Carvewright wrong?
As I was browsing through the woodworking tools at my local Sears store, I happened across the Carvewright. Branded as the CompuCarve for Sears
While this is a pretty cool concept the reviews for the Carvewright don’t seem to speak so well for it. At $1,800, well… I’d rather have something that works for a long period.
Check out some of the images from the carvewright site below:
While I love the concept of being able to take a graphic design and import the image and carve it in 3d within the space of a few minutes, I am not so sure if this is the route to go yet. I’d love to get my hands on one of these machines and try it out for a week or two. Does anyone else have any experience with one of these to share?
30 Comments
Hi William… I am not affiliated with Carvewright or CompuCarve even though I do have a website that has patterns, etc. I have had a few problems with my machine, but overall it has performed VERY well. I believe Carvewright has about 5 or 6 thousand machines out now, so the 20 – 25 people that have complained on the forum have made more noise than all the users out there that HAVEN’T had trouble.
That said, it is a new machine and I was prepared ahead of time after reading the forum that I would need to be patient. If you come up with a project or two and want a test piece run, I’d be glad to help you out with it. You can download a 30-day testrun of their software from the Carvewright website….
And if you want to come check out a few of the things that have been done, I have a gallery over at my website at http://www.allcw.com … come and check it out…
Have a good one,
Jon Jantz
That’s awesome Jon. I love the software. I downloaded it and tried it out and I think it’s amazing actually.
You said, “so the 20 – 25 people that have complained on the forum have made more noise than all the users out there that HAVEN’T had trouble.”
Which is great to hear too. I’ve been thinking about buying one of these machines myself and came away from the forums a little disappointed about that prospect.
I am following the progress of this machne. My concern is that the negative feedback out ways the positive, What say you??
Fred, I had been thinking that as well. Until I actually get my hands on one and try it out, I can’t give too much of an answer. I am one who likes to read all the product reviews and stew over a purchase for several months before I open my wallet for something. So far the negative reviews have been winning out.
I purchased one for my husband for his birthday and was sadly disappointed. After only a few tries to create a piece, the machine stopped working, the instruction panel quit lighting up, and the piece could not be finished. There is only a 30 day time period for which you can return the machine for your money back. If used you pay a 20% restocking fee. If unused you pay a 10% restocking fee. After the 30 days you are only left with the 1 year 200 hour return policy for which you must pay the shipping there. The customer support doesn’t return calls for days and emails are left unanswered. We had anticipated great things from the company and instead have been left without a working machine and thousands of dollars out.
I would love to hear from any of the posters on this page. I too have been reading all of the reviews and forums, which, on balance, seem to be very much on the negative.
Those of who who started with a negative position (Dorothy), have you changed in that position? If so, what happened to improve your view?
Those who started with a positive view, andthing to change your perception?
Again, I would appreciate any words of wisdom, suggestion, etc. The concept looks like it would be a perfect addition to my hobby of woodturning.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Hey Tom, I haven’t heard anything new on the carvewright for awhile now. I’ll do some poking around and see what new things are happening on that front.
also, just out of curiosity we are looking for a woodworking blog to start here at b5… not sure if you are interested there, but I thought I’d mention it. Here’s the link if you want to check it out.
http://jobs.problogger.net/view/742
I’ve had a Compucarve from Sears since April and have not had any trouble at all. Some of the users with problems may be not knowing the software well enough. I had a few minor glitches, but was able to get through them. There is a learning curve with the software and setting up your piece to be carved. As time goes on, I am becoming more proficient with this machine. I believe Sears has a 90 day return on this and the manufacturer (Carvewright) backs it up for a year. At this point, don’t be afraid of getting one, you;ll like it! Watch Sears for special pricing, some guys have saved several hundred dollars.
What were the minor glitches you experienced? Also, what kind of work have you done?
I’d love to see some examples of your work.
The glitches, more like being unfamiliar with the software and setting up the carvewright. I,ve made quite few signs and some 3D type pictures.
How do you upload pics here?
i was one of the first gynepigs when the came out it worked so so at first then the problems started alot of down time machine problems etc then they wanted $500 and the old machine for the craftsman up grade so i did ask if i could get my money back and they basically laughed. unless your a computer geek the software is not usser friendly save your money!!!!
I had one of these machines for 3 months before returning it to Sears. For the first month, I spent about half of the time doing mechanical troubleshooting, but the machine –when it was working– was doing some amazing things. The Carvewright forum is very helpful at solving problems, and much quicker than the company at responding. Be aware that the machine is incredibly loud and generates a fine-grained hazardous dust, so you’ll need high-quality ear protection, tolerant neighbors (which I didn’t have) and a dust-collection system (about $300). If I can ever build a sound-proof woodshop, I’ll buy another one of these machines.
I was one of the early beta testers, and paid for the first machine several times over before retiring it for the new model. I already have over 100 hours on my second machine and it hums merrily along making product whenever I ask it to. There are occasional breakdowns, but their customer service is top notch, & they are continually upgrading the machine. What this means is that when a part breaks & they send you a replacement it’s the new & improved model. There is a learning curve, & those who can’t master the software or prepare decent wood for it shouldn’t complain. The Carvewright forum is a great place to learn much about it. Join, read, use ‘Search’, & ask questions when completely baffled. You can download a trial version of the software from the Carvewright website in either Windows or Mac OS. http://www.carvewright.com/softreg/softreg.php
Whoa I had no idea things like this existed. My father in law needs one for his woodshop.
i bought the compucarver from sears and i have had it for about 3 months the software does have a learning curve the machine of course does have electronics so after each project you need to blow the dust out this fixes most of the glitches i have made some very nice peices with it it makes a noise very much like a router i can make a project in hours that would have taken days to do
I purchased a machine in May and had problems with it out of the box. Carvewright worked with me to attempt repair, but the machine would have to be sent to Texas for repair. Since I only had it for a week I took it back to Sears and ordered a replacement. My second machine arrived about a week later and now has over 70 hours of carving time on it with no problems. I believe these machines are being built in China and they are still having some quality control problems. I am glad I tried the second machine it is now the favorite, most fun tool in my shop.
First off you will get positive comments from a person who makes money selling patterns for the machine. Sorry Jon I have bought patterns from you and you have helped me a lot. Second pkunk is a forum moderator who loves the control.
I own 2 CC and tried to be a loyal customer. I found the software the most friendly user software around. The machines has made money for me. But know is costing me money. I had to send in both units at the same time and both were damaged one beyond repair during shipping.
Unlike most companies LHR has you return the CC in the original box. So my oldest machine 6 months has been sent in for repair over 5 times and returned without damage. Not this time and the shipper UPS denied the claim plus LHR will not honor it under warranty. So I am basically well a$$ out. Shayne Jackson a LHR supervisor went to bat for me so I am getting a deal on the repair.
The bummer is it is the same z axis or y axis issues among other same issues. So sending it for repair, places a damper on my business. I own a sign shop I travel to fairs and make the signs on the spot. I always hand routed them but with the CC I could offer more fonts nicer artworks etc.
I really loved this machine and being able to share in the forum. Which is monitored closely for anyone saying anything negative,public and private, yes they read private messages. And the so called fellow CC owners moderators or any LHR staff will delete your comments and punish you or ban you for life.
No it has been mention a handful of people are only complaining. I guarantee everyone who owns a machine has had an issue. May it be a check cut motor to needing to replace the Z pack they just have not posted anything. There are many members making money selling patterns accessories for the machine so why would they complain? Check yourself in the forum http://www.carvewright.com. Read post from the past to present you will find different members posting the same issues. Another thing the forum big brothers don’t like to see!
This is the biggest concern that effects every owner. Sears will not service their Craftsman tool or like their tools offer an extended warranty is not offered. Nor does LHR offer an extended warranty only 200 hrs of use and change often what they will and will not honor under warranty.
So when the warranty is up the owners pay for everything, the shipping of a 80 lb machine. Then the now $65.00 per hour shop rate and parts. Send it in enough then it would be cheaper to just buy a new machine and start a new warranty.
If you do make the choice to waste your money. Keep track of the times you send you machine in for repair and request a box from LHR to send the unit in. Since they will not honor any damage that occurs during shipping even though you follow their instructions.
You might check out http://www.shopbottools.com I own a 4896 Shopbot for my bigger projects and they came out with a smaller unit called the Buddy. It is twice as much but if you plan a business or as a teaching tools forget the carvewright
This is a well thought out machine, but not thought out well!
I too am an unhappy customer and I really wonder why Sears put it’s name on the machine. The only thing they have to do with the machine is selling it. They won’t repair it or even offer an extended warranty like they do for most of the tools they sell. They do offer a year warranty, but that goes with LHR 200 hours of use. Whatever comes first.
They do offer the 90 days return policy I used it 3 times until I discover I needed to send the unit in for repair to LHR. The 4th CC I bought I have sent it in for repair over 6 times.
But I really wanted to believe in this machine so I bought another one. I have needed to have that one repaired twice. The first CC was purchased in March and the second in June.
I recently needed to send both machines for repair at the same time. Both were damaged in shipping. My newest unit had a broken cover, I was told it was mis packed. Ok for a small fee they fixed it. Then the second CC was broke beyond repair in the bottom of the unit. LHR told me this could only happen by it being dropped.
The shipper denied the claim and LHR was not in my corner. When I was first told of the issue I posted what happen in the CW forum. Plus what I was told by a LHR supervisor may happen if the claim was denied. The forum is a valuable asset. Anyway for some reason which I was never told why, the post was deleted. After calling and not given an answer I challenge it on the post. I was given an infraction then the next day ban from the forum forever.
It took weeks before my machine was ever looked at by the shipper. The foam on the bottom has become weak from ALL THE TIMES IT NEEDED TO BE SENT IN FOR REPAIR. Of course it was denied for mis packing. I feel due to the forum issue they did little to prove that it was dropped or to help me.
The sad thing the only person who did try to help me was limited to what they could do. LHR does provide great customer service as long as you don’t make them mad! By the way I did find out LHR lawyer was the person who removed the post and banned me.
Bottom line the machine does wonderful things when it works. But an extended warranty is not offered by Sears or LHR. So when the warranty is up you as owners pay for shipping, repairs and parts. With all the un resolved problems you can count on needing to send it in for repair. If you needed to send your CC in as many times as I have for the same issues. Then you might as well buy a new machine and keep the old one for parts and learn to repair ir yourself! Who knows you may be one of the few lucky ones who claims they never had any problems.
My advice if you need a compact CNC forget this toy. Try looking into cadcamcadcam.com I bought a 12 X 24 unit from them, yes it will cost a little more my total cost was under $3500.00. But considering the down time with the CW and business lost the difference of cost will pay for itself.
Need a little bigger unit try http://www.k2cnc.com or if a portable unit isn’t what you need like me. Go with Shopbot I own a 4896 standard. http://www.shopbottools.com
you have a great machen but has some mager problums most with your help the machen you needed to make sure that it was standing up to the name you put on it and your help calls pepole back A.S.A.P and a beater warrenty i have had so menie problums with no sulution send it in well what about time i lose i perchest this to make mony well it isent going to happen if it never works and it costs anuffe mony too so i cant tie up that kind of mony on a machen that isent going to work i am asking you to help all how are disaponted in your machen diana
Hi, Mac, here,Is their a demo to be set up near Council bluffs IA, In the near future?
Hows about a rent to buy program? Or a on hand owner show and tell, get together in the area?? Some one who owns a machine in the area who is willing to brag and show his work to small groups of people!!
Thanks
Is there a difference between the CarveWright branded and the Compucarve (Sears) branded machine? Cost, warentee, quality etc. This is a big ticket item for me, so any information would be of a great help. My wife has a birthday comming up….
I am waiting for my third machine. The first on quit after 15 hrs. and 9 min. After waiting 9 days for Sears to replace it, the second machine quit after 2 hrs. and 15 min. The first one quit due to the board sensor continually reading 0 no matter what and the second one melted its flex cable housing when about 50% done with an approx. 1 hr. carving project. It had completed its first project of about 1.5 hrs. I have told Sears that they should stock 10 machines because I believe it to be a possibly great machine but it may take that many to provide me with one that will make the 200 guaranteed hours. I will keep returning machines until I get one that does because I believe it can be done and I think the results could be great. I am PATIENT!!
Hi gang! Well! I don’t know wether to be scared or anxious but I just paid for one of these CompuCarve a couple of days ago & I am waiting for it to get to me. I have one regret already & that is they don’t send the complete bit set out with your machine unless you order it at the same time. Also I saw that it actually costs you almost $10 more if you buy the set as a complete set. Yes! It is actually $9.14 cheaper to buy them seperately. I will try to keep this up to date as I move along with my new machine.I also found that I can’t find all the accessories & bits on Sears website, I had to go to http://www.carvewright.com to get everything I needed, including the centerline software which is what you need for all the lettering. Well! I guess that’s about all I can say for now. I hope to have my machine within the next week. Buy the way The CompuCarve & Carvewright are the exact same machine except that Sears has their name on one so when you can’t get stuff at Sears just go Carvewright.com TahDah!
Bought a CarveWright on 2/24/08, went to set it up 2/25 DOA, blank disk, 63 errors on flash card from factory.
After a 4 hour set up and troubleshoot, got it running and broke the carving bit 5 minutes into the sample project in a piece of clear fir.
Got a replacement bit, tried again, stopped running without any error code halfway through project.
Now they want to send me a power supply so I can repair it. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Stay away from these people. OBTW, the CEO worked at NASA, is that enough reason.
Anyone know a place where I can get a real CNC router.
I purchased a Compucarve from Sears. I was a computer technician for 5 years so getting through the software went fairly quick. I started a few projects and was doing well with it. My first problem was the 1/4″ bit adapter. It was very difficult to open. I called Carvewright and they said try some mineral oil. (also read the forum). I tried that and it didn’t help. Carvewright did send me a new adapter but it requires a special flat wrench to put it on which I didn’t have and couldn’t find. But before I got a chance to get to deep into that, I was feeling pretty confident and went and bought some nice expensive hardwood. I cut a few projects and then the problems started. The machine started the project fine then would gradually cut deeper and deeper until it was all the way through the wood. I contacted tech support and left message after message and could not get help. I finally got fed up and put the brand new 1/4″ bit adapter in the box and took the machine back into Sears for a refund. A week later I got a call from Carvewright as I was sitting in the airport getting ready to hop on a plane. I told them that I fixed the problem. If you do decide to buy one, I highly recommend getting a shop vac and installing a small port in the cover to connect the hose to. This will eliminate many of the problems you might have. Cleanliness is critical with these machines. I also recommend a sound proof box unless you have a place out of the way in it’s own room. An air compressor with a blow nozzle would also help.
I work on a full-sized machine (size of a pool table) making very large patterns for casting purposes. I love it so much that I decided to build my own from a set of plans purchased from an engineer online. At this point, I have been collecting the parts BUT continue to read about it on numerous web sites, to read about he different software on the market, and to especially read about the technology of CNC.
It would seem that many of the problems folks are having is due to poor design of the device or shoddy manufacture of the device/materials used.
I’m wondering if there will be a class action lawsuit against Sears and CarveWright to help those who spent thousans of dollars on non-operating equipment??? I too keep watching for new info from the manufacturer and never see a word of improvement being made to the design. I wonder if those failed machines were made after a ‘rice and saki’ break?
Anyway….software is something you must find time to sit and play with before you send anything to a machine. I found using our software to be very easy yet others I worked with could not make a drawing or design and convert it to the machines language no matter how long they worked on it. So here is a tip I gave them which might work for some: Think of silk screening your design. You do not want parts of the design in one color overlapping parts of another color. If they overlap you must cut the top part through the bottom part. For example: If you have the letter ‘X’ and want it to be in two colors with one ‘leg’ the color being white and the back ‘leg’ being black you must cut the white throough the black. If you took the design apart you would then have three pieces. The white part being a full ‘leg’ while the black part being in two pieces.
The first time I made a design I converted it to the machines language and called it up on the screen only to find that the background was filled with the path lines that the bit would follow, cutting right across the foreground design. Thats when it dawned on me what needed to be done.
Additionally, be careful when entering dimension in decimal. Make sure the decimal is always in the right place. There’s a BIG difference between .25 (1/4), 2.5 (2 1/2), and 25.0 (25). Inserting an incorrect number might account for the Z axis cutting through the material and into the machine.
I’ve found that the easiest program to use to make a design with is Corel Draw. I haven’t looked at the CarveMaster software yet but have read many times that people use Corel and then convert to whatever format the machine uses. I’ve been trying to download the CarveMaster software to no avail.
I had one for a few months before it stopped working.. after repeated attempts to get it fixed I gave up and bought a Shopbot http://www.shopbottools.com It is a little more expensive but the quality and versatillity jump is huge.. And the guys there are great to work with when I had questions about the software..
Has anyone bought one of these machines in 2008??? Are they any better than the earlier versions for learning to use and for problems? Has customer service improved at all? I live in
Canada and texas is a long way to ship for repairs. As you can tell by my address, I already make enough firewood.
I bought a sears compucarve, I got three small projects out of it before it broke down. Called Carvewright and their techs are very helpful and spot on with correct diagnosis. But I was disgusted when only after a one hour project, the machine broke down again. Calling Carvewright, they told me that the machines they sold Sears have untested and defective parts installed from the factory. No matter how great the concept is, I believe having to fix the machine twice within only 6 hours of operation that the machine is going to be headaches till the day I get tired of fixing it. I returned the junk to Sears with them telling me every one they sold has been returned. Hope the next purchaser gets lucky!
I have had my machine over 6 months, other then the learning curve that you would expect, it has worked out very well.