It's great to see you pushing your comfort zone and helping others get the confidence to do the same! Great work David, love your videos (and podcast)!
Great to find a simple and clear video on the X-Carve here, appreciated and I've just taken the plunge and got one on order. Just need that Bandsaw Box Book now!
CNC's look like so much fun and would open up the doors to lots of great projects, but for now I'll have to stick to basic woodworking, and watch you have all the fun :)
That is a cool technique! I ordered the X-Carve Upgrade Kit for my Shapeoko 2 and can't wait to get it and put it in action. I can't wait to see more CNC projects!
Thats awesome i really like the sand through technique, My X-Carve comes on Monday think i will spend the weekend watching this over and over and over :)
JEALOUS!!! I really missed the window on starting my channel. As a maker, software engineer and ex-graphic artist a CNC holds a lot of appeal. I might have to throw down for one soon. Nice work!
Thanks for sharing! I was waiting for this video before to order the X-Carve and now I know I will order it soon. Keep doing videos with the X-Carve, it's so awesome!
Just a quick tip,the more your bit sticks out of the collet the less rigid it becomes.Also if possible use carbide end mills rather than high speed still.Great video though!!
Glass Impressions Ahh yes! I didn't know it had a name. I do have a drum sander but I know most of my viewers do not which is why I did it by hand. Thanks!
That is so cool. Do they offer a dust collection attachment? And, presuming they had one, would it be possible/safe/advisable to have a machine like this cutting away without supervision? Is it possible to, as Ron Popeil would say, "set it and forget it?"
Looking into getting this machine. I know Easel isn't capable of doing "3D" cuts but is it possible to do a 3d carve using a different piece of software with this machine?
I have the X-Carve 1000 and never used the idea of double sided tape to hold a wood board. What brand seems to be the best for this. When not to use double sided tape and use the hold down clamps????
Ok I'm sold. How much is this machine and can you explain all the options they offer and what they do. I need this machine and have the cash for it. Just kind of a Newby when it comes to CNC stuff.
Hey Tom the Easel software from Inventables will set the speed, feed rate etc based on the material you select, you can play around with it for free as well.
Nice insight David. I'd love an X-Carve, but the budget's a bit tight over here. The sanding through technique's clever, I'd never have thought of that! Is 'Be Curious' a contender for the new show name? It should be... Best, Toby
+Stefan M The power pack is switchable and will work up to 245. You can easily buy your own form somewhere like Maplin for about £20 which reduces cost of the X-carve and shipping.
Dustin Penner A down cut bit is a great idea. It's the motor variable speed? I would think that different speeds would work better on different types of stock.
The X-carve has a variable speed spindle if i'm not mistaken. Its always nice to have options when cutting, but variable speed isn't vital to good cuts. Pass depth and feed rate are the two things to keep in mind.
Nice idea David! Do you have a complete review of the machine coming up? I'm still on the fence. Not so much the cost as it is the operation. By that I mean software. Thanks. JimE
It's quite a neat machine but the spindle doesn't seem very good, from what I can tell it is just a standard 24 motor with a collet chuck attached with a set screw, that means it doesn't really have good enough bearings for any serious work, it certainly sounds like it. The super glue technique is handy though, I might have to use that one. You could of course face off the excess on the router rather than use a sander as an alternative if you wanted a more specific end thickness.
***** There are different spindle options when purchasing. You could also get it without the spindle and use whatever you want. I do have a drum sander that makes removing the excess very quick but wanted to show that you could use a handheld. Thanks for watching!
Drunken Woodworker The sander was a great idea and for a lot of things like a sign more than adequate and very quick, just throwing some ideas out there for other readers. I had another look and the Bosch router is not a bad option, it's a shame there are not many options for lower price spindles with nice collets, it looks like the standard version does at least use ER collets which are great because they close over a range.
Do you even g-code bro? Lol jk but seriously if you want to explore more advanced functionality of tool paths and achieve better surface finish and high level 3d surfacing aka 2.5d on a cnc router you should look at a proper cam package to develop those skills they will come in handy for many other machines than just a cnc router. Anyway love seeing your build videos and I'm a big fan of what you do keep up the good work!
The X Carve looks like it will be a great addition to your shop. Hope to get a CNC machine in the future. Also love the technique with the letters.
It's great to see you pushing your comfort zone and helping others get the confidence to do the same! Great work David, love your videos (and podcast)!
Wow! Thanks Brandon!!
Clever technique. I'm so envious you already have yours! : ) It looks massive. And awesome.
Thanks April!
Drunken Woodworker I have been looking forward to this video....and as usual....I was not disappointed. Thank you.
Maxwell Goodacre Thank you!
So cool. I love the technique for sanding through to reveal the letters in perfect position.
Jacob Curry Thanks Jacob!
Great to find a simple and clear video on the X-Carve here, appreciated and I've just taken the plunge and got one on order. Just need that Bandsaw Box Book now!
CNC's look like so much fun and would open up the doors to lots of great projects, but for now I'll have to stick to basic woodworking, and watch you have all the fun :)
I like the technique of sanding it through, very cool - I can't wait to get one
That is a cool technique! I ordered the X-Carve Upgrade Kit for my Shapeoko 2 and can't wait to get it and put it in action. I can't wait to see more CNC projects!
Thanks! More on the way!
Thats awesome i really like the sand through technique, My X-Carve comes on Monday think i will spend the weekend watching this over and over and over :)
You're going to like it! Have fun!
Would love to add one to my shop. Have to look into it. Thanks for sharing, and demonstrating the ease of making a project unique.
Howard Springsteen Thanks Howard!
Cool technique David! Will have to try this. Good to see the new X-Carve in action!
Steve Carmichael Thanks Steve!
Great idea!! X-carve looks like a nice machine.
JEALOUS!!! I really missed the window on starting my channel. As a maker, software engineer and ex-graphic artist a CNC holds a lot of appeal. I might have to throw down for one soon. Nice work!
Very clever way to set alignment! Great video yet again David!
Tony Rouleau Thanks Tony!
Cool demo David.
That's a great technique! No more milling into the spoil board!
That was super cool! Excellent review! Like how you explain everything quick and to the point! Amazed at the sand through trick!
Awesome machine! Awesome technique. Can't wait to see more of it.
Thanks for sharing! I was waiting for this video before to order the X-Carve and now I know I will order it soon. Keep doing videos with the X-Carve, it's so awesome!
Thanks Eric!!
Nice quick tutorial. Love the CNC projects.
Jeffrey Glass Thanks Jeffrey!
Great trick! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Peter!
That was an interesting technique. Thank you.
Andy Blackman Thanks Andy!
This was awesome. thanks for the tips. cant wait until mine arrives.
Right on!
So cool man, I really want a cnc, so many cool possibilities!
Nice technic David.
nice job Dave
Love that machine..Thanks for sharing..
Tom Pritchard Thanks Tom!
Awesome technique.
Thanks!
Cool. I like the technique.
Thanks!
Just a quick tip,the more your bit sticks out of the collet the less rigid it becomes.Also if possible use carbide end mills rather than high speed still.Great video though!!
I love this. Kudos!!!
Mike R Thanks Mike!
Great video David!!!! loving the new style! That technique is call Onion Skin. Typically used with a drum sander.
Glass Impressions Ahh yes! I didn't know it had a name. I do have a drum sander but I know most of my viewers do not which is why I did it by hand. Thanks!
Drunken Woodworker I learned it from the MTM Wood Channel. I just purchased a drum sander a few weeks ago and it has been great with CNC work.
nice tip, thanks for making such a great video
I need to buy one of these.
Nice review (haven't seen a bad one yet). I ordered mine and it's on the way!
Looks like you have the 1mx1m?? Tyler wants! My boss at work looks to be getting one soon so at least there will be one nearby!
NIce! Is it possible to ad a Z knob like on the Shapeoko 2?
Dustin Penner Thanks! Not yet.
Hey Dave, Does this just do 2-d cutting or can I do 3-d? I'm interested in cutting and shaping knife handle scales.
That is so cool. Do they offer a dust collection attachment? And, presuming they had one, would it be possible/safe/advisable to have a machine like this cutting away without supervision? Is it possible to, as Ron Popeil would say, "set it and forget it?"
Awesome video!!!
Looking into getting this machine. I know Easel isn't capable of doing "3D" cuts but is it possible to do a 3d carve using a different piece of software with this machine?
Nicely Done Yo !
Great video!
Great idea with the sander...What type of double sided tape do you use? There are so many out there I'm not sure which one to purchase.
Fantastic- how long does it take for x-carve to cnc the letters?
Smart method!
Great vid, im seriously thinking of buying me one too. You should make more vids about Adobe Illustrator
Great Job !...Thanks
I have the X-Carve 1000 and never used the idea of double sided tape to
hold a wood board. What brand seems to be the best for this.
When not to use double sided tape and use the hold down clamps????
Unless I'm looking in the wrong places - I cannot find any information on the Z cut depth - it doesn't look like very much? 2.5" or so max?
Nice demonstration, David! I'm months away from being ready to invest in CNC so for now I'll just have to "be curious." :-)
Jeffrey Moon always be curious!!!
Great vid-THANKS!
Hey, did you have any trouble hooking up the electronics when you put together the xcarve? Was it hard, easy, etc?
Nice machine. I like it
Really cool tool my friend! Everytime I watch you videos I wish that I would be technically skilled, unfortunately I have two left hands ;)
I sent you an email today! I loved your new video!
Drunken Woodworker
Thanks my friend! Cool, I´m gonna check it immediately ;)
Ok I'm sold. How much is this machine and can you explain all the options they offer and what they do. I need this machine and have the cash for it. Just kind of a Newby when it comes to CNC stuff.
How would this cnc carve letters on a cylindrical object like a baseball bat? That would be my main use if I get one.
Does the CNC adjust speeds and feeds based on the material you tell it you are cutting e.g. hardwood vs softwood vs plastic?
Hey Tom the Easel software from Inventables will set the speed, feed rate etc based on the material you select, you can play around with it for free as well.
Can you mill pcb boards with this?
Nice insight David. I'd love an X-Carve, but the budget's a bit tight over here.
The sanding through technique's clever, I'd never have thought of that!
Is 'Be Curious' a contender for the new show name? It should be...
Best,
Toby
Toby Kennedy Thanks Toby! Be Curious is the name of the latest episode of "Making It." I thought the timing was good. :)
Very cool technique David, are you going to use the negative for anything?
Dave Ellingsen Thanks! Yep! Gonna use it for a nice backyard fire this weekend. :)
Nice demo. Does that software also allow you to set tabs to keep the parts in place while cutting the rest at full depth?
Thanks! Yep, it also does tabs.
So if I buy one can I use it in the UK and Europe? As I understand from your website it only works on 110V. How do I make it work on 220V or 240V?
+Stefan M The power pack is switchable and will work up to 245. You can easily buy your own form somewhere like Maplin for about £20 which reduces cost of the X-carve and shipping.
Very cool.
Looks awesome. Nice technique. I was wondering why you mirrored the text. Now only if inventables could send me mine!
Thanks!
Is that a camouflage belt sander? How does pine hold up to the x carve? I would think there would be some blow out with softer woods.
It all depends on the bit you're using I've cut large pine signs with a down cut bit and I didn't need to sand them.
Dustin Penner
A down cut bit is a great idea. It's the motor variable speed? I would think that different speeds would work better on different types of stock.
The X-carve has a variable speed spindle if i'm not mistaken. Its always nice to have options when cutting, but variable speed isn't vital to good cuts. Pass depth and feed rate are the two things to keep in mind.
Dustin Penner Dustin is right on with his answers! Thanks guys!
Cool Project - But, what if the face was a Laminate that you couldn't sand down?
Clever!
that sure is a sexy piece of gear.
Cheers it's Fuck'em Friday!!
Nice idea David!
Do you have a complete review of the machine coming up? I'm still on the fence. Not so much the cost as it is the operation. By that I mean software. Thanks. JimE
blackemmons probably not a complete review. Just more project videos. :) Thanks JimE!
Damnit! now I want one... anyone want to donate to my "Im broke as hell" fund?
Reviewing a sponsor's product? That's like me making a video about my wife's cooking. Which is flawless, of course.
Technically I didn't review. Just an overview and showing off my technique. Which was flawless. :)
Want one:)
It's quite a neat machine but the spindle doesn't seem very good, from what I can tell it is just a standard 24 motor with a collet chuck attached with a set screw, that means it doesn't really have good enough bearings for any serious work, it certainly sounds like it. The super glue technique is handy though, I might have to use that one. You could of course face off the excess on the router rather than use a sander as an alternative if you wanted a more specific end thickness.
***** There are different spindle options when purchasing. You could also get it without the spindle and use whatever you want. I do have a drum sander that makes removing the excess very quick but wanted to show that you could use a handheld. Thanks for watching!
Drunken Woodworker The sander was a great idea and for a lot of things like a sign more than adequate and very quick, just throwing some ideas out there for other readers. I had another look and the Bosch router is not a bad option, it's a shame there are not many options for lower price spindles with nice collets, it looks like the standard version does at least use ER collets which are great because they close over a range.
That's smart. :)
Its working hard wood
slick
why not mill out a pocket then cut out the letters and glue them in the pocket, like an inlay?
Well, I might just have to sub then.
can l carve pine and oak?
Am I crazy or is the dot in the i missing at the end?
Great video...... but why play music while talking it's distracting...
Do you even g-code bro? Lol jk but seriously if you want to explore more advanced functionality of tool paths and achieve better surface finish and high level 3d surfacing aka 2.5d on a cnc router you should look at a proper cam package to develop those skills they will come in handy for many other machines than just a cnc router. Anyway love seeing your build videos and I'm a big fan of what you do keep up the good work!
I have not gotten too much into g-code. I'm taking baby steps! Thanks man!
I'm surprised you didn't need two hands to lift the weigh. What was it, a 25 pound dumbbell? LOL ! Just busting your balls man! Eric
donde puedo compara una mauina asi para peru
This application would be way faster and easier with a laser cutter.
+tmkr The problem with most home laser cutters is they can only cut about 1/4"
Ah, so I see you're "be-curious".
;)
Randy Allaway ha! ;)
Has anyone adapted a laser for it instead of the router?
+Jarod Morris Just get a laser used in laser cutters and figure out the speads the laser needs to travel to cut your different materials properly.
+TTate it's not always about cutting because a laser that is under powered can cut into a piece rather than all the way through it.
Jarod Morris That's why you get an industrial grade laser used in laser cutters
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant one so bad. lol
did you make a damn grammar mistake in your first sentence?
Very clever! Thanks for sharing.