Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've had the sears craftsman version of the carvewright machine (compucarve) for almost a year now. It's identical to the carvewright except for come cosmetic differences. Early versions of both machines had numerous manufacturing problems.
The sensor that detects whether the door is open would fail in the open position making the machine stop working.
There was also a problem with the board sensor failing from time to time. The machine detects distance from the board by shining an IR light, then reading the intensity of the light bouncing back. When the sensor works, it works great. Some people reported the sensor filling up with sawdust. While others just failed for no reason.
I had both of these problems. Other people reported a problem with the flex shaft overheating. Mine didn't have this problem.
When mine failed, I sent it back to them for a series of standard fixes designed to correct my problems and prevent the other common ones. The machine has worked fine ever since.
I believe if you were to buy one of these today, you'd get a better version with all the bugs worked out.
Pros:
The software is great. You can download a demo version from their website before buying. I'm an IT consultant so I understand completely what goes into good software. And this is top-tier work. There's definitely a learning curve for the software, so be prepared to spend some time with it. This is true of any powerful software system though, so no bad marks there. There's a lot of good tutorials out there as well.
It's not just for making relief carvings. You can create a tool path that enables it to cut out complicated shapes. It won't replace a scroll saw for fretwork, but it can come close. It's great for cutting out jig parts or knobs from wood.
It can cut plastic. And that includes relief carvings.
The quick-release collet for the router bits is great. You most likely will need the included tool to get them out though.
You can get this sensor attachment that goes in place of the router bit. It moves back and forth scanning a 3D image into the software. This allows you to copy existing carvings.
Even though they're a small company, their customer service was good. All their customer service agents were in texas, not india. And they were all very knowledgeable about the machine. There aren't many people working there. This means you can easily get on a first name basis with the customer service people. But sometimes they're not available. So you may lose a day or two getting the right people on the phone.
You can buy it at amazon now. (yea!) I had to buy mine from sears. (yuk)
Cons:
It's a bit slow. But considering what it does, I can't complain much. There's three quality settings. And on the highest setting it can take 45 minutes or more to carve a 8"x10" face. They claim they've run them for 6 hours straight on complicated carvings with no trouble at all. I believe it. Think of this machine as something you start, then leave while you do other things.
It's loud. But it's a router. So again, I shouldn't complain.
Because of temperature limitations, I can't really keep it in my garage where the rest of the shop is. It gets too cold and I'm worried about how well it will operate in that environment. I keep mine in the basement next to a shop vac.
Dust collection isn't so great. But there's not a huge amount of dust. But you do have to vacuum it out after every run, which is not hard since the machine really opens up.
It only carves up to 1" deep. I wish it were more. But it's not a huge problem.
It can be really difficult to import a picture of someone's face into the software and make it look right on the carving. This is probably a problem with the user though. :-)
Their sales literature claims that you can rip, crosscut, and miter with it. But make no mistake, you won't be replacing your table and miter saw with this machine. It's really only good for occasionally cutting off a board after carving.
I wish the software included a more extensive carving library. Some are included with the software. But you'll quickly find yourself looking for other things to carve.
It's a bit plasticy.
And lastly, it's expensive. For what you pay for this machine, you can get some other really nice machines for the general shop, all made of steel and cast iron, and all of which will be around for my grand kids. Sometimes I get the feeling that this will be obsolete soon just like computers. But we spend this much or more on computers these days so I guess it's fair. It really does do a lot for the price. And it's a lot cheaper than the alternatives.
Click Here to see more reviews about: CarveWright N01 Woodworking System
You've Got Big Ideas. CarveWright Has the Technology to Make Them Happen. Revolutionize your handicraft experience with the CarveWright computer-controlled carving system. Now you can design and create your own furniture, architectural flourishes, signs, and almost anything else you can imagine -- all with the precision and flair of a professional.Whether you're routing, carving, cutting, or jointing, this exceptional machine can produce original masterpieces right in your very own workshop.
Just Think of it as Desktop Publishing for Wood and Other Soft Materials The CarveWright woodworking system is as easy as 1-2-3. First, simply design your project with the included CarveWright designer software. Next, upload your project to the memory card, but don't limit yourself; the included card is capable of holding several projects at once. Finally, insert the memory card into the woodcarving machine -- and the easy-to-follow LCD will guide you through the rest.
The Software Thanks to CarveWright’s intuitive, straightforward software package, you don't need to be a master craftsman to make customized creations. The point-and-click interface is super simple to navigate, but surprisingly powerful.With this software, you can arrange, combine, and even alter elements from the existing 3D image library with the tap of a mouse -- or import your own images into the library for a unique and custom product. Images can then be "dragged and dropped" onto the workpiece display, where it's easy to combine images, add text, change size and re-shape, or adjust the carving depth.
With CarveWright design software, you can contour the surface of your workpiece by trimming it into domes or arcs, or applying a variety of textures.You can even draw out your own design using the integrated 2D drawing capabilities. The 2D elements operate much like CAD software, letting you create and then apply constraints to lines and curves. And if you're interested in making signs, you're in luck -- because this software has extensive text capabilities. Raster text for a bold 3D effect, outline it for emphasis, or quickly carve text with a V-bit for an engraved look. The software uses the true type fonts which are already available on your computer, so unique, one-of-a-kind signs are a snap.
The CarveWright design software is both PC and Mac compatible, and it operates without ever requiring your computer to be hooked up to the CarveWright woodcarving machine. You can click here to see a demonstration of CarveWright software, and watch the system in action.
The Machine The CarveWright Woodcarving Machine measures a mere 15 by 18 by 26 inches so it's compact and easy to store, but it's loaded with the power and convenience features of an entire workshop. The rising-head and feed-through configuration accepts workpieces up to 14-1/2 inches wide and 5 inches high -- and with proper support, it will process stock of nearly any desired length.
The onboard computer makes this machine amazingly quick and trouble-free to use. Just load the designs you've saved onto the memory card, and the LCD screen will walk you through the set-up. Now you're ready to create complex carvings, signs, reliefs for mantles and cabinetry, or friezes and furniture. The machine will automatically choose the correct bit for your job and measure your workpiece; and the patented Quick Change System makes removing and replacing the bits perfectly painless.
The machine features a vacuum impeller built-in as well as an external vacuum port that fits a 2-1/4-inch OD hose. This vacuum system maintains airflow through the machine and removes airborne dust that can build up on the sensors, but it is not designed to remove all of the generated chips and dust. Most of the dust generated by the CarveWright remains confined within the machine and will not affect the machine performance. After every project, simply vacuum or treat the area with compressed air.
Like a printer, projects can be configured to run in a draft mode (low quality), normal quality, or best quality depending on the situation. The quality mode dictates the speed of the cut and amount of material removed per pass. On the best quality setting, the spacing between passes is .006-inch.
This advanced machine works well in most soft materials including wood -- even exotic hardwoods. The machine will also cut some foams, and suitable plastics, including polycarbonate or cast acrylic. With this machine, the sky's the limit. If you can dream it up, the CarveWright can bring it to life.Click here to see some fun examples of products from CarveWright workshops around the country.
Key Technical Specs for the CarveWright Woodcarving Machine: Machine runs only on 60 Hz 110V AC Minimum workpiece size: 1-1/2-inch wide by 1/2-inch tall by 7 inches long Maximum workpiece size: 14-1/2 inches wide by 5 inches tall by approximately 12 feet long (limited by weight) Cut motor horsepower (peak): 1 horsepower Cut motor speed (no load): 20,000 rpm
Optional Accessories (Not Included with This Purchase) If you'd like to expand your woodcarving machine's already considerable application set, CarveWright offers a full line of expansion products including bit sets, software upgrades, and The Probe. The Probe opens up the world of 3D scanning to anyone with a CarveWright woodcarving machine. With this amazing device, you can reproduce original pieces, repair antique furniture, and even copy trim and moldings with ease. Almost any material can be scanned -- even soft materials such as clay or wax. Just plug The Probe into the CarveWright, set the desired scan area, and watch the CarveWright go to work.
Warranty The CarveWright warranty covers parts and labor for one full year or 200 hours of cutting. The warranty excludes consumable items such as bits, sandpaper drive belts, and flexshafts. The machine tracks cutting time for this purpose. Shipping costs are not covered under the warranty, and the service center is located in Houston, TX. There is a 30-day return period after which no returns are accepted. There is also a restocking fee for returned machines. The warranty does not cover commercial or industrial use.
What's in the box: The CarveWright Woodworking System comes equipped with everything you need to get started, right out of the box. Included with your purchase is the woodcarving machine,one carving bit, one cutting bit, two 1/4-inch bit adapters, vacuum-bag, a bit removal tool, a CarveWright memory card with programmer, the CarveWright design software, and the user's manual.
Click here for more information about CarveWright N01 Woodworking System
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