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2. Overheating is avoided by proper lubrication with a very specific aftermarket lubricant (liquid wrench gunk chain lube with moly- cost around $5). I ordered mine last week and will do a separate review on the rock-chuck once I get it up and running (review below) (update-- I LOVE My rock chuck. some have made downdraft collectors to collect the airborne dust/dust that falls through the belts, but some of those people have had problems with static charges from ungrounded systems causing surges that damaged their machines. It has apparently been attempted with unfortunate results.You MUST use square/straight/parallel wood. Pictures also work well for lithophanes (carvings in corian backlit.).
To be honest, if I had to describe it crudely (but amusingly) I would say it appears as if a computer printer and a planer decided to mate.- the softwareSome people have claimed that the CW / CC is a $500 machine which includes $1100 worth of software--I don't know about all that, but I'll tell you this. I do this with an infrared thermometer (I bought one for $29 from harbor freight) or you can also just feel the flex shaft for overheating (per LHR the home company, "too hot to hold " equals too hot. In addition you should apparently regularly check all connections and tighten screws etc.Online resources-There are quite a few available. From now on I will refer to the tool as the CW/CC or just CW.Let me first relieve any suspicions. To put this in better perspective, it is similar to a foredom/dremel with a hand held pen type attachment being the part which travels over the project.
The Quick Chuck (QC) is a holder (chuck) that fixes the bit adapter to the flex cable. Like I said at the beginning of this article, it is seemingly not "if" there will be a problem, but "when". It is not uncommon to hear of 3-5 hour carves and there is a certain amount of bragging rights in doing a 10-hour carve. and even if it did you could just put the old chuck back on before sending your machine in for service. she commented that she thought it was the dust collector.The chuck is not cheap (about $175 with all the bells and whistles) but the advantages it gives are definitely worth it (especially the noise and hopefully fewer problems in the future due to vibration)As the chuck is not covered by the warranty, using the rock chuck will (apparently) not void your warranty. - touch wood).LIMITATIONS/NegativesThe CW/CC will allow for projects up to 14.5 inches wide. Purchase one of the aftermarket chucks created for the CW/CC.
(update- I bought the probe from amazon and love both it and the pattern editor software-- they really are excellent additions)The software itself is easy to manipulate. Use of aftermarket chucks is of course discouraged by the manufacturer, but it appears to be the most reliable way to side-skirt QC problems and other future problems caused by machine vibration. There is a small screen (monochrome) and buttons on one side for basic programs. You can then cut the other half and glue them together creating a 3D image.True 3D images--there is a new software add-on available through which you can import STL's (three dimensional models) and the software cuts them into "slices" (think of a loaf of bread being cut) which your machine cuts out. This machine may be for you. for other bits it can be up to 1 inch) You can carve long projects as the wood moves through the machine, but the weight of the material is limited to 20 lbs.You can only carve wood, or some plastics (like corian) and foams (sign foam for example)--in other words, no metals of any kind can be put in this machine.
The machine will not carve items that are not prepped properly. you just remove the adapter and use it like any other bit. The base cost includes the machine, a carving bit, a cutting bit, and the base software (more on this later)II.My purchaseAfter quite a bit of deliberation, I (obviously) decided to take a chance on the Carvewright. I personally like the consistency of a thermometer. This gap also allows much of the created shavings/dust to fall beneath the machine and has been taken advantage of by some as a port for a down-draft type dust collection system. The machine will then create a 3d image of the item and save it to be manipulated via the pattern editor software.
and just as high of a quality (or higher) of bits are cheaper elsewhere. If you really want to get into computerized carving or signmaking and don't mind taking a bit of a chance or being delayed because you are awaiting parts. There is a bit of control over the content and there are reports of deleted posts etc. Many sears customers apparently used to just go straight through the manufacturer for service. (update, I've used the telephone service twice in the 5 months since first writing this and received EXCELLENT and prompt phone service both times. An example is the following2D images--you can many picture types directly into the software. This resource is by far the most vast as far as the amount of information and help rendered and there is quite an extensive library of free files available here. Is your future Carvewright / Compucarve going to be depended on for your livelihood.
good folks here with a bit of a wild west attitude. I am not in any way affiliated with LHR which sells the CW or Sears, which sells the CC. There are also MANY tutorials and help aids available to assist if you get stuck on a process.problems/limitations-Do you drive a Honda because it will run for a million miles with only an oil change. I did not want to permanently damage my machine by doing something it was not intended to do. I have never actually seen the shark in person so I cannot give a first-person account of whether this is true or not. though since the company is evidently developing a rock-chuck type chuck they must be quietly admitting it is a better option. so you go from a propriatory system that is fussy/unreliable/and consumable to a more-familliar router bit type chuck (though much better engineered/manufactured than most non-industrial chucks)The switch to the rock chuck has some immediate and obvious advantages1.You can use standard router bits, not just those sold by Carvewright.though the bits sold by CW are of a high quality, they are expensive.
In addition to the machine, you will need to buy a colt trim router to run the bit. The motor spins (according to the website) at 22,000 rpm. The forward/backward motion is tracked by a notched brass roller which the board travels across, and the bottom sandpaper belts have a gap between them which allows for through (pierced) cuts. in addition, you can use the factroy bits in the carvewright without a problem. I'm probably as much a tool collector as I am a woodworker. I knew this going into this purchase so I cannot complain.
And you want to do it all for a fraction of the price of the nearest competitor. With the base software you only get raster-type cutting (an example of raster cutting video is on youtube if you search for "raster carvewright"If however, you purchase the optional "centerline text" software add-on from Carvewright, the machine will carve fonts with vector-type carving. This has been addressed by the company and my personal experiences (2 calls for technical assistance) were met with prompt and professional service).this being said, when you do get through to the company, the feedback is quite good. louder than my lunchbox planer. The QC is apparently the source of quite a bit of the vibration and noise associated with the machine. I did some research and entry-level into this world pretty much consists of1. I would consider this purchase a "must have" if you own a Carvewright or Compucarve machine though you must ensure any aftermarket bits you purchase match the geometry of those made by LHR.
but no matter what, you won't be using this late at night if you like your neighbors. (for project viewing and/or blowing/vacuuming dust) The upper rollers and truck ride on four rails which are raised/lowered with a crank much like a lunchbox-type planer. Almost half of the complaints I found in poor reviews stemmed from flex shaft melting/ problems associated with being required to pay for the flex shaft (I believe it is $79) (update- I've lubed the flexshaft twice since buying the machine and this has completely alleviated any overheating problems. As I discovered through research, this is not intended to be used with a vacuum/dust collector as a primary dust collection port--it is a muffler and using it as a dust collection port is not recommended as it would draw dust across the motor/electronics.No factory dust collector port exists, though some have (as I did with both above and downdraft table) altered the machine's clear cover to have a dust collector port above the routing bit. You can put either a piece of the molding or a cast of the molding into the machine and it will create an exact replica (or mirror image, or whatever you decide) The probe and software sells for around $220on amazon.I do not see buying this as of right now, but if I needed to re-create something, this would be the ideal way. In addition to vector type carving, the centerline text function allows you to use "v" type router bits for your sign carving versus spiral carving bits.An example of vector font cutting is on youtube (search vector carvewright)"double sided" 2D images--it is possible to "fool" the programming (which only cuts on flat surfaces) into cutting one half of a 3d image.
making for a higher quality cut.4.Overall cut quality is much much higher. Basically, you have to keep your machine 1.Clean2.Lubricated3.Comfortable (40-100 F)4.Dry5.Clean6.Clean7.Did I mention clean. Several DIY CNC'ers also sell completed or mostly completed 24x12 CNC machines for around $1200 (without software) As I have no experience with building machines and cannot program network code, I was a bit scared to dive into this realm. and there are THOUSANDS of them out there for free. It can take a considerable amount of time to carve more intricate cavings.
If you don't own a planer, jointer, and table saw I would not recommend buying this product. I can only speculate from reviews and research that this is a capable machine. This chuck also will apparently cut down on a noticeable amount of noise and vibration produced by the machine. LOML didn't know I had it on until I told her.
The most popular one is "The Rock" which is lighter, better balanced, and apparently much more reliably engineered than the stock QC. Read reviews on Sears or Amazon's reviews and you will quickly question the sanity of buying this machine. I immediately purchased this add-on at a cost of $100. 2.Carvespot- This forum was evidently created by some folks that wanted more freedom to express things due to "issues" with the above.
it is MUCH quieter now)Dust collection- It doesn't exist in the stock machine. You'll find most if not all of the posters here on the above forum as well. Overheating will damage the outer and inner sheath of the flex shaft which will then require replacement. googling won't find them all for you surprisingly1.
The CW is a self contained machine and looks much like a wide lunchbox planer. Also of note.it doesn't take much browsing to find a butthead or two and some here have very little patience with those that aren't as zealous or knowledgable--but these people are few and far between and people here are for the most part great. Some customers seem to have problems from the get-go, while others run their machines trouble-free for scores of hours. There is a definite difference in runout and balance and it shows in the quality of the cutsUpon first attaching the rock chuck the first thing I noticed was the vast reduction in both noise and vibration.
Carvewright forum- this is the company sponsored forum. This sucker is LOUD. louder than my router. More complicated programs enter via a port on the side into which you insert a proprietary memory card. In addition the community at the company sponsored online forum has seen just about everything and is quite helpful at troubleshooting/assisting/advising. In addition, regular (every 15-30 minutes seems to be enough) monitoring of the temperature of the flex shaft is required. If you drive a 1979 MG or Volkswagon Beetle and enjoy the down time and routine maintenance as "a challenge". The difference is amazing if not immediate.
It allows for use of standard router bits or CW as well. You then reattach the slices with glueOne more thing to note--the base software does not come with the ability to control actual cutting patterns through an imported picture. There are not nearly as many postings on this forum, but is is useful3.Carvebuddy/other user run sites for info/sales of patterns. The software used (v-carve 5.0) uses standard cnc coding/programming and would be useful if you get into more advanced/larger cnc machines in the future. I have found two solutions for preventing QC problems1.Be extremely fastidious about QC maintenance. You can then leave the machine plugged in but not operating. If there is a tool that will make a job more complicated, I'm liable to buy it--especially if it plugs in and can be classified as a "gadget".
I also use a festool vacum (non static hose) The motor has a fan-assisted impellor which propels air into a muffler/dust catcher. The next-cheapest production CNC machines are the "buddy" type machines which retail for $7000-10,000. This being said, the centerline test function speeds up the carves by a HUGE margin and many of my projects have been less than 20 min carves.RELIABILITYWell, I've had fun experimenting with different settings, sizes of fonts for lettering, and designed possible future projects. This machine, though a bit more expensive than the CW/CC, has been observed by at least two reviewers to be the "more professional" of the two machines. Follow the 12 page QC maintenance schedule as required (yes is exists). It will accept a board up to 14.5 inches in width and 5 inches in height. 2. The software recognizes all OPEN/True type fonts you have on your computer--even those you import yourself.
3. This is EXTREMELY easy to do, however you have limited control over the picture once it has been imported without the editing software (included with the optional probe or can be purchased on its own--an excellent addition). Base machines seem to range from $300-500 for the frame plus 100 for a rotozip and 400-700 for stepper motors and controllers. This add on is included with the scanning probe or can be purchase separately. and so far I've been successful)Reliability is a problem for many CW owners. (OK, I made the last one up) As SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) likes to put it, "I'm spoiled".
the software is pretty darned awesome--especially with the purchased add-ons. (updates, you can create projects wider than this but will need to carve them in pieces and glue them together) It will carve items up to 5 inches high but it will only carve as deep as the cutters on the router bit (in the case of the carving bits, this is.8 inches. as I state below, I can't help but feel the rock chuck alleviates many of the problems associated with this machine.I also resarched and took baby steps when starting out. If you are the kind of woodworker that makes his own jigs and sleds. Examples are my festool ts55, incra router table and laser guided digital carpenter's pencil. for restoration work or to recreate antiques. In the future, I hope to create an enclosure that will act as a muffler and a dust collection system while still allowing air circulationOne more limitation is time.
(update, I use a downdraft-type dust collecton system and it works quite well as long as the board is narrow enough to allow sawdust to fall through. Once something does go wrong it is apparently quite difficult (at times) to get in contact with the company for service. Replacement is (from what I've read online and in the warranty) NOT COVERED under the warranty as the cables are considered a consumable part. This appears to be very useful to people that need to copy molding/etc. Unfortunately the QC seems to be the CW's second Achilles heel.
LHR (the carvewright company) is apparently developing their own similar chuck to the rock, but in the meantime I can't stress enough what a difference the rock chuck makes in this machine)Other less common problems include sensor issues, loose connections, and sandpaper belt tracking problems (another consumable item). if too much "complaining" etc occurs or things stray too far from the company line. It allows for quick changing of different bits during different stages of projects and makes for reliable bit depths. but again for legal reasons use at your own risk)I hope this review has been informative-- I truly enjoy this machine and am constantly impressed by what it can accomplish for a reasonable price. the parent company is very concerned and has addressed customer relations and it seems to have worked)The two most common problems encountered are overheating of the flex shaft and Quick Chuck failure.Overheating of the flex cable (the cable which runs from the motor to the bit) is the most commonly encountered problem.
After shipping/tax/bits/motor the final cost to me would have been around $3000 so this was the most expensive and therefore least likely to get approval from CINCHOUSE. Carvewright / Compucarve reviewThis is a lengthy owner review of the Carvewright / Compucarve I did for a forum. It was created by a Carvewright user who happens to work at a metal fabrication / parts forming company (or something like that) Anyway, the seller's name is Ron, and he can be contacted through the carvewright forum.what the rock chuck does is replaces the chuck that holds the bit for your machine. I soaked the shaft in the lube for about 60 mins and then let it air dry for 12 hrs and while there was no immediate massive reduction in temperature (spots were around 130 degrees), after 2-3 hours of carving projects (not at the same time) my flexshaft cooled down to almost room temperature.
(update, 5 months of constant use on dozens of projects and ZERO non-operator errors.l there are things that can go wrong, but simple fixes using masking tape to keep a grip on the boards or ensuring the wood is square, straight, and 7 inches longer than your projects (to keep the wood under both rollers at all times) will alleviate MANY MANY of the issues people have had. The official company line is evidently that "using any bits other than those designed by LHR will void your warranty". Evidently a clean computer is a happy computerI clean my machine with a combination of low-pressure (40psi) compressed air and vacuum (shop vac) I use my festool shop vac as it does not cause a static charge and will not damage my machine. these can be created, scanned by the scanning probe (more on that later) or purchased from several pattern retailers. As the QC wears, bb-shaped indents will appear in the adapters and/or cut quality will suffer. (of course not recommended by the company for liablility reasons but it works) Raising this shield will pause the carving and allows access to the bit and insides of the machine. I have found the folks here to be helpful, but some folks are quite defensive of the company line.
The Rockler Shark CNC--this product sells through Amazon/Rockler for around $2600 for a 13x24 travel machine. The fit/finish is very good and overall quality appears similar to that of a higher-end (dewalt) consumer-level planer rather than a commercial-type machine. If you are thinking about buying one ensure you know what you are getting into as there is a gradual but long learning curve and proper maintenance must be observed or you risk damaging the machine.LDR If you purchase the Compucarve through sears you can take it back to the store, but they will have to send it off for it to be repaired.
The newest rock chuck allows you to use 1/2 , ΒΌ, and 1/8 bits with the standard chuck or one of 2 sleeves. this being said, In my opinion, using the rock chuck is not hurting anything, and it is if anything, helping alleviate both existing, and potential problems by reducing vibration. (update-once again- 5+ months of often use with (touch wood) NO Problems. boards appear to be the cause of many folks' problems. The probe allows you to place an object into the machine.
(note- I've found that if I carve the project on the same day that I prep it any warping will occur AFTER carving, alleviating any possibilities of a warped board causing a broken bit) NOISE. This frees you to vacuum or blow the dust away, let things cool down, or pause your work overnight. You then replace the QC and adapters. After this you can spend from $70-700 on the software to run the system.
the quality difference is astounding. Some folks seem to love it, others (quite a few others in fact) couldn't seem to even get it to work, and then got extremely frustrated with the customer service (or lack thereof) by the parent company. Negatives are very little or zero support and a very steep learning curve. The Carvewright/Compucarve--The CW/CC sells for $1650-$1900 and comes with a motor, two bits, and proprietary software. Quick Change chuck failures are the second most common problem/complaint noted. There are too many nightmare stories out there about week-long attempts to get through to ignore. To begin with, though the most "user-friendly" of the entry-level cnc machines, it quickly became apparent that it is not idiot proof, requires routine maintenance, and is in several ways, finicky. It requires quite a bit of maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, and observation for problems) and when it does go bad, it can cause damage as it releases or allows for vibration of the bits (spinning at 20,000 rpm) Oh yeah, and did I mention that the QC is also considered a "consumable item" and is not covered by the warranty.
I wouldn't call the machine quiet now, but it is much quieter and no longer has a high piched router type- "whine". The high side is that the machine runs itself so the only thing you have to do is check on it every 15 minutes or so. I have updated it when appropriate (updates in () ) The Compucarve is the Sears sold/badged version of the Carvewright which is sold by LHR based in Pasadena TX. The router or carving bit is moved side to side and up and down while the wood is fed through the machine. This is much faster and creates a cleaner cut. The other option is to send the complete machine in for repair. For all of the shortcomings of the actual machine (more to come in the next addition), the software is a true beauty. to do this you have to have the pattern editor software add-on.
Proper maintenance and knowledge of the right way to use the machine seems to be a key to many successes. The project forward/backward motion is provided by motorized sandpaper belts (consumable items which eventually tear in most users' machines and can be replaced for $19 or with rubberized improved belts for around $80) below and rubber rollers above sandwiching the material, much like a performax-type drum sander. Simple pictures/outlines/line files import very easily Fonts--Here is another place the software really shines. You can also pause the work by lifting the cover or pressing the stop button. From the motor a flex shaft travels behind the machine and over the top and connects into the chuck which holds the router bit. (not recommended by LHR, if you do this you must ensure that the bits' geometry and technical standards meet the minimum requirements)2.There are much fewer moving parts to the chuck--it is apparent when the bit is seated and snug and I my mind is much more at ease when the bit starts turning.
I did my best to sift through the reviews and still came away wondering about the capabilities of this machine. The CW was no exception. Carvewright / Compucarve review part IV, The Rock ChuckAs I mentioned in a previous chapter, there is an aftermarket chuck available for the Carvewright / Compucarve named "the rock chuck". This is done at your expense (even under warranty) which costs around $100 (if you buy the machine make sure you keep the original box and padding.). You can work around some of these limitations by using sleds, but this is a more advanced procedure and I wouldn't try it until I COMPLETELY understood this machine and could predict where and when the bit would travel-- in any case it's easier to just have square stock to begin with.
Cupped, twisted, tapered, etc. You can try it for yourself for free for 30 days by downloading it on to your computer from the carvewright websiteThe software allows you to import- shapes--3D carving images. as long as you are willing to work on your machine yourself they will evidently send you repair/replacement parts (they hold a deposit while you return your part) and will help you over the phone while you do the repair. Both tools are exactly the same except for the name badge. III.Machine descriptionUpon opening the box I thoroughly read the manual, additional pages, and updated manual (from the Carvewright website) before I even pulled the tool out.
(more on this later) The outside case is plastic and metal and covers a frame and truck containing the bit chuck and tracks which allow/control up/down and side to side (14.5 inches) travel.Behind the truck is the motor and computer servos/controller. (around $100) This product seems a great way to get into the cnc realm. Overall this forum is awesome and contains many friendly and helpful people--just don't be surprised if you see otherwise from time to time. There are tons of these out there. Research a bit further however, and you will find many, many, happy customers. (update, the rock chuck -info below- reduced the noise of my machine greatly and reduced "whine" as well. MAINTENANCEThere are many resources to assist with upkeep of the CW/CC.
DIY/home-made CNC machines with cobbled together pieces from E-bay and self procured software-- Positives for this setup are that it can be the cheapest. You can view the carving through a clear safety shield which runs the width of the machine. This being said, I tend to do a lot of research on a tool before buying it. If I were to use my normal shop vac I would just ensure that the machine was turned off first.I won't rehash the complete lubrication maintenance schedule here, instead I'll just fill you in on the recommended lubricants for this machine1.Gunk chain lube with moly2.Gunk Dry lube with CERFLON3.silicone spray4.white lithium grease5.bicycle chain wax6.3 in 1 oil7.earwax Ok, so I made the last one up just to see if you are paying attention, but I'll bet your old beetle didn't require this many lubricants.
with the old QC I never really knew if the bit had seated properly3.The weight is much more centered. the overall balance is much better and because you can mount the bits higher in the chuck any runout is reduced. Evidently there was a service problem which has been addressed) A recent magazine review of the CW and CNC shark was entertaining and somewhat informative, but not really an in-depth review (nor was it meant to be)The bench top CNC world has very few players. A google search got me results, but not many seemed unbiased (those on the Carvewright page for example could be looked at skeptically) and the reviews found on Amazon and Sears were not very positive at all. the software assigns each color of the picture a depth (up to 256 colors) and creates a pattern. I purchased the machine myself and received no discounts nor incentives based on doing this review.I.Research.
Do you hate looking at breakdown charts trying to match up that little piece you just found laying on the floor to see if it is "important".If the answer to any of the above is "yes" then I would like to recommend you look elsewhere for your carving. Online research of the CW/CC has revealed that having problems with your machine is not a matter of IF, it is a matter of WHEN. this is what I have done so far and it works well and alleviates any chance of using the wrong bit (note, the parent company of carvewright, lhr, does NOT support using the rock chuck and I do not know what the exact legal actions they can take in warranty issues so use aftermarket items at your own risk. Customers that rely on the CW / CC for their livelihood (not recommended as this machine is for "non commercial use only") reportedly keep spare parts or a second machine at hand to minimize down-time. The length is limited only by the maximum weight which can be moved by the rollers (listed as 20 lbs) The machine functions similarly to a drum sander in that the board is fed forward (and back) by sandpaper belts. It is the only machine I use in my shop where I use double ear protection (ear plugs plus noise reduction muffs) I will update you when I put on my inbound aftermarket chuck as this apparently cuts down on some of the noise.
I believe the biggest causes of many folks' reliability problems are due to1.Improper maintenance2.Improper cutting procedures which lead to broken bits/jarred mechanics, and future problems.3."questionable" customer relations from the manufacturer (again, this seems to have been fixed. I have not encountered any "problems" so far with my machine, but I am holding my breath a bit.
I would have liked an optional print driver such as many lasers engravers employ. But not to fear, I only have to do this EVERY SINGLE TIME. How else would you engrave text and why make me pay extra for something that is already there you stupid jerks. There are also very few included patterns in the software, but never fear, they have hundreds more on their website.for a price.
After this, I found that my "unlocked" centerline text required different bits to work appropriately. Also, the software is pretty full-featured. The carving head assembly moves up and down on two side mounted bolts. It won't do a picture. In summation, the machine does engrave well (after upgrading) despite some quality quirks, but if you want to buy the machine plan on spending at least $400 more.
It is made in China & quality control seems to be lacking. For this, they simply opened an option in the existing software to engrave straight down into the wood. These are not options, they are must have items. Note that it is not a laser. It does a terrible job with text unless you pay an additional $100 for the Centerline text option.
This part of the machine I liked. The machine engraves with pretty good quality for what it is. This is not a big problem though as it is easy to use.However, there are some drawbacks. The assembly must move down these bolts to secure the workpiece. I kissed another $300 goodbye. My carving needs text, thus there went $100.
However, it will do a nice deep carve (unlike a laser). Carvewright includes a method to move the head when it becomes jammed--a hole in one of the bolts through which you shove an allen wrench to crank it manually. Preemptive response to CarveWright--it was perfectly clean and lubricated.Also, everything with this machine is an add on. I would probably try to change the machine if other people did not have worse issues.
I have spent dozens of hours on the phone with tech support trying to get this machine to work properly. Was I wrong. Using this machine (or trying to use it), is nothing but frustration, a waste of time, wood and money. Even after sending the machine back 3 times for repair, it works for maybe 2 or 3 projects then breaks down again. Unfortunately, I was one of the countless consumers that bought into the hype about this so-called amazing machine. I have wasted far too much time trying to get this machine fix, and far too much money on what turned out to be scrap wood for my fireplace. If I could give it less then one star I would. They actually sent me someone else's repaired machine as a replacement for my defective machine, instead of a new one.
One month of wasted money on bits, lumber, tools, and most importantly our wasted time. Yep, the machine was most definitely the root of our issues.We cared for the machine exactly as LHR directed.still had problems.When we purchased the CW, we were very aware of the bad reviews it had received. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you won't incur these same issues.rest assured that you will.We did get our $2000 worth out this machine.however it was in the form of frustrations, not product satisfaction.We are also returning the bits that were purchased along with the machine.they won't stay in the chuck and one actually flew out while carving.it damaged the bit and marred the metal beneath the wood. When we first received the CW, it carved so beautifully. After reviewing the user forums on Carvewright's website, we believed that "we" were the problem, not this fabulous machine. Problem after problem after problem occurred. We are in the process of returning our CW.btw Amazon makes the process MUCH easier than LHR. The bit was secured and locked in the chuch prior to carving.
On our second project the reality of what a peice of junk we had just spent $2000 on really sank in. We foolishly believed that the recurring problems we were reading about wouldn't happen to us.after all, the user is at fault not the machine, right. Aside from being defective, this machine also appears to be dangerous.EVEN WHEN IN KNOWLEDGABLE HANDS.Purchase with extreme caution.CarissaLouisiana WRONG.We have only had our CW for one month.think about that for a moment.
I'm having more fun with this machine after 2 years than ever. I am a real user. It's not a regular shop tool, so you can't treat it like a shop tool. "oh it cuts wood. The CarveWright is the coolest thing I own.
I progressed into furniture building, and now into model building. I haven't had any problems with my machine. so I'll treat it like the rest of the tools in my shop" Those people fail technology 101. I even have a blog showing off my work. When I first got it almost 2 years ago, I mostly made signs for neighbors, friends or whoever wanted one.
It's very sophisticated machine. I don't think they will allow me to post a link here but I can be found on the carvewright users forum with the posts about the Starship model. I am certain that is the problem people have with it.
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