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lynnfrwd
01-25-2011, 05:59 PM
LHR began selling the CarveWright System in 2006. We and a lot of our early members learned things the hard way. We want you to benefit from our knowledge.

Please find (& post) in this thread:

WHAT EVERY NEWBIE SHOULD KNOW:


I will start it off

1. READ THE MANUAL!!
2. DO AT LEAST THE FIRST THREE OF THE FIVE STEP-BY-STEP PROJECT DESIGNS (See ONLINE TOOLS - tutorials - project designer)
3. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

I'll let the experts expand on this thread....

Kenm810
01-28-2011, 11:18 AM
The first thing I did after reading the Manual -- "Twice"

When I first unpacked the box, -- I checked the Machine for any missing or broken parts,
then carefully put all the packing materials back inside the box and saved the box in the garage,
just in case I needed to return the machine, or if I ever need to ship it to LHR in Texas for repairs.

CarverJerry
01-28-2011, 12:15 PM
After reading the manual a few times and unpacking the machine I made it a daily thing to visit this forum and read just about every post. I've learned so much just from here than I did from the entire manual.

CarverJerry

cnsranch
01-28-2011, 12:18 PM
Get involved in the Forum - learn how it works - understand how to do an effective search for any questions, or potential problems you may be experiencing. Find the time to "root around" on the Forum - a wealth of information can be gleaned just by reading past posts, threads, and looking at projects - both those that worked well, and those that didn't - and why they did or didn't.

PCW
01-28-2011, 12:24 PM
Search engine is your friend. Most all the CW common problems have be addressed over and over.

Use quotation marks on your search word.

"example"

cnsranch
01-28-2011, 01:38 PM
1. Keep the machine clean.
2. Add a Dust Collection System - do it, now, trust me.
3. Get a lighted mirror so you can see inside the QC (assuming you have a QC).
4. Watch the temp of the Flexshaft - if it feel more than warm to the touch where it curves at the top, you're gonna melt it. Get an infra-red thermometer to help you watch it (they're about $30 at HarborFreight).
5. Learn the software - spend more time designing and reviewing your projects than carving on the machine. The machine is like a computer - "garbage in, garbage out" - it will only turn out what you design and tell it to turn out.
6. After you screw up a project (and you will - in fact, more than one) try to learn why it didn't come out the way you planned...don't lay blame...anywhere....if you don't figure it out, you'll only make the same error over and over...you'll get frustrated, and won't be happy with your hobby.
7. Enjoy the ride, and show off your accomplishments here - we love to see "newbies" have the "light go on".

cestout
01-28-2011, 07:30 PM
Know ahead of time if your board is going to track properly - especially important on 2 sided carves. Go to option 7 first and measure the board - if 2 sided measure both sides. If it moves thru the machine measuring, it will track ok.
Clint

Ike
01-28-2011, 09:51 PM
Four words, Forum, Tips and Tricks! Besides the manual the monthly T&P will show you how to use your CW to finishing your projects and everything in between! The forum is Wikipedia of CW, you can find all the answers you are looking for pertaining to your CW.

Members to look for answers are Al digitalwoodshop, Askbud, Michael Tyler, mtylerfl, Jerry cnsranch, Ken Kenm810 and the list goes on sorry if I missed your name! Just read all the post in this thread!

Ike

AskBud
01-28-2011, 10:47 PM
My "Download" link, below, has lots of lessons (most in AVI format) and links to many other sources of information.
AskBud

Capt Bruce
01-29-2011, 10:06 AM
When in doubt, add a strip of blue painters tape to the bottom edge of the board that will track on the brass wheel. On support boards or sleds don't forget to renew that strip of tape occasionally as they do get roughed up and will not track properly. Tape is cheap, wood is not.
I prefer blue to regular masking tape as it comes off clean leaving nothing to mess up a finish coating or stain.

cnsranch
01-31-2011, 12:42 PM
Another thing -

Watch that little rubber O-Ring on the board tracking roller. It will get worn, will crack, and eventually fall off. You are lost without it.

I keep a supply on hand, and replace the O-Ring when it starts cracking.

Kenm810
01-31-2011, 01:46 PM
Remember Static Electric Discharges can ruin your day

If you use a Shop-Vac to clean up Dust and Chips in or aound your Machine while carving
--Please!! -- Be sure to keep it away from the Circuit Boards and Key Pad side of your Carver

cnsranch
01-31-2011, 01:53 PM
Remember Static Electric Discharges can ruin your day

If you use a Shop-Vac to clean up Dust and Chips in or aound your Machine while carving
--Please!! -- Be sure to keep it away from the Circuit Boards and Key Pad side of your Carver

Keep the machine grounded while using your shop vac by laying a hand on the metal of the machine.

atauer
01-31-2011, 02:15 PM
If you are uncertain about a particular function/feature, run a small test carve to see how it performs before throwing in an expensive board. It may add some cut time, but at least you will know what to expect when you start a big project.

TIMCOSBY
01-31-2011, 11:20 PM
you will not like the carving from a picture as well as a carving from a 3d pattern!

CarverJerry
02-16-2011, 12:41 PM
Hey Jerry, or anyone else who may know, but you said to watch the little o-ring on the brass roller, does anyone know the exact dimentions of the rubber o-ring? How about a good place to buy a hand full of them....

CJ

dbfletcher
02-16-2011, 12:59 PM
You should be able to find them nearly anywhere. If you have the sandpaper belts, the correct side is 5/16 ID x 7/16 OD. The rubber belts use a different size. MT just had a recent post with the size for rubber belts but I dont recall which thread it was in.

Edit: I found MTs' post...

http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?17582-X-axis-incorrect&p=147935#post147935

CarverJerry
02-16-2011, 06:31 PM
Thanks Doug

ktjwilliams
02-18-2011, 09:40 PM
Harbor freight sells O ring kits for bout $ 5 ... U get bout a dozen of each size from small to over an inch...

woodchip
03-27-2011, 01:00 PM
I just rercieved a new machine 9 (C version), and the owners manuel wasn't there. I tried to use the manuel on the comp. but for some reason it only has a few pages. My question is do I check the head pressure the same as the older machines and what should the pressure be?
Thanks
Don

mtylerfl
03-27-2011, 01:25 PM
I just rercieved a new machine 9 (C version), and the owners manuel wasn't there. I tried to use the manuel on the comp. but for some reason it only has a few pages. My question is do I check the head pressure the same as the older machines and what should the pressure be?
Thanks
Don

Hi Don,

The machine manual is about 40-ish pages - don't know if you got that in the box, or not. The software manual is over 200 pages, and will not be in the box. Both can be downloaded at the following links...

CarveWright Version C Manual (http://www.carvewright.com/service/Manuals/CarveWright_manual_C_SN.pdf) (PDF)

CarveWright Software Manual (http://www.carvewright.com/service/Manuals/CarveWright_Software_Manual.pdf) (PDF)

As far as head pressure, you can download the following:

Head Pressure - Leveling the Head (http://www.carvewright.com/service/Service_instructions/CarveWright_service_level_head.pdf) (PDF)

Head Pressure - Checking & Adjusting the Head Pressure (http://www.carvewright.com/service/Service_instructions/CarveWright_service_adjust_head_pressure.pdf) (PDF)

Hope that helps. Holler if you need anything else, or have questions.

fwharris
03-27-2011, 01:27 PM
I just rercieved a new machine 9 (C version), and the owners manuel wasn't there. I tried to use the manuel on the comp. but for some reason it only has a few pages. My question is do I check the head pressure the same as the older machines and what should the pressure be?
Thanks
Don

Don,

The checking of the head pressure is the same for all the machines 75-85 lbs.

Click on the documents link in my signature and it will take you to the down load for the owners manual..

woodchip
03-27-2011, 01:52 PM
Thanks all... don't know why the manuel wouldn't come up the first time!!
Don

Rearden
04-21-2011, 09:51 AM
Great suggestions all. I'm rather struck by the emphasis on "Read Manual". You'd think that that would pretty much go without saying huh? I guess not. Sort of the digital equivalent of measure once, cut twice..."damn...still too short!"

I was never a fan of Harbor Fright's Red Chinese Q.C. Follow the adage, "If your life or livelihood depend on it, don't buy it there". I must say though that my neighbor has one of their IR hand held thermometers and the thing is amazingly accurate and capable for the price. Ah well, there was a time when Japanese cars and electronics were considered a joke...remember?

DurhamDev
07-12-2011, 02:03 PM
Right from the first post, "Preventative Maintenance". What is the best resource available for this? I can recall reading the manual (once, a while back) and being overwhelmed, so if I need to revisit it, I'd appreciate the input. My machine needs some love, I would say, as I would personally LOVE to make it look super-clean, and keep it that way. That being said, I know there's a lot of MDF (the devil!) dust in the works that likes to turn to gum at the most inopportune moment, usually when I switch bits for the LAST DARNED CARVE!

If it's simpler than reading the manual (which, I'll admit, isn't my strong suit, as I am a guy - lol) and someone could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. (i.e. What do I use to lubricate the gears, if at all, and what other parts need my attention, and how often.)

Appreciated!

b.sumner47
03-06-2012, 08:33 PM
Keep the manual near to your heart .Please don't be afraid to ask your question , no matter how how dumb it may sound. The forum is a very useful tool.

Now have good time .Enjoy.

Capt Barry

AskBud
03-07-2012, 12:06 AM
http://forum.carvewright.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by lynnfrwd http://forum.carvewright.com/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?p=173117#post173117)
Bud are you the one that has that link to all of the files?


Reply



As you remember, in January of 2011 you began to build specific categories for Pattern sharing in order to help folks better use the current system.
You place a "Please Read" notice (suggestion List) on the Pattern Sharing area to help people better name and select the thread, within the section in which to post their attachments.
Here is the link to that Thread: http://forum.carvewright.com/showthr...722#post146722 (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?17433-Please-Read-Before-Posting-Pattern&p=146722#post146722)

Hear is the link to this entire section: http://forum.carvewright.com/forumdi...attern-Sharing (http://forum.carvewright.com/forumdisplay.php?67-Pattern-Sharing)

Here is the link to the original Pattern Sharing thread, which which has thousands of attachments. The main problem, and the reason you built the new threads, is/was that lots of folks did not use very good naming conventions for their attachments. This attachment link, like all the others, can be searched (using the FIND command) for specific text and if the person used that text in the file-name it will be found.
http://forum.carvewright.com/misc.ph...chments&t=2046 (http://forum.carvewright.com/misc.php?do=showattachments&t=2046)

For those that are unfamiliar with this Find command, they will find an AVI lesson titled "Search the Pattern Sharing Depot" in this link to my download access.
http://www2.wcoil.com/~nharbison/cw-... downloads.htm (http://www2.wcoil.com/~nharbison/cw-askbud%20downloads.htm)
The above, was my method until I got a Windows-7 machine.
With the W-7 and the newer Internet Explorer the process became easier.
You simply bring up the attachment area of a thread and if the list is long, you click on EDIT > FIND and you get an entry window in which you type the text-word you wish. You do have to out think the posting person as to the text they may have included. Just think of the various thing you might call the item you are looking for.
AskBud

alias
06-28-2013, 05:27 PM
bud can you direct me to where I can find info on making your own patterns what kind of software do I need, is it really complicated I mean im not going to have to be a math genius am I lol

bergerud
06-28-2013, 05:47 PM
Bud has sadly passed on. You can still view his tutorials from the link in his posts. Pattern making is a wide and complicated subject. You can get advice here on the forum but you have to describe what it is you want to do.

maryamick
01-22-2015, 01:10 PM
I have a customer request for a Wahoo Board (board game), was wondering if anyone has any input or advice on how deep to make the depth of the holes on the board, the holes need to be deep enough and wide enough that a marble rests in the slot but doesn't fall through the slot. Any advice would be so appreciated. I'm including a photo of the board.74009

CNC Carver
01-22-2015, 02:11 PM
Here is old game MPC I think you are looking for. Hope it helps you74015

lynnfrwd
01-22-2015, 02:20 PM
Another option to try is using the puffing tool on a 1/2" diameter circle and inverting it, as in this contest entry marble game: http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?23342-Marble-Board&highlight=marble


You could also utilize the 1/2" ballnose bit in the full bit set, instead.

maryamick
01-22-2015, 02:23 PM
oh you are a genius.

maryamick
01-22-2015, 02:24 PM
that is a brilliant idea Connie... I haven't purchased the suite needed for the puffing tool.... If i could purchase every carvewright beautiful tool i so would!!!

maryamick
01-22-2015, 02:25 PM
Here is old game MPC I think you are looking for. Hope it helps you74015 The genius quote was for you. Exactly what I needed THANK YOU SO MUCH...

lynnfrwd
01-22-2015, 02:29 PM
The genius quote was for you. Exactly what I needed THANK YOU SO MUCH...

Thank you, Connie!

(Connie lives near the office and comes by to see me all of the time. She is the "creative & worker bee" behind her sister Mary's business. Pretty cool & unusual knowing someone else with my name.)
Connie

maryamick
01-22-2015, 02:53 PM
us connie's are pretty great arent we!!!

maryamick
01-22-2015, 02:56 PM
Poor Connie... I am so so so so so so so blessed to live 10 mins from the LHR offices HAHAHAH. I should have a master's degree in Carvewright by now with just the knowledge Connie has given me.

tonydrew
02-22-2016, 01:19 PM
1. Keep the machine clean.
2. Add a Dust Collection System - do it, now, trust me.
3. Get a lighted mirror so you can see inside the QC (assuming you have a QC).
4. Watch the temp of the Flexshaft - if it feel more than warm to the touch where it curves at the top, you're gonna melt it. Get an infra-red thermometer to help you watch it (they're about $30 at HarborFreight).
5. Learn the software - spend more time designing and reviewing your projects than carving on the machine. The machine is like a computer - "garbage in, garbage out" - it will only turn out what you design and tell it to turn out.
6. After you screw up a project (and you will - in fact, more than one) try to learn why it didn't come out the way you planned...don't lay blame...anywhere....if you don't figure it out, you'll only make the same error over and over...you'll get frustrated, and won't be happy with your hobby.
7. Enjoy the ride, and show off your accomplishments here - we love to see "newbies" have the "light go on".

You mention Dust Collection System. I hooked up my collector to the port where the bag is supposed to go and pretty much nothing went that direction. Must be another way to do this? Someone posted about making a hood of some type. Open to ideas to keep it clean and working.

rldustyc
03-25-2016, 07:09 PM
us connie's are pretty great arent we!!!
I live in Pasadena also(5 min. from Connie) just wondering if you give advice in person. I'm just starting out and need a little help.. thanks

buxtor
03-23-2022, 03:30 PM
What size is that o-ring?

Mugsowner
03-26-2022, 07:04 AM
I went back a few pages and think I found what you are looking for. This was copied from a post by MT =
Original sensor O-ring size is: 5/16" ID X 7/16" OD (got mine at Home Depot plumbing Dept.)

New sensor O-ring size is: 1/4" ID x 3/8" OD (got mine from www.McMaster.com (http://www.McMaster.com) Part Number: 9557K462 $4.39 for 100 of 'em!)
(Actual Inside Diameter is 0.239"...Actual Outside Diameter is 0.379")