ShopBot Carolina ATC
Image: shopbottools.com, ShopBot
Key Specifications
Tool Capacity
Rapid Traverse
popular table sizes
footprint 48 48 table
footprint 96 48 table
footprint 96 60 table
How much does the ShopBot Carolina ATC cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the ShopBot Carolina ATC that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The ShopBot Carolina ATC puts an automatic tool changer on ShopBot's entry-series gantry router. It carries a 1 hp or 3 hp tool-change spindle with a pneumatically actuated draw bar, ISO20 tool holders and a 7-position tool bar, on tables listed at 4 x 4, 4 x 8 and 5 x 8 ft.
ISO20 is a small interface, and that defines the machine. The holders take ER20 collets and bits with up to a 1/2 in (12.7 mm) shank, which covers the usual sign-making, lettering and light panel tooling but not the heavier-shank cutters a production nesting cell runs. Seven pockets are enough for a roughing bit, a finishing bit, a couple of V-bits and a drill with room left over. ShopBot notes the tool bar is expandable on larger table configurations.
Motion figures are those of the manual Carolina: cutting speeds up to 480 in/min (200 mm/s), rapids of 720 in/min (300 mm/s), 0.0006 in (0.015 mm) positional resolution and 8 in (200 mm) of Z travel. The 48-48 table gives a cutting area of 56 x 49 x 8 in (1,420 x 1,245 x 200 mm) in a footprint of 72 x 79 x 67 in (1,830 x 2,000 x 1,700 mm), which is the smallest way into a ShopBot with a tool changer on a full-size frame.
Two services have to be planned. The draw bar is air-operated, and ShopBot recommends a compressor giving 4 scfm at 90 psi of clean, dry, un-oiled air. Power is 110 V or 220 V single-phase or 230 V 3-phase depending on the tool and configuration, so confirm the supply for the spindle you choose before ordering.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Popular Table Sizes | 4 x 4, 4 x 8 and 5 x 8 ft |
| Footprint 48 48 Table | 72 x 79 x 67 in (1,830 x 2,000 x 1,700 mm) |
| Footprint 96 48 Table | 120 x 79 x 67 in (3,050 x 2,000 x 1,700 mm) |
| Footprint 96 60 Table | 120 x 91 x 67 in (3,050 x 2,310 x 1,700 mm) |
| Cutting Area 48 48 Table | 56 x 49 x 8 in (1,420 x 1,245 x 200 mm) |
| Cutting Area 96 48 Table | 103 x 49 x 8 in (2,616 x 1,245 x 200 mm) |
| Cutting Area 96 60 Table | 103 x 61 x 8 in (2,616 x 1,550 x 200 mm) |
| Z Axis Travel | 8 in (200 mm) |
| Table Length Range | 48 to 96 in (1,219 to 2,438 mm) |
| Gantry Beam Width Range | 48 to 60 in (1,219 to 1,524 mm) |
| Cutting Feed Rate | 480 in/min (200 mm/s) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 720 in/min (300 mm/s) |
| Positional Resolution | 0.0006 in (0.015 mm) |
| Drive System | Rack-and-pinion power transmission on each axis, low-backlash tapered-hob gear heads |
| Linear Guides | Precision linear rail and bearings on Y-axis and Z-axis; hardened steel track on X-axis |
| Machine Weight | 900-1,500 lbs (408-680 kg), machine only, depending on options |
| Crated Weight | 1,100-1,700 lbs (499-771 kg) |
| CNC Control | ShopBot control software |
| Software | Vectric VCarve Pro (standard) |
| Spindle | 1 hp or 3 hp (0.7 or 2.2 kW) automatic tool change spindle with pneumatically actuated draw bar |
| Tool Holder | ISO20 tool holders with ER20 collets |
| Tool Capacity | 7-position tool bar (expandable on larger table configurations) |
| Max Tool Shank | 1/2 in (12.7 mm) |
| Collets | 7 ER20 collets included (choice of sizes) |
| Compressed Air | 4 scfm at 90 psi (113 L/min at 6.2 bar) recommended; clean, dry, un-oiled air |
| Power Requirement | 110 V or 220 V single-phase or 230 V 3-phase, depending on tool and configuration |
Specifications sourced from shopbottools.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 7-position tool bar with ISO20 holders, expandable on larger table configurations
- Choice of a 1 hp or 3 hp automatic tool change spindle
- Air demand of 4 scfm at 90 psi, lower than the 7 scfm ShopBot recommends for the PRS5 Alpha ATC
- 7 ER20 collets are included in sizes the buyer chooses
- Available from the 48-48 table, with a footprint of 72 x 79 x 67 in (1,830 x 2,000 x 1,700 mm)
Limitations
- ISO20 holders with ER20 collets limit bits to a 1/2 in (12.7 mm) shank
- Largest spindle is 3 hp, where the PRS5 Alpha ATC has a 5 hp spindle and ISO30 holders
- Compressed air is required for the draw bar
- Cutting speed is limited to 480 in/min (200 mm/s) and Z travel to 8 in (200 mm)
- Table length stops at 96 in (2,438 mm)
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Seven as listed. The machine has a 7-position tool bar for ISO20 tool holders and includes 7 ER20 collets in your choice of sizes. ShopBot states that the tool bar is expandable on larger table configurations, without giving the expanded count on the product page.
02
The ER20 collets in the ISO20 holders take bits with up to a 1/2 in (12.7 mm) shank. ShopBot's page gives no maximum cutter diameter for this model, so check clearance in the tool bar before buying wide surfacing or profile cutters.
03
A 1 hp or a 3 hp automatic tool change spindle, both with a pneumatically actuated draw bar and both for ISO20 tool holders. Power options are 110 V or 220 V single-phase or 230 V 3-phase, depending on the tool and configuration.
04
The PRS5 Alpha ATC has a 5 hp spindle, ISO30 holders with ER32 collets, a 9-position tool bar, closed-loop motors and a cutting speed of up to 720 in/min. The Carolina ATC has a 1 hp or 3 hp spindle, ISO20 holders, 7 positions and a cutting speed of up to 480 in/min. Both share the PRS5 table design.
05
Yes. The tool-change spindle uses a pneumatically actuated draw bar. ShopBot recommends a compressor that supplies 4 scfm at 90 psi (113 L/min at 6.2 bar) of clean, dry, un-oiled air and that can hold that pressure reliably.
