CarveWright Machine :love:

[bfcg]

Originally Posted by jondealfinder

I bought my Carvewright from Dealmonger. The best deal I saw was for $999 but i offered $950 and they took it. I have been using it for quite a while now. They also offer deals on the probe and full bit set when you buy them with the machine. Here is a link to check it out.

Original CarveWright 3D Woodworking Machine System - eBay (item 390143115019 end time Feb-12-10 15:22:56 PST)

So you don't necessarally endorse it, you are just gonna spam the forum.
It is most likely a non warranty refurb. Anybody who has owned a Carvewright
knows that buying one without a warranty is a big mistake. They are very prone to breakdowns.
If you do buy one, it better have a valid warranty. By the time they return your call on a service call the warranty will be expired.
I know I am sounding very bashy but the truth is the truth.
z-truck bearings break down, tracking belts rip, quick chuck has too much run out, flex shaft burns out and strips.
Excessive maintainance will prevent some of these issues.
The shaft lube that was recommended was causing the flex shaft to overheat and melt the sheathing- "not covered, consumable".
A straight forward cnc with non proprietary software is really the better way to go.

[ihavenofish]

Originally Posted by bfcg

I consider every cut on my LP's and every other guitar that I build precision.
In fact, my LP's will probably always be built with out a cnc. Thats the way I have been building them and will most likely continue to do them. Even with jigs and templates each guitar is unique and has its own personality.
I think cookie cutting goes against the whole idea of a replica vintage guitar.
You can't digitize Mojo.

i can digitise mojo. its a specialized process involving teams of trained monkeys. ... i mean researchers...



if you *want* to hand do things, thats a whole different subject of course. i find hand carving necks very fun and stress relieving myself, and even with the cnc, i will still hand carve a few for fun. carving a maple cap with a chisel on the other hand, not really fun. dunno why.

everyones got their own reason for making a guitar. i imagine if you dont need or want cnc in your builds though, you arent gonna be following this thread too closely, hehe.

[bfcg]

Lots of things to use a cnc machine for, my world does not revolve around Les Paul copies. Inlays, jigs, tooling and prototypes are a few things that I would use it for.

[73Custom]

Originally Posted by jondealfinder

I bought my Carvewright from Dealmonger. The best deal I saw was for $999 but i offered $950 and they took it. I have been using it for quite a while now. They also offer deals on the probe and full bit set when you buy them with the machine. Here is a link to check it out.

Original CarveWright 3D Woodworking Machine System - eBay (item 390143115019 end time Feb-12-10 15:22:56 PST)

wow, for that price the carvewirght just became more appealing again


EDIT: oops, it's recertified...

[Gothika777]

Originally Posted by bfcg

Lots of things to use a cnc machine for, my world does not revolve around Les Paul copies. Inlays, jigs, tooling and prototypes are a few things that I would use it for.

Your world doesn't revolve around les pauls

I won't tolerate this kind of balsphemy

[ihavenofish]

Originally Posted by Gothika777

What about inlaying ppls foreheads when their drunk??

nah, thats best done with a broken beer bottle.

[LG2]

lots of negative posts BFG makes me wonder..

Here is some Carvewright love from someone that knows how to run the machine.
its a pair of new five string violins from my original 4 string shape. Designer made the job quick and simple.



Here is the chin rest part translated into LHR's cool new STL importer you can see the finished part in scale and perfect.





BTW I get letters from guys selling their Shop Bot and getting a Carveright and are better positioned. However it will only cut .08" deep.



top and back

Anybody who has owned a Carvewright knows that buying one without a warranty is a big mistake.

Not realy i own three CW I would never ship my unit in for repair. If one can't fix the CW i doubt one would be screwing around building a kit CNC and good luck with a complete crap software from Art scam it will cost you $7000 to get bent over.

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by LG2

Here is some Carvewright love from someone that knows how to run the machine...However it will only cut .08" deep.

Beautiful work LG!!!

But I think you mean .8" deep!


Frank

[LG2]

Originally Posted by pinefd

Beautiful work LG!!!

But I think you mean .8" deep!


Frank

Right thats .8" you will need to flip the part for a 1.75" LP body..

[73Custom]

Originally Posted by LG2

lots of negative posts BFG makes me wonder..

Here is some Carvewright love from someone that knows how to run the machine.
its a pair of new five string violins from my original 4 string shape. Designer made the job quick and simple.



Here is the chin rest part translated into LHR's cool new STL importer you can see the finished part in scale and perfect.





BTW I get letters from guys selling their Shop Bot and getting a Carveright and are better positioned. However it will only cut .08" deep.



top and back

you seem to do wonderful work with the carvewright

so the carvewright will work

[LG2]

Yea it works..

Neck, body ,headstocks ,frets, inlays, drillouts, rod , fingerboard, pickgard, 59 top. Any wood..

[ihavenofish]

Originally Posted by LG2

Not realy i own three CW I would never ship my unit in for repair. If one can't fix the CW i doubt one would be screwing around building a kit CNC and good luck with a complete crap software from Art scam it will cost you $7000 to get bent over.

whats a $7000 art scam?
not familar with that software.

you do nice work though. im only comparing it to the machined george here in toronto is selling, because his are going really cheap. most ofther machines have a big price disadvantage making the carvewright alot more viable.

i agree that some of the negativity for the carvewright in this thread doesnt seem grounded in actual thoughtful use of the machine. you can make nearly anything work well if you put in the effort. my grandfather rough carved violin tops with an axe!

[bfcg]

Sorry for the bashing of Carvewright, it's just that it is hard to imaging somebody without mechanical skills would be happy with the machine.
That is the way that it is marketed. It might be plug and play for the first 2 weeks but be prepared to repair it after that and don't count too much on technical support.
When it works it works well. I guess some people are happiest when they don't know what they are missing.
Hey LG2, I don't really know what it is that you are wondering about. You create beautiful works of art and I never meant to say that all things created with Carvewright are shit. It is just my opinion that somebody is going to put in the time to learn CNC, it should be on an open platform instead of being boxed into a limited propriatary machine and software.

[LG2]

I think opinions are always good and I sticking my neck out a little defending the little machine but it truly a amazing piece of design.

The proof is in the output so to speak.


regarding the software it very open I have no problem talking to Designer via STL or raster with almost any 3D package on the market today.

[73Custom]

Originally Posted by LG2

I think opinions are always good and I sticking my neck out a little defending the little machine but it truly a amazing piece of design and the proof is in the output so to speak.


regarding the software it very open I have no problem talking to Designer via STL or raster with almost any 3D package on the market today.

what has your experience been with depandability? that seems to be an issue for some...

thanks...

[LG2]

Over the last year my Carvewrights have been very stable. I had one old machine that i just rebuilt installed new glides "7.00 ea x2 " and new bearings 12.00 or so x 2 and upgrade Z pack ect.. It took less than 3 hrs. so go figure.

I must admit it kinda fun working on them.
I made some small mods to the hood and side panel like cutting the cornor out where the z pack hits the flag and drilling a blow hole on the side to blow dust out when the sensor get dirty. One unit looks like R2D2 the side panels are off crank is broken " i replaced it with a cordless chuck to raise it up and down temporary but its one of my best machines.



One think that helped a lot is I installed a third party very precise chuck on all the machines so now all i need realy to do is keep up with cleaning making sure the bearings/glides are not dirty. I keep running sharp and clean as i can under the work load and always use custom sleds. the units have been ruining with very little down time.

[bfcg]

I never gave the .stl importer a chance. I did not want to invest $300.00 into software that should have been included with the machine in the first place.
After the kevlar tracks ,a rock chuck and a bunch of other stuff , it all adds up to where I should have just bought a more universally adapted machine.
I am not completely bummed about the machine, like I said, it does have it's place in the shop. I just would not recommend it to other people over a better more powerful machine for the same money if they are willing to spend the money up front instead of being milked.

[LG2]

Dude! Designer is free and with all due respect and i say this sincerely when you get your table top CNC working and the software talking to it let me know how you like working with antiquated software. I be working with real time voxals and Lightwave.

BTW did you ever try making a sled?

[bfcg]

Originally Posted by LG2

Dude! Designer is free and with all due respect and i say this sincerely when you get your table top CNC working and the software talking to it let me know how you like working with antiquated software. I be working with real time voxals and Lightwave.

All right already, Jeeze! I never wanted to be contentious. Just give my opinion to the OP.
I know Designer is free, it's the stl software I was talking about.
I never want to learn Lightwave or any other program to make a simple machine do some cuts.
I am glad that you are happy with your machines. Your work shows that it is the right machine for you.
For me it is slow and too weak. I only use it for 2d and when I tell it to cut 1/16 I expect it to cut 1/16.

[LG2]

Yes you have.. you liking to use software is not realy the subject and somewhat off topic. I like to use software whats your point? if want simple cuts draw simple shapes and thats free in Designer. but a table top CNC is cool two i do not realy care that much. Just sticking up for a good machine and quality software.

For me it is slow and too weak. I only use it for 2d and when I tell it to cut 1/16 I expect it to cut 1/16.

actually i read that 2 1/2 hrs is fast or faster than a table top thats ready for a quick 80 to 150 grit sand down and finish.


But sure the gantry system has some drawback but..

Regarding the vector depth you could need to calibrate the thing, mine are accurate for 59 LP inlays and the traps.

Thought I give some love now going back to my cave..

[bfcg]

Originally Posted by LG2

well I thought we where showing some..



actually i read that 2 1/2 hrs is fast or faster than a table top thats ready for a quick 80 to 150 grit sand down and finish.


But sure the gantry system has some drawback but..

Regarding the vector depth you could need to calibrate the thing, mine are accurate for 59 LP inlays and the traps.

I going back to my cave..

Ok lets talk...I wish I could be happier with the carvewright and sometimes when i have some spare time I try to get it to do more for me.
Usually the "spare time" is time that I should be sleeping so maybe my patience is a little thin at those times.
I would love to take a known working file and try it in my machine for accuracy but without the proper custom made sled it would be nearly impossible to replicate what a file does on one machine vs a different machine. I don't mind chiseling out corners in cavities and little things like that.
That is the way all rotary bit machines are. I do not think I am nit-picking either.
I am by no means an expert on the software but I'll bet I could fully disassemble the machine and reassemble it blindfolded.
They are kind of fun to work on when time is not an issue. Especially when the replacement parts were covered under the warranty.
Just for the record, so you don't think I hate the machine and think it is a total POS...I own a second one just as a backup. I purchased it new even after I knew what I was getting in for.

[LG2]

Yea its cool I have respect for anyone working our craft and building tools or ideas manual and beyond! I just spent the last three months tuning my designs but when once made I can make her better the second time.. her? hehe hhee

[ihavenofish]

should we name this carve fight?

im still waiting for my new machine, ill post more about it when it arrives. im getting a backlog of customers while i wait. eep!

[LG2]

without the proper custom made sled it would be nearly impossible to replicate what a file does on one machine vs a different machine.

more..

the sleds are very quick to make and the design will center or place on the corner of the wood. I make new sleds all the time for the same files without indexing issues. if I was to send a pattern that needed a sled i would include a separate sled making file the would work in your machine!

[ihavenofish]

Originally Posted by LG2

more..

the sleds are very quick to make and the design will center or place on the corner of the wood. I make new sleds all the time for the same files without indexing issues. if I was to send a pattern that needed a sled i would include a separate sled making file the would work in your machine!

im not sure the sled is a big deal here. with a normal router you still need a jig for the parts, be it a vacuum or special clamping cauls etc. fixtures and setup is often the biggest part of any cnc job i find.

[ihavenofish]

so a little update. as of today george on the cnczone forum has a small batch of the little machine frames ready to ship. im tring to get him to give a firm "all in" price on them with all the motors and stuff. theres 2 sizes, one small (14x18ish travel) and one slightly larger (not 100% sure of the travel).

when i get the numbers ill post em here in case anyones still interested. you can of course just email him yourself (address earlier in this thread).

[bfcg]

Originally Posted by ihavenofish

so a little update. as of today george on the cnczone forum has a small batch of the little machine frames ready to ship. im tring to get him to give a firm "all in" price on them with all the motors and stuff. theres 2 sizes, one small (14x18ish travel) and one slightly larger (not 100% sure of the travel).

when i get the numbers ill post em here in case anyones still interested. you can of course just email him yourself (address earlier in this thread).

To tell you the truth, George is beginning to make me a little nervous.
Still waiting for a response....or did he mean next Sunday?

[ihavenofish]

Originally Posted by bfcg

To tell you the truth, George is beginning to make me a little nervous.
Still waiting for a response....or did he mean next Sunday?

i responded to you on the other forum. dont be too nervous. theres been 2 "issues" this week.

1: the little machines werent done the day he wanted, but they are now, so hes back on track.
2: the supported rail bearings have been proving bothersome. hes been trying to resolve this today, i dont know what the outcome has been yes. it has to do with preload on the X. this bearing type isnt designed for high side loads, which is what you get when the rails are mounted sideways. so hes tired cranking the preload, but the aluminium carriage i think was inherently flexy. i think hes trying another brand to see if its improvable. he doesnt want to ship out a machine that will have issues.

hes abandoning the supported rails on future builds though. my machine will have hiwin 20mm square linear rails with 4 way bearings (hgr20). the price will be higher but i found it still "cheap". he said the smaller machines will also get the hiwin rails, and there will be an even bigger one as well (40" wide). these arent ready though, so in the meantime hes trying to get out a well working supported rail version.

so dont be putoff just yet on his email correspondence. i useually get fast responses, but hes been in a mad rush dealing with the paid customers before he gets to the new ones.

i think his big mistake was "announcing" the product before it was quite done - something inevitable when you chronical the design stage on cnczone.

[ihavenofish]

ok, so i talked with geaorge a bit on the little machines, and heres basically what it is:

20x36 frame unsupported rails. $1900cdn.

- 13.5" x 29"+ x5" travel. (just big enough for an LP body and neck)
- gecko g540 control with 3 steppers, cabling, and 48v power supply.
- aluminium t slot table top.
- router clamp (not ready just yet) for standard 3.25" router.
- limit switch gear with brackets (also not ready yet).

the router clamp and limit switch brackets are expected to be done within a week or so.

machine ships in a few boxes, and youll have to do some basic assembly and connecitng all the wiring. its not hard work, but it is not totally plug and play here. hes working to get someone who will preconfig the machines for a charge, but thats not in place yet.

shipping to the US is in around $100.

not much else to it i guess. you need a pc running windows xp, and a parallel port and about 2ghz cpu for best results. control software is $160us from mach3.

anyhow, thats about all the middle man im willing to be, haha.

[73Custom]

Originally Posted by ihavenofish

ok, so i talked with geaorge a bit on the little machines, and heres basically what it is:

20x36 frame unsupported rails. $1900cdn.

- 13.5" x 29"+ x5" travel. (just big enough for an LP body and neck)
- gecko g540 control with 3 steppers, cabling, and 48v power supply.
- aluminium t slot table top.
- router clamp (not ready just yet) for standard 3.25" router.
- limit switch gear with brackets (also not ready yet).

the router clamp and limit switch brackets are expected to be done within a week or so.

machine ships in a few boxes, and youll have to do some basic assembly and connecitng all the wiring. its not hard work, but it is not totally plug and play here. hes working to get someone who will preconfig the machines for a charge, but thats not in place yet.

shipping to the US is in around $100.

not much else to it i guess. you need a pc running windows xp, and a parallel port and about 2ghz cpu for best results. control software is $160us from mach3.

anyhow, thats about all the middle man im willing to be, haha.

so if my calculations are correct for roughly $2060 in US dollars this thing can be up and running (cnc, shipping and software).

i look forward to seeing a picture of yours...