What ShopBot does

ShopBot Tools, Inc., founded in 1996 and headquartered at 3333-B Industrial Drive, Durham, North Carolina, designs, manufactures, and supports CNC routers entirely in the USA. The company sells a three-tier product portfolio: entry-level desktops (ShopBot Desktop from $9,972; Desktop MAX from $12,548; Desktop MAX ATC from $19,694), a mid-tier full-size gantry line launched in June 2026 (ShopBot Carolina from $19,813; Carolina ATC from $26,850), and a high-end production tier (PRS5 Alpha from $31,127; Alpha ATC from $42,256). Core technology is built around proprietary ShopBot Control Software (SB3), Oriental Motor alphaStep closed-loop motion control, THK linear rails, anti-backlash lead screws, and optional HSD/Colombo high-frequency spindles; every new machine ships with Vectric VCarve Pro CAD/CAM software bundled.

The business model is direct-to-customer hardware sales via phone (888-680-4466), online quote requests, and an e-commerce store for accessories, supplemented by Ascentium Capital and Alliance Funding Group equipment financing. Revenue streams include one-time machine sales ($9,972–$42,256+), accessories and consumables (spindles, bits, vacuum systems, rotary indexers, knives, enclosures, work stands), Vectric Aspire software upgrades, $600-per-person Basic Training at ShopBot HQ, virtual 1:1 training, on-site training, and referral revenue from financing partners. A second-hand Support Plan offers a small recurring component. Customer segments are highly distributed across cabinet makers, sign shops, luthiers, theater/museum scene shops, education (Florida State, NC State, Polk County SD, USITT), furniture makers, and small-batch manufacturers.

The company is privately held with no disclosed funding, no parent company, and an 11–50 employee headcount. Customer concentration is a long tail with Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry (16 ShopBot Control Systems) as the single largest disclosed enterprise account. Marketing blends direct sales, trade shows (IWF Atlanta, NAMM, USITT, SkillsUSA TECHSPO), an active TalkShopBot forum, the 100kGarages digital fabrication network, a YouTube ABCs of CNC educational series, and ShopBot Labs experimental apps. Distribution is primarily domestic, with global sales likely via online channels but no formal international reseller network disclosed.

Name

ShopBot

Legal name

ShopBot Tools, Inc.

Website

https://shopbottools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ShopBot Tools manufactures USA-made CNC routers from compact desktops (starting at $9,972) to full-size production gantries (from $42,256), serving cabinet makers, sign shops, luthiers, theaters, educators, and small-batch manufacturers via direct sales, bundled Vectric CAD/CAM software, financing partnerships, and community-driven training and support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CNC Machinery and Digital Fabrication Equipment

akta.pro primary industry

CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)

Keywords

• CNC router manufacturing
• Digital fabrication equipment
• CNC machinery
• Automated cutting tools
• Computer-controlled routers

Headquarters

HQ city

Durham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. CNC Machine Hardware Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling CNC routers ranging from compact Desktop models ($9,972) to full-size Alpha Series production machines ($42,256+). One-time hardware purchase with optional accessories and deck configurations.
2. Accessories and Consumables: Spindles, routers (DeWalt 2.25HP at $385), bits, collets, vacuum systems, rotary indexers, enclosures, work stands, and knife accessories sold separately.
3. Work Station Packages: Bundled packages including CNC machine, control computer, enclosure, work stand, and software at premium pricing over individual components.
4. Design Software: Vectric VCarve Pro (included free with purchase, $699 value) and Aspire upgrade ($1,300 additional) for design and toolpath creation.
5. Training Services: Basic Training at $600 per person, Virtual 1:1 Training sessions, On-Site Training, and ShopBot Handbook. CEU-eligible courses for educators.
6. Financing and Leasing Services: Partnership with Ascentium Capital and Alliance Funding Group to provide equipment financing. ShopBot receives referral/affiliate revenue from financing arrangements.
7. Support Plans and Services: Paid support plans for second-hand machine owners providing maintenance, technical support, and upgrade possibilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

ShopBot Tools designs, manufactures, and supports a full line of USA-made CNC routers spanning from compact desktop machines to full-size production gantry systems, sold alongside proprietary control software, CAD/CAM design software (Vectric VCarve Pro), accessories (spindles, vacuum systems, rotary indexers, knives, enclosures), training services, and financing/leasing options. Primary products are the ShopBot Desktop, Desktop MAX, Desktop MAX ATC, ShopBot Carolina series, and ShopBot PRS5 Alpha series, used by cabinet makers, sign shops, luthiers, theatres, educators, furniture makers, and manufacturers for cutting, carving, drilling, and machining wood, plastic, foam, aluminum, and composites.

Product overview

ShopBot Tools manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of USA-made CNC routers spanning from compact desktop machines to full-size production gantry systems. The product lineup consists of three tiers: (1) Desktop machines — the ShopBot Desktop (24"x18", starting $9,972), Desktop MAX (36"x24", starting $12,548), and Desktop MAX ATC with 7-tool automatic changer (starting $19,694) — all designed for makers, prototyping, and small workshops; (2) Carolina series gantry machines — the Carolina (full-size PRS5 design, starting $19,813) and Carolina ATC with automatic tool changing (starting $26,850) — targeting sign shops, studios, and educators; (3) PRS5 Alpha series production machines — the Alpha (starting $31,127) and Alpha ATC with 9-position tool bar and 5HP spindle (starting $42,256) — built for high-volume manufacturing. Supporting accessories include spindles/routers, vacuum hold-down systems, rotary indexers, tangential/drag knives, enclosures, and work stands. Every new machine bundles Vectric VCarve Pro CAD/CAM software and ShopBot's proprietary SB3 control software. The company also offers financing programs, training services (in-person, virtual, and on-site), and ShopBot Labs — a collection of experimental design and toolpath apps. The Carolina and Carolina ATC represent the company's newest product line, launched in June 2026 to replace the legacy PRS5 Standard machines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ShopBot Carolina: Full-size CNC machine series for makers, sign shops, small studios, and educators with manual or automatic tool changing
• ShopBot Alpha
• Desktop
• Desktop MAX
• Desktop MAX ATC
• ShopBot Control Software (Sb3)
• ShopBot Labs
• Handibot

Products and services

• ShopBot Desktop Compact desktop CNC router with 24" x 18" work area, industrial 1HP spindle (9,000-18,000 RPM), running on standard 120VAC household power. Available with aluminum T-slot or vacuum hold-down deck. Targets makers, hobbyists, prototyping, and small studios. Starting at $9,972.
• ShopBot Desktop MAX Mid-size desktop CNC router with 36" x 24" work area (twice the size of the ShopBot Desktop), industrial 1HP spindle (9,000-18,000 RPM), running on standard 120VAC household power. Suitable for cabinet faces, guitar necks, and prototyping. Starting at $12,548.
• ShopBot Desktop MAX ATC Desktop MAX CNC with 7-tool automatic changer, 36" x 24" work area, industrial 1HP automatic tool change spindle with pneumatically actuated draw bar compatible with ISO20 tool holders. Includes 7-position tool bar and programmable spindle speed controller. Starting at $19,694.
• ShopBot Carolina Full-size gantry CNC built on the PRS5 table design for makers, sign shops, small studios, and educators. Available in 4'x4', 4'x8', and 5'x8' (5'x10') table sizes with spindle options from 1HP 110V to 5HP. Cutting speeds up to 480 ipm, rapid speeds of 720 ipm. Modular table design for stability and accessibility. Starting at $19,813.
• ShopBot Carolina ATC Full-size gantry CNC with automatic tool changing capability for small shops and sign makers. Available in 1HP and 3HP configurations with 7-position tool bar, pneumatically actuated draw bar compatible with ISO20 tool holders. Cutting speeds up to 480 ipm. Starting at $26,850.
• ShopBot PRS5 Alpha High-production full-size PRS5 gantry CNC with Oriental Motor alphaStep closed-loop motor system for real-time position monitoring. Table sizes from 48"-192" and gantry beam widths from 32"-108". 2.2HP, 4HP, and 5HP spindle options with cutting speeds up to 720 ipm and rapid speeds of 1,800 ipm. Starting at $31,127.
• ShopBot PRS5 Alpha ATC Top-of-the-line production powerhouse with 5HP automatic tool changer, 9-position tool bar, pneumatically actuated draw bar compatible with ISO30 tool holders and ER32 collets (up to 3/4" shank). Closed-loop motor control. Cutting speeds up to 720 ipm, rapid speeds of 1,800 ipm. Starting at $42,256.
• ShopBot Work Stations Complete packages bundling a ShopBot Desktop, Desktop MAX, or Desktop MAX ATC CNC machine with a dedicated control computer, ShopBot Control Software (SB3), Vectric VCarve Pro design software, Invision Enclosure, steel work stand with caster kit, free tech support, and 2-year warranty. Desktop Work Station starting at $13,447; Desktop MAX Work Station starting at $16,448; Desktop MAX ATC Work Station starting at $23,594.
• Spindles & Routers Range of high-frequency industrial spindles including HSD 2.2HP and 4HP models, and Colombo 5HP spindle, plus DeWalt 2.25HP Model 618 routers for CNC systems. Spindles feature precision bearings for reduced run-out and continuous use. HSD 2.2HP $2,945-$3,195; HSD 4HP $4,016-$4,552; Colombo 5HP $5,623-$6,426; DeWalt $385.
• Vacuum Hold-Down Systems Complete vacuum hold-down solutions including Becker Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump (8.9 HP, 174 SCFM), Cyclone Vacuum System for 3'x5' to 4'x6' tables, Hurricane Vacuum System for 5'x5' to 5'x10' tables, Storm Vacuum System for under 4'x4' tables, and Fein Turbo II Vacuum for 1'x2' to 2'x3' tables. Sold as integrated ShopBot accessory lineup.
• Rotary Indexers Rotary indexer accessories providing 4th rotary axis for turning parts and precise indexed control. Available in 3", 6", and 12" models for different ShopBot machine types. Enables lathe work, spindle and table leg turning, and 3D sculpture creation.
• CNC Knives Cutting accessories including Tangential Oscillating Knife for foam, rubber, cardboard, leather, and insulation up to 4" thickness; Donek D2 Drag Knife for utility knife-style cutting up to 1/4" depth; and Vinyl Cutter for adhesive-backed sign vinyl, paper, and thin plastics up to 1/32".
• Enclosures & Work Stands Safety enclosures including Invision Full Enclosure (polycarbonate construction with auto spindle shut-off on door open) and Mini-Enclosure. Steel work stands available for Desktop and Desktop MAX models, designed for stability and accessibility with pre-tapped holes for customization.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cutting speeds of up to 480 inches per minute (Carolina Series) and 720 inches per minute (Alpha Series)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers31 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• VectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationVectric provides VCarve Pro (included free with every ShopBot, $699 value) and Aspire software (upgrade available) for CAD/CAM design and toolpath creation. Deep integration with ShopBot Control Software and ongoing collaboration at Vectric User Group Meetings.
• TIPS-USAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTIPS-USA cooperative purchasing program enables schools, government, and non-profit organizations to purchase ShopBot equipment through pre-negotiated pricing, simplifying procurement for education institutions.
• HSDmajorTechnology or IntegrationHSD (Macchine Utensili) manufactures high-frequency spindles (2.2HP, 4HP) sold as ShopBot accessories. HSD spindles include Yaskawa variable frequency drives for precise speed control.
• ColombomajorTechnology or IntegrationColombo manufactures the 5HP high-frequency spindle sold as a ShopBot accessory. Industrial-grade precision spindles for demanding production applications.
• YaskawamajorTechnology or IntegrationYaskawa provides variable frequency drives (VFD) for HSD and Colombo spindles, enabling precise spindle speed control from ShopBot control software.
• DeWaltmajorTechnology or IntegrationDeWalt Model 618 2.25HP router is the recommended and sold router for ShopBot CNC systems where a spindle is not installed. ShopBot sells this router as part of their accessory lineup.
• FeinmajorTechnology or IntegrationFein Turbo II Vacuum/Dust Extractor is included with Universal Vacuum Hold Down Deck kits for Desktop and Desktop MAX machines. Fein is the preferred vacuum solution for ShopBot hold-down systems.
• Oriental MotormajorTechnology or IntegrationOriental Motor's alphaStep closed-loop motor technology is used in ShopBot Alpha series machines, providing real-time position monitoring and eliminating position loss during cutting operations.
• THKmajorTechnology or IntegrationTHK linear rails and bearings are used on ShopBot machines for smooth, precise motion control on all axes. THK is a leading manufacturer of linear motion systems.
• XEdge ToolsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorXEdge Tools manufactures blades recommended for use with ShopBot Tangential Oscillating Knife accessory, including pointed tip, double-edged, serrated, and thick single edge blades.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tormach: Tormach manufactures compact and mid-size CNC mills, routers, and plasma cutters targeted at small businesses, makers, and educational institutions — directly competing with ShopBot in the affordable small-shop CNC segment.
• Carbide 3D: Carbide 3D produces the Shapeoko desktop CNC router line for makers, woodworkers, and small businesses, directly competing with ShopBot's Desktop series on price, ecosystem, and ease of use.
• Avid CNC: Avid CNC designs and sells mid-size CNC router kits and full machines for small to mid-size shops, hobbyists, and education — overlapping with ShopBot's Desktop MAX and Carolina segments.
• Inventables: Inventables (Easel, Carvey, X-Carve) provides desktop CNC platforms and software aimed at makers, educators, and small businesses, competing with ShopBot's entry-level offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Laguna Tools: Laguna Tools is an established woodworking machinery manufacturer offering CNC routers alongside bandsaws, edgebanders, and dust collectors — overlapping with ShopBot's mid-to-large gantry CNC products.
• Haas Automation: Haas Automation is one of the largest US-based CNC machine builders, producing vertical machining centers and large-format CNC routers serving production manufacturers — a much larger competitor at the higher end of ShopBot's PRS5 Alpha market.
• Roland DGA: Roland DGA manufactures a broad line of CNC milling machines, engravers, and 3D printers serving signage, manufacturing, dental, and jewelry — overlapping with ShopBot's sign-making and small-business fabrication customers.

Emerging players

• Bantam Tools: Bantam Tools focuses on compact desktop CNC milling machines for precision prototyping, electronics, and small parts — a narrower focus than ShopBot but competing for the maker/professional desktop buyer.
• Glowforge: Glowforge builds cloud-connected desktop laser cutters for hobbyists, schools, and small businesses — competing with ShopBot Desktop for entry-level maker and education digital-fabrication budgets.

Others

• Epilog Laser: Epilog Laser produces desktop and mid-format CO2 and fiber laser engraving/cutting systems widely used in education, sign making, and small fabrication shops — adjacent to ShopBot's customer base and competing for the same workshop's capex dollars.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/shopbottools
• Facebookfacebook.com/ShopBotTools
• Instagraminstagram.com/shopbottools
• Xx.com/ShopBotTools
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shopbot-tools-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ShopBot