I'm wanting to add a cnc router to my shop. I have been looing at the Shapeoko 3xxl as starter machine, as it is not too expensive, and if I find I need larger machine, I can more readily determine which way to go after experience with a machine.

nothing used has popped up recently and I was about to just pull the trigger, but my weekly craigslist review show a shopbot desktop for about half the current new price.
But it is the std, 24x18 inch, not the max. and I'm questioning the size. less than quarter sheet of ply is limiting.

The price difference is about $1000 right now, Im assuming nothing but bear shopbot. (listing doesn't mention anything else)
I know if I were to buy the shapeoko, I'd probably upgrade to real water cooled spindle and probably throw down for upgraded z. so price difference goes down to maybe $500 or less.

anyone have a shopbot desktop and want to chime in?
thanks