[Gdeaver]

The shapeoko uses a more ridged x axis extrusion than the x carve. It still suffers from delrin wheel flex. It can cut Al just don't try to hog. Look at the video about trochodial milling I posted. It can be very beneficial to cutting plastics like poly carb. The lower friction of the tool path keeps the plastic cool and the cuts clean.

HSM express is a good CAM solution. I have 2 problems with it. The learning curve is higher than other solutions. It is very cnc mill centric. There is a considerable effort needed to get it set up for soft machines like the X-carve. If you don't get it right it is very easy to crash and burn. We use solidwork and train our students hard. I've run HSMexpress past some students and have received the deer in the head lights look. That's why I like Estlcam. I worked with a few students with it. Had them watch the videos and then work thru a couple set ups. They got it first time. No dazed looks.
While the x-carve served us well this past season, We are in the process of retro fitting an old Gerber Dimension 200 that was donated. Looking forward to running a stiffer machine next season.