Shopsmith Forums

I was asked by a forum member (kablerj) to post a tool revue on the CarveWright CNC machine. So here it is...


I have had mine for close to two years and can honestly say that I am totally satisfied with it. To be completely honest, for the first couple of months, I did have some problems and had to replace some parts and really felt like I might have made a big mistake buying it. But, once I got it fixed, the machine has done everything asked of it. There have been a lot of bad revues on this machine but I have found that a large part of it is due to operator error or lack of maintenance or both. After all this is a computer controlled, close tolerance machine that requires following a good maintenance schedule. If you aren't up for that then this isn't the machine for you. I guess you might say the same for the ShopSmith.


Since I bought mine they have come out with a newer model and up-dated the basic Designer software about four times with each version getting more and more sophisticated. It really surprised me that the learning curve for using the machine and the basic Designer software was not as sharp as I had thought it might be. Mainly due to a lot of reading on the CarveWright sight, watching videos and the great guys and gals on the CarveWright Forum that answer any question you may have no matter how dumb it is. You know. Pretty much like this forum. I know that I have just barely scratched the surface on learning how to design patterns but, as powerful as the software is, you are only limited by your skill and imagination. Even if you don't want to or can't design patterns there are tons of patterns available either from CarveWright or other individual sources. In fact the forum has an area where users have uploaded thousands of patterns for free. If you are curious, you can download a trial version of the Designer software to play with and see if you might like it at http://www.carvewright.com. As I said you are only limited by your skill and imagination. There are 8 add—on apps available that, in my opinion, makes this a hard to beat system that allows you to add more power as you need it without having to pay for something you don't need.


There are a lot of other “hobby” class CNC machines available at double the cost of the CarveWright and most (if not all) limit you to a fairly small working surface. Where the CarveWright does have a 14” width working limit you have an almost unlimited length. The width limit is really no big deal since you can manipulate the pattern to be carved on two or more boards and spliced together to make just about any size board as you may need. They have just came out with a Rotary Jig that lets you carve 3D in the round. You know. Like chess sets, statues, etc...


To answer a lot of questions you can go to the CarveWright web site listed above or you might want to browse around the Forum at http://forum.carvewright.com/forum.php.


I know this must sound like I work for CarveWright but I am just a satisfied customer. IMHO there is no system in it's class that even comes close to matching the capabilities of this machine with all it's accessories and add-ons for the money. So far I have had a total BLAST learning and using my CarveWright. YMMV

Thank you George.

Thanks for the review George. What projects have you done on your CarveWright?

It has way, way more capabilities than my meager abilities can tax. There is a learning curve to it though and their forum members are an incredible source of knowledge.

Oh!...just saw the nifty rubber band rifle George. I did not know the CarveWright could do something like that.

tomsalwasser wrote:Thanks for the review George. What projects have you done on your CarveWright?

Tom,
One of my favorite projects is making lithophanes. It's a process where you make a photo into a pattern and carve it on white Corian (the same stuff cabinet tops are made of). When you back light it the photo almost jumps out at you and is very impressive. I also did the carving on a urn box for the ashes of a friends grandson. I have done round lithos with the jig mentioned in the revue. Cut outs for 3D reindeer, a carved Princess wooden birthday card for granddaughter...
Like I said, you are only limited by your imagination.

Thanks George. Love to see some more pictures if you get a chance.

Would love to see one of the lithophanes.

wrmnfzy wrote:Would love to see one of the lithophanes.

Man, so would I!

curiousgeorge wrote:Tom,
One of my favorite projects is making lithophanes.........Like I said, you are only limited by your imagination.

I'm hooked! We're building a new house, and the CarveWright will add the personalized finishing touches to all my cabinetry, mantels, other built-ins, and trim work.

I can imagine a lot of ways these lithophanes can be incorporated into the house as well.

I'm almost as excited as when I finally got my first Shopsmith....almost.