Replies

1. 
   TimBob | Feb 26, 2007 09:02pm | #1

   I haven't seen one in action, but it has my interest up, too. It is made for Craftsman by Carvewright, who also sells it - http://www.carvewright.com/. On their site, there are videos and a link to a forum about the machine. What I get from reading the forums is that it's pretty much a get-what-you-give type machine. What I take this to mean is that it's on the same line as Mesa Boogie Amplifiers. They take a lot more effort than other amps, but what you get out of them is well worth it. I think some of the folks who have been frustrated with the machine may have been expecting to be able to just plug in and cut, but I think it's a bit more complicated than that. I still plan on giving one a whirl when I have a few extra bucks hanging around!

1. 
   JimV | Feb 27, 2007 05:02pm | #5

   I've seen one in action, seems to work very well. However, there appears to be some QA issues with the early shipments. If they resolve these issues reliably, it's going to be on my christmas list this year.Jim
   "There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other is that heat comes from the furnace." - Aldo Leopold

2. 
   RickL | Feb 26, 2007 09:07pm | #2

   Actually industry has been using this stuff for some time. You are just seeing the beginning of the hobby shop version.

3. 
   notatexan | Feb 26, 2007 09:28pm | #3

   I've been programming CNC machines for 31 years and the first ones our shop had arrived in 1957.  The basic technology was invented in the late 40's.  So it is "old" technology BUT a hobby type machine is new. 

   The quality of the finished product is very dependant on the cutter, material, machine accuracy, and the program.  In other words there is no simple answer for this machine. 

   How easy the program can be adapted to different conditions could make or break the machine.  Can typical cutter shapes/sizes be used?  Can it be programmed using other CAM software (does it use industry standard data formats?)  I suspect that if only one cutter shape/size can be used and the tool path parameters are too limited, the machine will fade away.

4. 
   steveky | Feb 27, 2007 06:19am | #4

   The people at http://www.carvewright.com (who produce the machine) have a forum on their sight where they let people complain about the machine, which of course shows honesty on their part. From what I can gather I think the jury is still out. I hope it works out because I’d love to have the machine myself.

1. 
   OldGuy | Feb 27, 2007 06:06pm | #6

   Thanks, I foundthe site just after I posted here. Havn't had time to run through the whole thing yet.

1. 
   OldGuy | Feb 27, 2007 06:14pm | #7

   Thanks to all that replied. I would like to see the machine in action before I get too excited about a purchase.I have a specific purpose in mind and if this machine worked out that would be great.I know CNC equipment is pricey. This unit could be an entry level for a small business.