Festool’s sibling company Shaper launched a new motorized XY table to allow for hands-free operation of their hand-guided Origin CNC router.
That’s right, for just $1400, you can now use your hand-guided CNC router hands-free! If you’re new to the Shaper Origin, you can buy the base package for $2,899, which doesn’t include a license to their Studio design software.
A reader brought the Shaper BenchPilot to my attention – thank you, Robert! – and mentioned that the new pricey accessory doesn’t do anything to improve z-axis cutting depth controls.
Shaper says that their new Origin BenchPilot accessory “removes physical strain from long hours of Origin operation.”
Features include the ability to quickly remove the Origin CNC router for portable applications, a variable feed rate control knob, timer display, and physical E-stop switch.
Initial assembly is required. It also doesn’t look like the BenchPilot was designed to fit a Systainer tool box.
The Shaper BenchPilot is compatible with Gen 1 and Gen 2 Origin CNC routers.
When attached to the workstation (also sold separately), the BenchPilot has a maximum cutting area of around 18″ wide x 11″ deep. When mounted directly to your workbench, it has a cutting area of around 18″ x 17.5″ deep.
It has a max z-axis travel range of around 1.7″.
Shaper says that you can still cut all of the same materials as when using the tool handheld, but it can make “cutting harder materials significantly more accessible since it can make multiple passes without handheld supervision.” For example, they say that “30 shallow passes on 1/8″ brass [is] no problem.”
In their FAQ, Shaper starts their answer to “does BenchPilot use ball screws or lead screws, belts, or wheels?” with “it doesn’t actually matter here.” They then explain that they use a rack and pinion system with belt drive.
That kind of makes sense. The CNC table basically moves the origin coarsely, and then lets the Origin’s onboard motors handle fine tuning. Because of this, you’ll still need to use their proprietary tapes or accessories.
With respect to the z-axis cutting depth, Shaper reiterates that the Origin still only moves in X and Y directions simultaneously at a set depth. This means you can more easily create set-and-forget signs but still can’t create complex 3D shapes or carvings.
The BenchPilot is launching at $1399, and they say this reflects a $100 introductory savings. There are various package options, ranging up to $4797 for the router, new XY table, and work station with shelf upgrade kit.
BenchPilot comes with a 1-year warranty, or 2 years if you register with Shaper.
ETA: September 2025
Discussion
Shaper’s promotional video shows more about how the router holder slides around on a belted carriage. It looks like you get V-wheels on aluminum extrusions, rather than linear guide rails.
They say that BenchPilot “drives Origin from point A to point B” and that “BenchPilot simply handles the time-consuming aspect of driving Origin around.”
This looks like it could ease fatigue and frustration for Shaper Origin users.
Here’s the launch video:
