CarveWright N01 Woodworking System
by CarveWright
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Product Details
Manufacturer: CarveWrightModel: Carvewright N01
Product features:
- Ideal for routing, carving, cutting, and jointing
- Cut motor horsepower (peak): 1 horsepower
- Cut motor speed (no load): 20,000 rpm
- Point-and-click format with design elements ready to use
- CarveWright warranty covers parts and labor for one full year or 200 hours of cutting
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of CarveWright N01 Woodworking System
Customer Review: Excellent CNC for the $$,steep learning curve,great support,US company-awesome!
Summary: 5 Stars
Carvewright / Compucarve review
This is a lengthy owner review of the Carvewright / Compucarve I did for a forum. 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. Both tools are exactly the same except for the name badge. From now on I will refer to the tool as the CW/CC or just CW.
L
et me first relieve any suspicions. I am not in any way affiliated with LHR which sells the CW or Sears, which sells the CC. I purchased the machine myself and received no discounts nor incentives based on doing this review.
I. Research...
I'm probably as much a tool collector as I am a woodworker. 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". Examples are my festool ts55, incra router table and laser guided digital carpenter's pencil. (OK, I made the last one up) As SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) likes to put it, "I'm spoiled". This being said, I tend to do a lot of research on a tool before buying it. The CW was no exception. 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. I did my best to sift through the reviews and still came away wondering about the capabilities of this machine. 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. (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. 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. I did some research and entry-level into this world pretty much consists of
1. 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. Negatives are very little or zero support and a very steep learning curve. Base machines seem to range from $300-500 for the frame plus 100 for a rotozip and 400-700 for stepper motors and controllers. After this you can spend from $70-700 on the software to run the system. 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.
2. The Rockler Shark CNC--this product sells through Amazon/Rockler for around $2600 for a 13x24 travel machine. In addition to the machine, you will need to buy a colt trim router to run the bit. (around $100) This product seems a great way to get into the cnc realm. 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. 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. I have never actually seen the shark in person so I cannot give a first-person account of whether this is true or not. 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. I can only speculate from reviews and research that this is a capable machine. The next-cheapest production CNC machines are the "buddy" type machines which retail for $7000-10,000.
3. The Carvewright/Compucarve--The CW/CC sells for $1650-$1900 and comes with a motor, two bits, and proprietary software.
The CW is a self contained machine and looks much like a wide lunchbox planer. It will accept a board up to 14.5 inches in width and 5 inches in height. 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. The router or carving bit is moved side to side and up and down while the wood is fed through the machine. The base cost includes the machine, a carving bit, a cutting bit, and the base software (more on this later)
II. My purchase
After quite a bit of deliberation, I (obviously) decided to take a chance on the Carvewright.
III. Machine description
Upon opening the box I thoroughly read the manual, additional pages, and updated manual (from the Carvewright website) before I even pulled the tool out. 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. (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. From the motor a flex shaft travels behind the machine and over the top and connects into the chuck which holds the router bit. 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 motor spins (according to the website) at 22,000 rpm. 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. 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. 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. (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. I also use a festool vacum (non static hose)
The motor has a fan-assisted impellor which propels air into a muffler/dust catcher. 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 view the carving through a clear safety shield which runs the width of the machine. (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. (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. There is a small screen (monochrome) and buttons on one side for basic programs. More complicated programs enter via a port on the side into which you insert a proprietary memory card. 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. 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 software
Some 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... the software is pretty darned awesome--especially with the purchased add-ons. For all of the shortcomings of the actual machine (more to come in the next addition), the software is a true beauty. You can try it for yourself for free for 30 days by downloading it on to your computer from the carvewright website
The software allows you to import-
shapes--3D carving images... these can be created, scanned by the scanning probe (more on that later) or purchased from several pattern retailers. An example is the following
2D images--you can many picture types directly into the software... the software assigns each color of the picture a depth (up to 256 colors) and creates a pattern. 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!)
Pictures also work well for lithophanes (carvings in corian backlit...)
Simple pictures/outlines/line files import very easily
Fonts--Here is another place the software really shines. The software recognizes all OPEN/True type fonts you have on your computer--even those you import yourself... and there are THOUSANDS of them out there for free. 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 is much faster and creates a cleaner cut. I immediately purchased this add-on at a cost of $100. 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. 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. You then reattach the slices with glue
One more thing to note--the base software does not come with the ability to control actual cutting patterns through an imported picture... to do this you have to have the pattern editor software add-on. This add on is included with the scanning probe or can be purchase separately. The probe allows you to place an object into the machine. The machine will then create a 3d image of the item and save it to be manipulated via the pattern editor software. This appears to be very useful to people that need to copy molding/etc. for restoration work or to recreate antiques. 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 $220
on 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. (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. 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? Is your future Carvewright / Compucarve going to be depended on for your livelihood? 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.
If you are the kind of woodworker that makes his own jigs and sleds. If you drive a 1979 MG or Volkswagon Beetle and enjoy the down time and routine maintenance as "a challenge"... 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.... And you want to do it all for a fraction of the price of the nearest competitor.... This machine may be for you! (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. - touch wood!)
LIMITATIONS/Negatives
The CW/CC will allow for projects up to 14.5 inches wide. (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... 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. It has apparently been attempted with unfortunate results.
You MUST use square/straight/parallel wood. The machine will not carve items that are not prepped properly. Cupped, twisted, tapered, etc. boards appear to be the cause of many folks' problems. If you don't own a planer, jointer, and table saw I would not recommend buying this product. 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. (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 sucker is LOUD... louder than my lunchbox planer... louder than my router... 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... but no matter what, you won't be using this late at night if you like your neighbors. (update, the rock chuck -info below- reduced the noise of my machine greatly and reduced "whine" as well... it is MUCH quieter now)
Dust collection- It doesn't exist in the stock machine... 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... In the future, I hope to create an enclosure that will act as a muffler and a dust collection system while still allowing air circulation
One more limitation is time. It can take a considerable amount of time to carve more intricate cavings. 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. 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. You can also pause the work by lifting the cover or pressing the stop button. You can then leave the machine plugged in but not operating. This frees you to vacuum or blow the dust away, let things cool down, or pause your work overnight. 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.
RELIABILITY
Well, I've had fun experimenting with different settings, sizes of fonts for lettering, and designed possible future projects. I have not encountered any "problems" so far with my machine, but I am holding my breath a bit. 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. I knew this going into this purchase so I cannot complain. (update-once again- 5+ months of often use with (touch wood) NO Problems... 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.... I did not want to permanently damage my machine by doing something it was not intended to do... and so far I've been successful)
Reliability is a problem for many CW owners. Read reviews on Sears or Amazon's reviews and you will quickly question the sanity of buying this machine... Research a bit further however, and you will find many, many, happy customers. I believe the biggest causes of many folks' reliability problems are due to
1. Improper maintenance
2. 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... 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. Overheating will damage the outer and inner sheath of the flex shaft which will then require replacement. 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. Overheating is avoided by proper lubrication with a very specific aftermarket lubricant (liquid wrench gunk chain lube with moly- cost around $5). In addition, regular (every 15-30 minutes seems to be enough) monitoring of the temperature of the flex shaft is required. 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... I personally like the consistency of a thermometer. 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. 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. The difference is amazing if not immediate.
Quick Change chuck failures are the second most common problem/complaint noted. The Quick Chuck (QC) is a holder (chuck) that fixes the bit adapter to the flex cable. It allows for quick changing of different bits during different stages of projects and makes for reliable bit depths. Unfortunately the QC seems to be the CW's second Achilles heel. The QC is apparently the source of quite a bit of the vibration and noise associated with the machine. 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 have found two solutions for preventing QC problems
1. Be extremely fastidious about QC maintenance. Follow the 12 page QC maintenance schedule as required (yes is exists!) As the QC wears, bb-shaped indents will appear in the adapters and/or cut quality will suffer. You then replace the QC and adapters.
2. Purchase one of the aftermarket chucks created for the CW/CC. The most popular one is "The Rock" which is lighter, better balanced, and apparently much more reliably engineered than the stock QC. It allows for use of standard router bits or CW as well. This chuck also will apparently cut down on a noticeable amount of noise and vibration produced by the machine. 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. 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... 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). Once something does go wrong it is apparently quite difficult (at times) to get in contact with the company for service. There are too many nightmare stories out there about week-long attempts to get through to ignore. 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... 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. The other option is to send the complete machine in for repair. 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!!!). In addition the community at the company sponsored online forum has seen just about everything and is quite helpful at troubleshooting/assisting/advising. 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. Many sears customers apparently used to just go straight through the manufacturer for service. Like I said at the beginning of this article, it is seemingly not "if" there will be a problem, but "when". Some customers seem to have problems from the get-go, while others run their machines trouble-free for scores of hours. Proper maintenance and knowledge of the right way to use the machine seems to be a key to many successes. 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.
MAINTENANCE
There are many resources to assist with upkeep of the CW/CC. Basically, you have to keep your machine
1. Clean
2. Lubricated
3. Comfortable (40-100 F)
4. Dry
5. Clean
6. Clean
7. Did I mention clean? Evidently a clean computer is a happy computer
I 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. 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 machine
1. Gunk chain lube with moly
2. Gunk Dry lube with CERFLON
3. silicone spray
4. white lithium grease
5. bicycle chain wax
6. 3 in 1 oil
7. 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!
In addition you should apparently regularly check all connections and tighten screws etc.
Online resources-
There are quite a few available... googling won't find them all for you surprisingly
1. Carvewright forum- this is the company sponsored forum. I have found the folks here to be helpful, but some folks are quite defensive of the company line. There is a bit of control over the content and there are reports of deleted posts etc. if too much "complaining" etc occurs or things stray too far from the company line. 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. 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. 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...
2. Carvespot- This forum was evidently created by some folks that wanted more freedom to express things due to "issues" with the above... good folks here with a bit of a wild west attitude. You'll find most if not all of the posters here on the above forum as well. There are not nearly as many postings on this forum, but is is useful
3. Carvebuddy/other user run sites for info/sales of patterns. There are tons of these out there...
Carvewright / Compucarve review part IV, The Rock Chuck
As I mentioned in a previous chapter, there is an aftermarket chuck available for the Carvewright / Compucarve named "the rock chuck". 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... 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 advantages
1. 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... and just as high of a quality (or higher) of bits are cheaper elsewhere. The newest rock chuck allows you to use 1/2 , ¼, and 1/8 bits with the standard chuck or one of 2 sleeves. (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... with the old QC I never really knew if the bit had seated properly
3. 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... making for a higher quality cut.
4. Overall cut quality is much much higher... the quality difference is astounding. There is a definite difference in runout and balance and it shows in the quality of the cuts
Upon first attaching the rock chuck the first thing I noticed was the vast reduction in both noise and vibration. I wouldn't call the machine quiet now, but it is much quieter and no longer has a high piched router type- "whine". LOML didn't know I had it on until I told her... 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... and even if it did you could just put the old chuck back on before sending your machine in for service. The official company line is evidently that "using any bits other than those designed by LHR will void your warranty"... 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. 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. in addition, you can use the factroy bits in the carvewright without a problem... you just remove the adapter and use it like any other bit... 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... though since the company is evidently developing a rock-chuck type chuck they must be quietly admitting it is a better option... 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. 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
Description of CarveWright N01 Woodworking System
This revolutionary compact and powerful CNC woodcarving machine measures only 15" x 18" x 26"! The rising head and feed-through configuration accepts work pieces 14-1/2" wide, 5" high, and with proper support, nearly any desired length. Using the CarveWright woodworking system is as easy as 1-2-3. Design your project on the CarveWright Designer software (included). Choose from images in the CarveWright software library or import images from a source of your choosing. Upload the project to a special memory card and slide the card right into the CarveWright machine - no need to attach your computer to the machine. After inserting the memory card into the CarveWright , the onboard LCD display will guide you, step by step, through your project. CarveWright can be used to perform a variety of functions such as routing, cutting, carving and jointing and has a patented "Quick Change System" that allows the bits to be easily removed and replaced. In fact, CarveWright will automatically choose the correct bit for your job and measure your work piece.The intuitive and easy to use PC or Mac compatible software package contains simple toolbars that allow you to manipulate your design on a 3-dimensional representation of your work piece. Images can be "dragged and dropped" onto the work piece display, allowing you to combine images, add text, size and re-shape, or adjust the carving depth. You can even draw your design using 2D drawing capabilities. The CarveWright Woodworking System comes equipped with everything needed to get started. Includes one carving bit, one cutting bit, two 1/4" bit adapters, vacuum bag, a bit removal tool, a CarveWright 0-45 degrees with programmer, CarveWright design software, users manual and a one year warranty. Note: Available in the continental United States only.  The CarveWright woodcarving system gives power to your imagination. |
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 woodcarving machine automatically selects the appropriate bit for the task at hand. |
 Use the machine to create ornate boxes for gifts or display. |
 Design and craft your own custom furniture to meet your personal tastes and style. |
 Enhance your home?s value and appeal with exquisite architectural detailing. |
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.
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