Please be patient with us as we’re still building this page…)
If you’re trying to identify a ShopBot model and year manufactured, it can be tricky unless you know what to look for and some customers have modified or updated their ShopBot making it a bit confusing. The photos and brief descriptions here are meant to give an overview to older ShopBot models.
To verify what model ShopBot you have or that you may want to purchase second hand, please contact our support team. Our support team will request photos of the machine and of the inside of the control box to assist you. Second-hand machine buyers you will want to review our second-hand support packages page.
ShopBot PRT Models c. 2001-2007
The photo above is a ShopBot PRT Standard machine. This machine had angle iron blue steel for the gantry and was rack and pinion. It does not have the extruded aluminum gantry like PRS3-5 machines. The PRT Standard models shipped with a desktop tower style control box.
The photo above is a ShopBot PRT Alpha machine. This machine had angle iron blue steel for the gantry and was rack and pinion. It does not have the extruded aluminum gantry like PRS3-5 machines. The PRT Alpha models shipped with a aluminum style control box with the reset button on the box.
Note: Early PRT models had the utilistrut construction for the gantry, similar to the PR models.
ShopBot PR Models c. 1998-2000
The photo above is a ShopBot PR machine (zoomed into the gantry area). This machine had utilistrut slotted channel for the X and Y car on the gantry, and a 3″ utilistrut for the Y rails. It does not have the angle iron blue steel like the PRT machines or extruded aluminum gantry like PRS3-5 machines It is rack and pinion. All PR models shipped with a desktop tower style control box.
Note: Currently we do not sell a control box or controller card upgrade for PR machines that had a ball screw Z-axis.
The photo above is another view of a ShopBot PR machine showing the full table.
ShopBot Benchtop Models
The Benchtop machines are early versions of the ShopBot Buddy Machine where the table moves and the gantry remains stationary.
The photo above is a ShopBot Benchtop PRT. This machine had angle iron blue steel for the gantry. It does not have the extruded aluminum gantry like PRS3-5 machines. Benchtop Standard models shipped with a desktop tower style control box. Benchtop Alpha models shipped with a aluminum style control box with the reset button on the box.
ShopBot Benchtop PR c. 2001. This a ball-screw Z axis.
{Photo of a ball screw Z axis close-up coming soon.}
The photo above is a close-up of a Z axis with ball screw used on early Benchtop and PR machines.
ShopBot Cable Drive Models c. 1996-1997
The earliest models of ShopBot CNC machines were completely DIY! As we work to gather images of these early ShopBot machines enjoy some of the illustrations lovingly created by Don Elliot from the original assembly manual.
Compare specs and features with our current lineup of USA Made CNC machines!