Are you new here? Read this first!

[Jeff_Birt]

This is a place holder for now.

This is the original post from 2009, see updated post on April 2014 by LHR Technologies.

A Message to all new CW and CC Machine Owners
Welcome to the Forum, and Save the Box with all the packing materials the Machine came in. It’s … Important … and must be used if sending your machine to LHR for repairs or returning it for exchange or refund.

One of the most important things to do before carving your first project is to take any Twist Ties or Tie Wraps off the Flex-Shaft; their primarily there for shipping purposes, but They can cause hot spots in the machines Flex-Shaft, leading to a possible melt down or worst – damage to the machine.
If you feel the need to fasten the Flex-Shaft to the wire support loop I suggest using a light wrap of black vinyl electrical tape. Only to act as a guide and help limit vibration.

Now before you run your machine Please check the Flex-Shaft for proper lubrication. Liquid Wrench - Gunk L716 Industrial Chain Lubricant with Moly is recommended. Some of the machines have come through with no lube or insufficient lube on the Flex-Shaft. Which can result in damage to the Flex-Shaft and possibly the Machine, and remember to wipe off any excess Moly lube on the Flex-Shaft, also let it drip dry for a while before reinstalling it in the machine. You really don't want any exess lube to get into the carving head bearings and causing problems.
Do a forum Search on the proper flex-shaft lube and how to do it along with the other locations and parts of the machine that will need proper lubrications.

There are several posts and threads in this forum about how to lube, and what has to be watched and lubed when necessary plus suggestions of what lubes to use.
The Flex-Shaft should never be allowed to get hotter then comfortably warm to the touch, the mid 80s to mid 90s in degrees of temperature, you can check it for hot spots by hand or with a hand held infrared thermometer.

When you have time it will also serve you well to read the posts on troubleshooting your machine, to save you some future grief by knowing in advance what to expect.
And remember if you can't find the answer in the Forums Search Option, you’re always welcome to post questions. There a lot of knowledgeable folks on the forum that are more then willing and able to help. Then if you still feel unsure of the answer, The best thing for you to do is call LHR and speak to a CW Tech as soon as possible.

LHR Technologies, Inc.
4930 Allen Genoa Road
Pasadena, TX. 77504

CarveWright Service Phone Numbers
For CarveWright and CompuCarve Machines
You can contact CarveWright by phone at
1-713-473-6572 or 1-713 473-6545
email at support@carvewright.com.
New hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am To 6:00 pm Central Time.


Tell them exactly what’s happening or what happened.
Most likely they’ll be able to talk you through the problem on the phone, send you a new part, or email you a prepaid shipping label to return you CW or CC machine to LHR for repair or replacement while in warranty. “ In the original box and packing ” (LHR support for 1 year or 200 hours which ever comes first.)
Finally try to get into the habit of reading the Forum for news, new patterns and updates, also using the Forums Search Option for getting timely bits of information and answers to your inevitable myriad of questions. Remember to Read and keep your Manual handy

[lynnfrwd]

This is the updated post, April 2014, by LHR Technologies.

A Message to all new Machine Owners:

Welcome to the Forum. You will find lots of information here and customers that are happy to assist you in your success using the CarveWright System. Please read the forum rules and post with respect.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the information on the forum may be old and no longer applicable, so make sure the information you are following is current, or call LHR for verification.

Here are just a few very important points that we want you to know starting out:

1. Save the Box with all the packing materials the Machine came in. It’s … Important … and must be used, if you need to send your machine to LHR for repairs.

2. Before Powering on your Machine: ALWAYS put the memory card in BEFORE you turn the machine on, and turn the machine OFF, before you remove the memory card. The contrast button at the bottom of the keypad may need to be turned to properly read the LCD panel.

3. Static Electricity: The discharge of static electricity can burn out the electronics on your machine. Ground yourself before touching the memory card. DO NOT stick a vacuum hose into the machine to clean it.

4. Keep Machine Clean: We suggest you get a Dust Collection Insert (two are currently sold from our online store under THIRD PARTY) to keep your machine clean. DO NOT stick a vacuum hose into the machine to clean it...worth repeating! Remember, blowing the machine with compressed air can blow the sawdust into your electronics including your board sensor.

5. Managing the Flexshaft: One of the most important things to do before carving your first project is to take any Twist Ties or Tie Wraps off the Flexshaft; their primarily there for shipping purposes, but they can cause hot spots in the machines Flexshaft, leading to a possible melt down or worst – damage to the machine. Take care not to krink the spring and make sure you get the flexshaft fully seated into the z-truck. There should be a smooth arc to the flexshaft with no sharp bends.

a. Lubrication of Flexshaft:

New machines - the flexshaft will come to you pre-lubed by LHR, but may run a little warmer than normal during the first 10 hours or so of use. It is a penetrating lubricant and will not feel wet to the touch.

Used machines - lubrication may be needed.

b. Normal temperatures of flexshaft: Other than the first 10 or so hours of a new machine usage, a flexshaft should normally run from 80 to 100 degrees in temperature, warm to the touch, but holding your hand on it is still bearable. Occasionally, place your hand on the middle of the arch to feel. If it is too hot to hold, then lubrication is suggested. (See instructions.) You can, also, use a hand-held infrared thermometer.

c. Suggested lubricant: LHR sells a lubricant that we have tested. We have not been able to find it available in small quantities, but sell it from our online store. Liquid Wrench is no longer suggested, as they changed their formula and the organic moly (molybdenum) is not effective. There are several customers using, and quit happy with, other substitutes and methods of managing the flexshaft, but we cannot endorse them or these techniques.

d. REMEMBER: Over-lubrication of the flexshaft is just as harmful to your machine as under-lubrication. Also, repetitively taking the shaft (core) in and out, may lead to a bent spring or improper re-seating of the shaft. Follow the video instructions under SUPPORT > MAINTENANCE and remember to wipe off any excess lube, let it drip dry for a while or even overnight, before re-installing it in the machine. You really don't want any excess lube to get into the z-truck (carving head) bearings and causing problems.

6. Learn the 7” rule and other HANDY TIPS FOR EVERYONE before you start carving: See Tips & Tricks at www.carvewright.com under SUPPORT > TUTORIALS > TIPS AND TRICKS

7. Understanding ServoSmart Controller: Your machine has a “looped intelligence” that can forewarn you on the LCD screen of potential issues and even direct you to where that issue may be. This often protects expensive parts like your motors from damage. Use the Troubleshooting Guide & list of ERROR MESSAGES under SUPPORT to help figure out what the LCD messages mean.

8. Here are some other forum members’ ideas of What Every Newbie Should Know

9. If you can’t find what you are looking for on the forum, ASK! There is no such thing as a DUMB QUESTION on this forum. We have all been there and all done that.

10. Still need help or have unanswered question? Contact LHR.

CarveWright Service Phone Numbers
For CarveWright and CompuCarve Machines
You can contact CarveWright by phone at
1-713-473-6572 or 1-713 473-6545
email at support@carvewright.com

New hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am To 6:00 pm Central Time.
The Customer Service phones are off from 12:30 – 1:30 PM daily for lunch.

LHR Technologies, Inc.
4930 Allen Genoa Road, Ste D
Pasadena, TX. 77504

Most issues can be resolved without shipping the machine in for repair. We do need you to assist us in troubleshooting. For more information on Warranty and Terms & Conditions, please refer to our website.

Finally try to get into the habit of reading the Forum for news, new patterns and updates, also using the Forums Search Option for getting timely bits of information and answers to your inevitable myriad of questions. The latest version of the manuals are online under SUPPORT > MANUALS & DOCUMENTS.

Happy Carving!