New CW Machine

[jackh]

The new CW CX machines have finally come in and are available for sale. I am a hobbyist woodworker and I have built furniture, turned wood and made wood (knife and chisel) carvings. I am ready to buy my first CNC machine, a CW. I note that several purchase options are offered by LHR plus one may design their own purchase configuration. My question is to those of you with CW experience, if you had a clean slate what CW configuration would you now purchase? Maybe I should also ask, would you still buy a CW CNC machine?
Thank You
Jack

[CW-HAL9000]

I would buy a cw if this was my price range. If I could afford the Ten Thousand Range I would look elsewhere. The nice thing about the CX is it comes with the items I would want for starting out, the rubber belts, version 2.0, the carve tite chuck. I would recommend centerline and conforming vectors and the v-90 and v-60 bits. I would get an extra 1/8 cutting bit as newbies tend to break these. ( learn how not to). I would hold off on other bits and software and let those grow with your experience. I also would get or make dust collection. The Dust Devil is what I use but the Ring Neck Blues comes highly recommended. I use sleds for 100% of my projects, it saves wood and eliminates me having to plane and joint and eliminates errors associated with wood not being perfectly flat and square. Have fun carving!

[jackh]

Thank you for taking your time to make recommendations. They all seem sound. Yes, I would have to use a CNC for business to go to the $10,000 range. As a hobbyist I can't justify spending that kind of money on "gigets" sitting around the house on shelves.

[tierman]

I would buy a cw if this was my price range. If I could afford the Ten Thousand Range I would look elsewhere. The nice thing about the CX is it comes with the items I would want for starting out, the rubber belts, version 2.0, the carve tite chuck. I would recommend centerline and conforming vectors and the v-90 and v-60 bits. I would get an extra 1/8 cutting bit as newbies tend to break these. ( learn how not to). I would hold off on other bits and software and let those grow with your experience. I also would get or make dust collection. The Dust Devil is what I use but the Ring Neck Blues comes highly recommended. I use sleds for 100% of my projects, it saves wood and eliminates me having to plane and joint and eliminates errors associated with wood not being perfectly flat and square. Have fun carving!

I totally agree with CW-HAL9000 with one addition, I would also add the scanning probe with pattern editor. Pattern editor is a very powerful add on to your software package and worth every penny, in my humble opinion.

[CW-HAL9000]

Although I have pattern editor and hardly ever use it when I do need it it's great to have so if you have the extra money I would also agree on pattern editor with the probe I understand it's cheaper through Lowe's however.

[jackh]

Yes, the probe is cheaper at Lowe's $211.06 but there is no model # or software version and I doubt that Lowe's can support or answer questions concerning the operation of the probe or the Pattern Editor. In these situations I would feel guilty asking LHR for support if I bought it elsewhere cheaper ie. to me it is worth the extra money to get support.

So to equip the CW machine with the additions that you are suggesting will cost:
CW CX $2,000 + 1/8" bit $40 + 60 and 90 bits $60 + center line, conforming vectors $150 + probe and Pattern Editor $300 + dust devil $75 + $2,625. Is that the way you see it?

[SteveNelson46]

Yes, the probe is cheaper at Lowe's $211.06 but there is no model # or software version and I doubt that Lowe's can support or answer questions concerning the operation of the probe or the Pattern Editor. In these situations I would feel guilty asking LHR for support if I bought it elsewhere cheaper ie. to me it is worth the extra money to get support.

So to equip the CW machine with the additions that you are suggesting will cost:
CW CX $2,000 + 1/8" bit $40 + 60 and 90 bits $60 + center line, conforming vectors $150 + probe and Pattern Editor $300 + dust devil $75 + $2,625. Is that the way you see it?

In the past, I think Connie has mentioned that it really doesn't make any difference where you buy parts or even the machine. They still support everything. It all comes from Carvewright anyway and it still has to be registered with them.

[fwharris]

Lowe's is just a re seller for the CarveWright system. Even though you purchased through them all support is done through CarveWright. It would be the same if you bought the machine through Lowe's. So do not feel guilty.

There is also a sale going on right now also. http://store.carvewright.com/offers.php?mode=offer&offerid=65

[SteveNelson46]

In the past, I think Connie has mentioned that it really doesn't make any difference where you buy parts or even the machine. They still support everything. It all comes from Carvewright anyway and it still has to be registered with them.

In fact, even if you buy bits from Sears or Lowes you still need to let Connie know which chuck you have (CT or QC) so she can make sure you get the right one. Man, she is one busy lady.

[jackh]

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CarveWright 110-Volt Machine Item #: 128880 | Model #: CW001


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So you are saying that this is the same machine that LHR is selling for $2,000? And that the $211.06 probe with Pattern Editor is the same that LHR sells for $300?

[fwharris]

Lowe's has probably not updated their system for the new CX versions yet and the prices looks like the old C version. I would speak to someone at CarveWright before placing the order through Lowe's just to be sure. I do know that any NEW machines being sold now are the CX version no matter where you buy it. When you place an order through Lowe's they send the orders to CarveWright and CarveWright ships the items. So yes all are the same items, just a different source to buy.

[lynnfrwd]

Reseller machines do not include designer two or project. I do not think the new machine is available yet.

We do support them. Just not used without carversclub or incident fee.

[CW-HAL9000]

Yes, the probe is cheaper at Lowe's $211.06 but there is no model # or software version and I doubt that Lowe's can support or answer questions concerning the operation of the probe or the Pattern Editor. In these situations I would feel guilty asking LHR for support if I bought it elsewhere cheaper ie. to me it is worth the extra money to get support.

So to equip the CW machine with the additions that you are suggesting will cost:
CW CX $2,000 + 1/8" bit $40 + 60 and 90 bits $60 + center line, conforming vectors $150 + probe and Pattern Editor $300 + dust devil $75 + $2,625. Is that the way you see it?

I would buy machine from LHR because of the designer 2 coming with it. Probably buy all software from LHR. I would buy any accessory like probe and bits (if bits are cheaper) through lowes. All the money ends up at LHR and I would not feel quilty.

[fwharris]

Reseller machines do not include designer two or project. I do not think the new machine is available yet.

We do support them. Just not used without carversclub or incident fee.

Connie,
Thanks for the info on the software. Need to remember that..

[jackh]

I don't think you can buy the probe without the Pattern Editor software. If you are saying buy software from LHR then the probe would come with it.

I definitely want the Designer 2 software so that is a certain LHR buy.

[fwharris]

I don't think you can buy the probe without the Pattern Editor software. If you are saying buy software from LHR then the probe would come with it.

I definitely want the Designer 2 software so that is a certain LHR buy.

You can purchase the pattern editor software by itself but that is like buying the saddle with out a horse.

[CW-HAL9000]

I would buy machine from LHR because of the designer 2 coming with it. Probably buy all software from LHR. I would buy any accessory like probe and bits (if bits are cheaper) through lowes. All the money ends up at LHR and I would not feel quilty.

Yes the probe comes with the software, or the software comes with the probe? LOL anyway since there is no warranty issue and the probe and software are cheaper at lowes I would buy them from lowes.

[lynnfrwd]

I would, too before they figure out they are not making any money off of them. I figure they want you in their door.

[aokweld101]

My personal experience with Lowe's has been a nightmare, when I have ordered though Lowes I have waited up to 6 weeks (Not once but twice) and when I finally I got upset, I found out that it wasn't even ordered. the bits come from china on a whale boat faster.

[FWMiller]

The guys at my Lowes were excellent. They even called up LHR and made sure I got the right collar on my bit. Had the part from LHR in less than a week, the same time they ship normal orders direct. It probably helps if the guy behind the desk knows what they are doing and cares which I'm sure is not true at all locations.

[Deolman]

I have received good service from Lowes when ordering bits and memory card. No problems at all. I order on the internet and ship to store.

[gwizpro]

Also, if you have any military ID card you get an additional 10% off at Lowes....

[jackh]

The new CW CX machines have finally come in and are available for sale. I am a hobbyist woodworker and I have built furniture, turned wood and made wood (knife and chisel) carvings. I am ready to buy my first CNC machine, a CW. I note that several purchase options are offered by LHR plus one may design their own purchase configuration. My question is to those of you with CW experience, if you had a clean slate what CW configuration would you now purchase? Maybe I should also ask, would you still buy a CW CNC machine?
Thank You
Jack

We may have lost track of the thread here. My original question (above) is related to configuration of the CW machine not where I can buy it the cheapest.

[fwharris]

We may have lost track of the thread here. My original question (above) is related to configuration of the CW machine not where I can buy it the cheapest.

Yes we did! I tried to go back through to see what specific things you had in mind for the machine and what kind of background you had in computer design and did not pick any good hints. If you are a beginner on the design end then your original listing is a great start. The CX with 2.xx software and warranty, centerline and conforming vectors, scanning probe with pattern editor and your choice of dust collection attachment ;) will give you lots of capabilities for many types of carvings. This configuration is what I would call a great starter package for everyone.

If you have a background in computer designing or feel like you want to go in that direction then the 2D/3D tools and STL importer software will bump up the capabilities for what you want to do.

[Capt Bruce]

A +1 vote for Ringneck Blues' recommendations above and as always we're all happy to discuss learning opportunities on-line as you proceed. Hope we can welcome you to the owners' group soon (don't miss the current sale recommended above.)

[jackh]

Thank you for getting us back on track. My background is 30 yrs as an Aerospace Engineer with EE degrees. Not much in the way of computer design but a lot of computer use in problem solving(trajectory design, guidance equations, etc.) and applied mathematics. As previously stated I build furniture, do wood turning and carving by hand. I want to use the CW machine to do carvings such as animals, town scenes etc. on plates and other turned items. I would like to make a hand carving, replicate it with the CW probe perhaps modify it with SW and have the CW machine carve the item. I want to import and CW carve 2D and 3D models available on various web sites. I am currently taking an AutoCad class at a local college.

[jackh]

Thank you Capt. Bruce, I am happy to hear it because I have a lot of learning to do. I intend to become a member of the CW owners group very soon. That of course is the reason for all the questions. Am I correct in that the Dust Devil has a quick release? If so it might provide for easier bit insertion/removal than the Ringneck Blues?

[CNC Carver]

You can also try to get 25% off with a Harbor Freight coupon.


Your Store:


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CarveWright 110-Volt Machine

Item #: 128880 | Model #: CW001


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So you are saying that this is the same machine that LHR is selling for $2,000? And that the $211.06 probe with Pattern Editor is the same that LHR sells for $300?

[liquidguitars]

Thank you for getting us back on track. My background is 30 yrs as an Aerospace Engineer with EE degrees. Not much in the way of computer design but a lot of computer use in problem solving(trajectory design, guidance equations, etc.) and applied mathematics. As previously stated I build furniture, do wood turning and carving by hand. I want to use the CW machine to do carvings such as animals, town scenes etc. on plates and other turned items. I would like to make a hand carving, replicate it with the CW probe perhaps modify it with SW and have the CW machine carve the item. I want to import and CW carve 2D and 3D models available on various web sites. I am currently taking an AutoCad class at a local college




If you can afford it get it all and a good 3D program...

[jackh]

Thank you for getting us back on track. My background is 30 yrs as an Aerospace Engineer with EE degrees. Not much in the way of computer design but a lot of computer use in problem solving(trajectory design, guidance equations, etc.) and applied mathematics. As previously stated I build furniture, do wood turning and carving by hand. I want to use the CW machine to do carvings such as animals, town scenes etc. on plates and other turned items. I would like to make a hand carving, replicate it with the CW probe perhaps modify it with SW and have the CW machine carve the item. I want to import and CW carve 2D and 3D models available on various web sites. I am currently taking an AutoCad class at a local college.

[fwharris]

Thank you Capt. Bruce, I am happy to hear it because I have a lot of learning to do. I intend to become a member of the CW owners group very soon. That of course is the reason for all the questions. Am I correct in that the Dust Devil has a quick release? If so it might provide for easier bit insertion/removal than the Ringneck Blues?

Your strong computer back ground and the CAD class will greatly remove a lot of the intimidation some new users go through at the start up and the STL and 2D/3D software plus scanning probe would be a good fit for the projects you want to do.

I believe the quick release you speaking of is for the small attachment to extend the intake closer to the carving surface and not sure what it does to easy the bit changing. On my DC-INSERT the hose is offset to the side of the attachment so that it is not in the way of the operator for making bit changes. The profile is higher inside the machine, for improved air flow, so you do loose some access to the chuck. By rotating the chuck so that the tightening screw faces to the right end of the machine you have no issues changing out the bits.

[ktjwilliams]

Tricky Question .... At this new price point I would not buy a CW again .. But the 2 machines I do have I got really cheap, one was $400 the other bout $500 ... But if I was in a position that I was gonna buy a new machine,, I'd put a few extra bucks in and check out the Pilot Pro ... But if you start adding all the CW software then your at the same price point for a better machine ... The CW requires constant repair and parts replacement ( Just read the forum )... But if you do decide on the CW anyway,, You'll want 2.xx designer software,,, Centerline text and Conforming vectors ,,,, Pattern editor is a must ,,, Then there's other software you may need depending on what you'll be doing ....



The new CW CX machines have finally come in and are available for sale. I am a hobbyist woodworker and I have built furniture, turned wood and made wood (knife and chisel) carvings. I am ready to buy my first CNC machine, a CW. I note that several purchase options are offered by LHR plus one may design their own purchase configuration. My question is to those of you with CW experience, if you had a clean slate what CW configuration would you now purchase? Maybe I should also ask, would you still buy a CW CNC machine?
Thank You
Jack

[jackh]

Yes, I checked out a lot of CNC machines and their prices. The least expensive Pilot Pro appears to be $4550 for the 1220. I haven't been able to determine what that includes. That is a 2.25 CW's. I looked at the Rockler Shark and at the Shopbot among others. With minimum software, a router, bits, a probe and a computer to run them the Shark was $4965 and the Shopbot was $6450. In my book that looks like 2.5 and 3+ CW machines. If I were using them in a business perhaps I could justify the additional costs but for hobby projects and grand-kids toys I cannot justify the additional costs.

Thanks for your input and you make a good point with additional S/W and Pattern Editor.

[Bigtyme]

I agree with ktj on the suggested software, but I don't agree with his analysis of a CW. I have 2 machines as well. I bought one new in 2012 and the second slightly used at the end of 2013. It had 3 hours on the cut motor when it showed up in my shop. I have 300 hours on the first machine and almost 100 on my second one and haven't had one single issue with either of them. I did have to replace a flex shaft on my first machine, but that was my doing and no fault of the CW. Maybe it is just dumb luck that I haven't had any issues, but I have dust collection on both machines (essentially from the start) and clean both machines after every use. I typically only have to use my compressor to blow out a little bit of dust not caught by the collector. I also cover both machines totally after every use using some generator covers I bought. Even with good dust collection, my shop has dust settling all the time. One of the biggest reasons I am not a fan of the "other" cnc machines is having to put my laptop in the shop to use them. To me the CW card system works great. It keeps my laptop in a clean environment and I don't have to worry about it surviving in my shop. I also take the cards I have out of my CWs when not in use and store them in the bubble wrap they came in along with the padded envelope. Again, maybe overkill, but my CW repair bill to LHR has been $000 over the 400 hours between my 2 machines. Just my 2 cents...

[ktjwilliams]

Then the CW is for you ... But you will be at or close to $ 3000.00 with just a few added pieces of software, bits Etc ... Add all the software and Bits and your around $ 3500



Yes, I checked out a lot of CNC machines and their prices. The least expensive Pilot Pro appears to be $4550 for the 1220. I haven't been able to determine what that includes. That is a 2.25 CW's. I looked at the Rockler Shark and at the Shopbot among others. With minimum software, a router, bits, a probe and a computer to run them the Shark was $4965 and the Shopbot was $6450. In my book that looks like 2.5 and 3+ CW machines. If I were using them in a business perhaps I could justify the additional costs but for hobby projects and grand-kids toys I cannot justify the additional costs.

Thanks for your input and you make a good point with additional S/W and Pattern Editor.

[jackh]

You are correct. I just added it up and with the specials on S/W the price came to $3,314. Still less than any other machine I have seen.

[aokweld101]

You are correct. I just added it up and with the specials on S/W the price came to $3,314. Still less than any other machine I have seen.

Isn't that what we call "pocket change"....:cool:

[lynnfrwd]

Kt you do realize the new machine is only $65 more than the last one. The 2.0 and warranty are an opt out option.

[lynnfrwd]

I'll have to look, but the 1/8" may be in there too making it even less.

[jackh]

Isn't that what we call "pocket change"....:cool:

You folks in Panama City, FL must have much larger pockets than us yokels in liddle ole Temecula, CA.

[FWMiller]

The question about whether or not I'd purchase a CW again is dependent on a number of factors. My BIL just bought a CNC Shark that set him back about $5k with all stuff he had to get in addition to the machine and it is a very capable machine. From the little experience I have with it so far I would be very tempted to get one myself even at that price. However, everything he has done with his machine so far I can also do with my Carvewright (actually a CompuCarve version). The only thing that is holding me back from getting the flatbed is shop space. I just don't have the space to keep it. The CW can do pretty amazing things for the space it occupies. I work in a two car garage with a lot of of big wood working tools so I am already cramped. I can bring out the CW and then put is aside easily when not in use. Now I would never recommend the CW to my BIL because he is not one so inclined to be able to service his own machine. I'm not sure how much maintenance his Shark will be but the CW is a machine that needs a LOT of TLC and babying. My success rate is maybe 50% at best in getting through a reasonably sized carve without something going at least a little off. I did know this when I bought the machine as I had done some reading here in the forum on the challenges folks had so I went in with my eyes open. Frankly, if this forum didn't exist I may have given up on the machine a long time ago. As long as you know what you are getting into and are prepared to put in the effort the machine can give you lots of enjoyment. I would also say the CW can do some things that may be very difficult with a flatbed. Doing very long boards or using one of the rotating jigs (which I haven't tried yet) are unique capabilities. What really is holding back the CW from its full capability I believe is the software. I've had previous experience with 2D and 3D CAD software and frankly I found it as often an impediment as I found it an advantage. Some of the very basic missing functions or work arounds that are required to do very basic functions has been frustrating at times. The fact that you have to create your own vector paths to do any type of pocket cut outs is an example of something that to me is a no brainer to be a very basic built in function of any CNC software. So designing what I consider a very basic vector carve takes me about 4X the design time than my BIL can achieve using the V-Carve Pro that came with his Shark (and his Shark cuts it in about 1/3 the time). The centerline text is a nice feature but I find the quality of the results is often disappointing with many fonts. I haven't upgraded to 2.0 yet so I have not seen if the improvements in centerline are superficial or worthwhile. That being said, I am usually pretty happy with what I can create with my CW. So in the end I guess you can call it a love/hate relationship with it tilting in the favor of keeping the CW around and battling with the software to make some very nice stuff. And I need to give the folks on this forum proper thanks for selflessly contributing their significant knowledge to make it possible for me to get better at using my CW.

[lynnfrwd]

I'll have to look, but the 1/8" may be in there too making it even less.

OK, so the $1999.99 does include the $39.99 1/8" cutting bit, but the $1600 does not, soooo it appears to have gone up $60.01.

[jackh]

Thank you so much FWMiller for your thoughts and sage advise. If you type like me it took a substantial portion of your time. Being a retired hobby-shopper with no requirements to produce any specific items in any given time, I reached the conclusion that if I could do most of what I wanted to do for $3,000 then it made no sense to spend $5,000. Even if a few items could not be produced for $3,000 that could be produced for $5,000 or could be produced faster I can give up some capability for $2,000.

I would like to pick your brain a little further however with regard to your S/W comments. You claim experience with 2D and 3D CAD S/W. Am I incorrect in my understanding that one may design 2D and 3D objects in 3rd party S/W and using DXF or STL Importer bring them into Project Designer ll and CW carve them? In fact, is it necessary at all to have the Vector Drawing Suite(2D Advanced) or the Pattern Modeling Suite(3D Advanced)? Can these functions be better served in a program dedicated to model development such as AutoCAD, Solid Works, etc.?

I am a newbe and I readily admit I do not understand how the LHR S/W works together and wish someone would draw or point me in the direction of a block diagram that defines the S/W modules function and flow. Also what 3rd party S/W, which my be more sophicated or more specific task oriented could be substituted in place of the LHR S/W.

[eelamb]

Jackh;
Software is a touchy subject. But the facts are this:
If you want to create your own patterns, then you can do so using 3rd party software, and import it using the stl importer. Or buy into the 2d and 3d suite and create patterns that way too. If you look at my tag line, I do not own designer 2.x or most of the add on software. Yet if you look at my site you will see the many patterns I have made over the years.
Each software has their own abilities, and your level of expertise in the software and design abilities will determine how good your patterns are when using either the software from LHR or a 3rd party software company.
For me, I use silo3d a quad poly modeling software (I do not recommend this software no support now days), MoI3d, a great software cad type system using vectors, extrude, text and about 100 more items included in it, and last is ZBrush for sculpting.
You have to decide which path you want to take in the software. Designer has the 3d suite demo built in, so use it and see how it works out for you. Then download demos of other software and give them a try. Only after testing driving them can you make a good decision. No one here can tell you which is best for you, we all use various software to accomplish the same thing.

[FWMiller]

Jackh;
Software is a touchy subject.

I can't agree more with this statement. I've used in the past a professional 3D cad program Unigraphics which I don't know even exists today. I've been using TurboCad recently which is a fairly low cost 2D and 3D modeling program. I've dabbled with Autocad without using it enough to get familiar with it. My experience is that each different CAD program was written with the software architects use model and modeling process in mind and therefore a software that feels intuitive to one person may feel very non-intuitive to another. Also, once you get comfortable with the methodology needed to work one software platform it can be more difficult to do the same procedures with a different software platform. Hence my comment about my previous CAD usage experience not necessarily always being a benefit. The nice thing about DXF and STL importer is that it opens up the possibility for you to explore which software platform meets your individual needs and comfort level. Eventually I will get around to experimenting with some of the programs that are specifically oriented towards CNC. I have found that this forum has quite a bit of information on various platforms people use and are a great way to at least figure out which ones are worth trying out. Who knows, I may find out the the Carvewright 3D tools do everything I need and will end up buying them. I recommend starting out slowly with the software rather than jumping in all at once. The included 1.187 does most of what 2.0 can do and can do more than enough to get you familiar with the machine. I haven't yet determined if I will need the extra capabilities it offers although I imagine eventually time will require me to upgrade because bug fixes and updates no longer will happen on 1.187. I see no advantage to buying any of the software before you need it (which is one benefit of the LHR pricing model and demo modes) and if you are able to take your time to make sure you need it before you buy it then there is much less chance of being disappointed.

[fwharris]

Jack,

Yes sir it did/does take a while to get my thoughts out in the written word! ;)

Eddie basically summed up the software questions and addressed them much better than I could about the 3rd party stuff. You can make patterns using the 2d/3d tools and import already made reliefs using the stl importer. The dxf importer allows you to import vector (line) drawings.
Just in case you have not seen them this is the link to the tutorials that will explain/show the capabilities of each.
http://www.carvewright.com/support-page/getting-started/tutorials/

You can also down load a 30 trial of the software to play along... http://www.carvewright.com/support-page/getting-started/update/