Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4x4
#6 in LargeFull review
For a small shop that wants rails and ballscrews on a 4x4 bed with US support. Add the cost of a router before comparing it with machines that include one.
Carbide 3D $3,800$3,800
The Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4x4 and the FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080 are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4x4 leads on work area and warranty. The FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080 wins on price and motion. The FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080 costs $2,001 less ($1,799 vs $3,800).
FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080
#7 in LargeFull review
A large, rigid benchtop router for woodworkers who want a near 3 by 3 ft bed with ball screws. Add a router or spindle and a spoilboard to the price.
Amazon $1,799$1,799
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4x4 for work area (2,372 sq in (48.7 x 48.7 in) vs 1,096 sq in (33.1 x 33.1 in)) and warranty (1.5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080 for price ($1,799 vs $3,800) and motion (linear rails, screw or rack drive, limit switches, closed-loop steppers vs linear rails, screw or rack drive, limit switches).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every large CNC router; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4x4 | FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Price 25% | 23 $3,800 | 85 $1,799 |
| Work area 15% | 100 2,372 sq in (48.7 x 48.7 in) | 14 1,096 sq in (33.1 x 33.1 in) |
| Spindle 15% | 50 spindle power not published (neutral score used) | 50 spindle power not published (neutral score used) |
| Motion 20% | 85 linear rails, screw or rack drive, limit switches | 100 linear rails, screw or rack drive, limit switches, closed-loop steppers |
| Warranty 25% | 25 1.5-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Carbide 3D Shapeoko 5.1 Pro 4x4 | FoxAlien XE-Ultra 8080 | |
|---|---|---|
| Work area | ||
| Travel (X x Y x Z) | 48.7 x 48.7 x 6.1 in | 33.1 x 33.1 x 4.7 in |
| Area | 2,372 sq in | 1,096 sq in |
| Spindle | ||
| Spindle | 65 mm trim router mount (router not included) | 65 mm router mount (spindle not included) |
| Motion and control | ||
| Frame | custom extrusions on a rigid base frame | aluminum extrusion (46 x 80 mm) |
| Linear rails | Yes | Yes |
| Drive | Ball screw | Ball screw |
| Closed-loop steppers | - | Yes |
| Limit switches | Yes | Yes |
| Controller | Carbide Motion | FoxAlien 32-bit control box |
| Offline controller | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Warranty | 1.5 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2025-11 | 2025-07 |