ShopBot Support Services
for Second-Hand Product Owners
For over 25 years, ShopBot CNC machines have empowered businesses, maker spaces, schools, and home shops with their modular design and upgradeable technology. Thanks to their thoughtful engineering and durability, many ShopBots from over 20 years ago are still in use today. This longevity has fostered a thriving second-hand market and community.
To ensure we maintain exceptional service, starting March 1, 2025, technical support for second-hand ShopBot machines will transition to a subscription-based model.
ShopBot is dedicated to providing outstanding support, but second-hand ownership—especially of legacy tools—introduces unique challenges:
- Increased Support Needs: Second-hand owners often face a steeper learning curve when it comes to operating and maintaining tools they didn’t purchase directly from us. Without access to original training, setup instructions, or detailed documentation from the first owner, these users frequently need more guidance to unlock the full potential of their machines. Our support plans are designed to bridge this gap, providing the expertise and resources necessary to ensure second-hand machines are productive and well-maintained.
- Machine Modifications: Second-hand machines are often modified or adapted by their previous owners for specific uses. These changes can introduce complexities that require extra effort to understand and troubleshoot. Identifying and addressing modifications is essential to ensure the tool operates as intended and integrates smoothly with your workflows.
- Challenges of Supporting Legacy Tools: Legacy tools often require significant time and expertise due to outdated components and technology. Replacement parts are increasingly scarce, similar to sourcing parts for classic cars. While we celebrate the durability of our legacy tools, we can no longer provide extensive complimentary support for these products.
Benefits of the Paid Support Plans
- Expert Assistance: Direct access to ShopBot staff for accurate, reliable guidance.
- Insights and Upgrades: Detailed advice on tool design, modifications, and upgrade paths.
- Maintenance Guidance: Support to keep your tool running smoothly.
- Cost Savings: Avoid costly mistakes and delays caused by incorrect troubleshooting or incompatible parts.
- Feedback Opportunities: Help shape future support tools and updates.
- Free Resources: Online manuals, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides remain accessible.
- Expert Guidance: Maximize your tool’s lifespan with reliable advice and upgrades.
ShopBot Legacy Tool Models
ShopBots manufactured before 2007, such as Cable-Drive, Benchtop, PR, and PRT models, are considered legacy tools. See examples of ShopBot Legacy Tools.
Additional models may transition to the legacy category as technology evolves and parts availability changes.
Paid Support Plan Details & Pricing
To purchase a Second-Hand Ownership Support Plan please contact our support team. Once you have purchased your plan, we will provide you with a customer ID that you can use when contacting us for support so that we can quickly pull up your account.
To verify what model ShopBot you have or that you may want to purchase second-hand, please contact our support team. They will request photos of the machine and of the inside of the control box to fully assist you. Contact tech support via the online form (please include photos) or give us a call at 888-680-4466 or +1-919-680-4800.
All of our second-hand ownership paid support plans include live phone and email support, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST. While response times may vary depending on call volume, our team will address support inquiries at the next available opportunity.
Second-Hand Ownership Legacy
Support Plan:
$650/year*
For legacy tools that have NOT been upgraded to the V4G control system.
Second-Hand Ownership
Support Plan:
$400/year
For PRS model machines and for legacy tools already upgraded to the V4G control system.
Paid Support Plans are non-transferrable.
- How do I know if I own a second-hand ShopBot?
If you or your organization did not purchase your ShopBot directly from ShopBot Tools in Durham, NC or from a ShopBot Authorized Reseller, your tool is considered second-hand.
- How can I tell if my ShopBot is a “Legacy” Model?
ShopBots manufactured before 2007 are considered legacy models. Please refer to our ShopBot legacy tools page.
- I was told by the original owner I’d have free support, what gives?
We take pride in offering one of the CNC industry’s most robust online resource libraries. Free resources—including user manuals, FAQs, how-to blogs, and videos—will remain available to all ShopBot users.
To have live access to our support team we have made the switch to a paid subscription to allow us to train and allocate staff to assist second-hand customers with their support needs.
- What do I need to know if I’m considering purchasing a second-hand tool?
Please verify that the machine you are interested in purchasing actually works. Have the current owner run the machine so you can see it working. You can also take photos of the machine, motors, and control box and send them to us to have us confirm what model/age the machine is.
- If I have a “legacy” ShopBot can I move from the Legacy Support Plan to the standard Second-Hand Ownership Support Plan if I upgrade to the V4G control system?
YES! If you’ve paid for the Second Hand Ownership Legacy Support Plan and upgrade to the V4G control system, we’ll discount the difference of the paid support plans when you send in the old board ($250).
- Is there Training available to second-hand tool owners?
Yes! We highly recommend training on both how the ShopBot CNC’s work as well as basic use and maintenance training. Check our ShopBot Training pages to learn more about what we offer. You can get training at ShopBot HQ in Durham, NC where ShopBot manufactures, sells and supports the machines or have us come to your location for a customized training at your shop. Contact us for more information.
Need help getting started on a project or are you struggling with how the ShopBot or SB3 works? Purchase one of our virtual online hourly training services for 1:1 recorded Zoom training via the online store.
Virtual 1:1 Training, Vcarve Pro + ShopBot
Virtual 1:1 Training, ShopBot CNC Machine Use and SB3
A Note for Original Owners
To our valued original owners: Your trust and investment are the foundation of our company. At this time, we are not making any changes to your complimentary support benefits. While we continue to evaluate our service model, we’re committed to keeping your experience seamless and supportive.