Nate1778

I am getting an itch for some reason, this thing combines gadget meets woodworking and the itch is getting tough to scratch. Anybody have one? What are your thoughts? Are they reliable? I know there are other CNC machines out there but I like the virtually any length of the compucarve. Looks like one can be had on the eBay for a decent price. I also like the simplicity of the software. Anything else mandatory to buy upon the purchase of the machine itself? Please tell me someone here has scratched the itch, and it feels good...........

Davet

Here is an interesting site for you Nate.

http://www.carvewright.com/forum/index.php?

Nate1778

I found that site and have looked it over, I just figured that any information posted about any MAJOR deficiencies may not survive over there. I figured I would post this were some might be able to speak there mind.........Thus far I can't find anything wrong with the product.........

firehawkmph

Nate,
I saw a demo on this at the last woodworking show I went to. It looks pretty nice. I guess it depends what you want to use it for. I could see it at a craft show making personalized signs with people's names on it. It would be good for cutting pieces parts or multiples. I don't know if I would by one off ebay though. I think having some kind of backup and support for a machine like this might be worth it. I would also want to get the most up to date machine as this is fairly new. I wouldn't want the first edition, especially with computers involved. Looks like fun,
Mike Hawkins

goingenoan

Hi Nate!
I too have gotten a serious itch for this gizmo! I went through all the reviews at Sears.com and Amazon.com and decided to take a step back! I did call the Carvewright customer service to ask about the unlimited length of boards that can be shoved through and they promptly and curtiously told me that as long as the board was well supported there shouldn't be a problem. I have since come across a statement that the total weight of the board should be under 20#.

If you have already taken the plunge as I am sure a lot of us would like some unedited and unscreened advice about this whiz-bang machine!

_________________________
Work to live, not live to work!

Nate1778

Nope, I have not. There was just too much conflicting info out there for this item. Two many issues for me to justify the cost. They come out with one that is more reliable and I am game.

caytortuga64

The machines were launched in December 2006 exclusively through Sears as the CompuCarve until summer 2007. Those were the first machines off the line and they did have some problems. Also, Sears employees had no idea what the machine was, how it worked or what to do with. Many people took it back just b/c they couldn't find anyone at Sears to answer their questions.

The second run of production were the first CarveWrights in the summer and fall of 2007. They were much better as production changes were made after the first batch. They are sold on the manufacturer's website, Amazon.com, Woodcraft Supply, Machinery Distributors.com and other small retailers. The manufacturer did take back machines and fix or replace them. They put out free software updates that are helpful every month or so.

This is not a simple saw or drill. The software is easy to use but it is software. You do have to own a computer and you do have to know something about using it. You can download it for FREE and practice all you want at www.carvewright.com. They'll even answer your questions (713) 473-6572 while you design things on the practice software to see if it will do what you want. If you really want to see what you can do with it, go to www.carvebuddy.com. This guy is amazing.

The machine is simple to use once you read the manual. Actually, you don't have to read the whole manual if you just read the "tips and tricks" online at carvewright.com. But, it is a new kind of machine and it will not be intuitive like the latest table top saw.

I heard one guy was mad because he couldn't draw a picture by hand and have the machine carve it.

You do have to clean and maintain it. The 4 posts need to be greased regularly, the flex shaft (which spins at 20,000 rpm) needs to be lubed occasionally, you need to check head pressure and make sure the bit is set in the quick changer so it doesn't get thrown. It uses sandpaper belts to feed the board, so if those get caught or torn, it will effect your project.

But the results are very very good for a machine with software under $1900. Don't get me wrong, it's not a $25,000 CNC machine. It's not a laser engraver. But it can carve very well in all kinds of wood, acrylic, corian and foam. It can scan and replicate existing carvings, create domed surfaces and really do some impressive stuff. I mainly make signs and jewelry/cigar boxes that I sell. I also make lithographs with photos that people give me.

I heard that Sears just ordered about 1200 new CompuCarves and that new CarveWrights will be available as a special order item at Lowes and Menards stores starting in November. These machines will all just have been manufactured and should be the best of all.

dbhost

Until there is a Linux port of the software, I am not interested... BUT given Linux compatible software, I think that would be a cool gadget to have...

__________________
-- Trying to follow the example of the master...

firehawkmph

Linux? Wasn't that the kid on Charlie Brown that dragged the blanket around?
Mike Hawkins

goingenoan

Thanks for the run down on this interesting machine. It sounds like they are working out the bugs as production proceeds on this interesting little bench top gadget.

Gerry KIERNAN

Busy Bee Tools recently advertised one for about $2200. I had no idea the price was coming that much for a pretty sophisticated piece of equipment.

Gerry

Kurtsara

Hi, I am new to the forum

I had a compucarve, I bought it back in December of 2006 and I used it allot until I sold it a few months ago.

I made allot of signs and picture frames with words on the frames (babies names, pets names, aniversaries, weddings)

I also used it to cut half circles for wine rack that I made

To answer a few questions

If I remember correctly the software will only let you do 12 feet long and 14½" wide

The warranty I got from Sears was 200 hours of use and I had to send it back once in the 200 hours and they fixed it and paid for shipping both ways. That was sent back to Carvewright in Texas not Sears, they don't no anything about the machines.

They are amazing what they can do but I just was not using it as much lately as I thought I would so instead of letting it sit around I sold it.

The machines are not perfect, I did have pretty good luck with it though

Any other questions just ask

Kurt

__________________
Kurt

ob1gnob

I used to have a Shopbot, it was great but it needed a lot of space, that is a big advantage of the Carvewright.

Paul Reynolds
www.CarveWrightStore.com

BobbyfromHouston

I saw Scott Phillips demo one on his show. They said that it took like 3 - 3 1/2 hours to carve an average cabinet door. Does that sound fast enough to you guys? I realize that it would take dozens of hours to do it by hand, but I though it would be faster than that.
Bobby