VERY Limited Time Offer!!
14-Sep-2008 03:41 PM Filed in: Updates
Receive a Free
CarveWright SP01 Scanning Probe when you purchase the
CarveWright N01 Woodworking System and the
CarveWright CW0024 Full Carving Bit Set together.
This deal ends Midnight, Monday September 15th. Here's how it works.
To get this deal, click here and scroll down the page to the
Special Offers and Product Promotions section.
This deal ends Midnight, Monday September 15th. Here's how it works.
To get this deal, click here and scroll down the page to the
Special Offers and Product Promotions section.
New Kid on the Block
13-Jul-2008 01:04 PM Filed in: Updates
Introduced my nephew to the Carvewright. He's been
building decorative boxes since he was a sophomore in
high school. He'd never seen one of these
contraptions before and was amazed at what it could
do. Now he wants a machine
of his own.
Told him now is the time to buy - they’re on sale and he could use the savings from both the machine and the free shipping to apply towards getting that accesory bit set. He rubbed his chin and I could tell he was thinking it over real serious like,
Told him now is the time to buy - they’re on sale and he could use the savings from both the machine and the free shipping to apply towards getting that accesory bit set. He rubbed his chin and I could tell he was thinking it over real serious like,
Dust Collection
30-Jun-2008 08:42 AM Filed in: Updates
Spent some time on the CarveWright forum looking for
some answers to a few questions I have about dust
collection.
Another Authority Rebuffed
19-May-2008 06:51 PM Filed in: Opinions
It's time to rebuff this self proclaimed authority
and say MY piece. I've since had a number of days to
cool down a bit and I want to address this latest
letter I got from an over aggressive zealot.
Not that I feel I need to justify my decision, but maybe you have come to a similar fork in the road and you're trying to decide which route to take Maybe a friend has passed on the same message this guy pushed in my face and you are wondering if you should invest in a Carvewright or if you should buy or build a custom machine.
THE most important reason I chose a CarveWright was because of what the machine could do!! This is a remarkable tool. It can do a tremendous amount of carving right out of the box. Why would I want to build a machine from scratch and go through all those challenges? I want to carve wood - not see how much testosterone I could exude.
My second reason was the fact that there is an Apple Macintosh interface available. I'll admit that I'm a Mac enthusiast, but having a computer choice is more than just beneficial. There may come a time that I have to move to a PC platform - my investment is protected. The same holds true for someone on a PC. Maybe you'll get sick of dealing with Vista or want to use the same machine your offspring use. You know, get some computer help from the kids.. Your machine investment is protected and "Future Proofed". I think that this dual platform support also says volumes about the Carvewright people as well. I want to support and encourage companies that serve all types of users.
Reason number three is EASE OF USE. Yes, this machine has a bit of a learning curve, but what powerful tool doesn't? I set-up and programmed the real cnc machines for years and I have to tell you, when I got home from work, the last thing I wanted to do was more work. I like the integrated software. Why would I want to buy a third party software package and be at the mercy of yet another software company. These guys come and go or get bought out all the time. As long as there is a CarveWright, I'm gonna have a software package that caters exclusively to my needs.
Let's not forget the Carvewright/Compucarve community either. I spend lots of time on the various forums reading what guys have to say and taking in all the great ideas and listening to the chatter about our beloved machines. Some good, some bad, but a COMMUNITY just the same. You're not going to find that with a "one of a kind" or custom machine. You're going to be out in the cold and feel all alone. Yup, there's cnc forums but that custom machine is absolutely unique and there's comfort in numbers. I want to bond with my fellow carvers - not run around like a chicken trying to figure out how to do something or where I can find repair parts.
And of course, all these reasons lead me to something that only CarveWright can bring to the table and that's VALUE. The "build-yer-own" guys claim that you can get a better machine for a couple bucks less and that statement is technically true. However, when you add in the cost of the design software, tooling, and your time - the cost is way over that of a CW. How bout that scanning probe too? I've yet to see anything like that available for the "home brew" machines.
So, as you can see, I have lots of reasons for choosing the CarveWright CNC wood carving machine. There is so much more here than what initially meets the eye. THINK about this and I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion. After all, thousands of us already have.
Not that I feel I need to justify my decision, but maybe you have come to a similar fork in the road and you're trying to decide which route to take Maybe a friend has passed on the same message this guy pushed in my face and you are wondering if you should invest in a Carvewright or if you should buy or build a custom machine.
THE most important reason I chose a CarveWright was because of what the machine could do!! This is a remarkable tool. It can do a tremendous amount of carving right out of the box. Why would I want to build a machine from scratch and go through all those challenges? I want to carve wood - not see how much testosterone I could exude.
My second reason was the fact that there is an Apple Macintosh interface available. I'll admit that I'm a Mac enthusiast, but having a computer choice is more than just beneficial. There may come a time that I have to move to a PC platform - my investment is protected. The same holds true for someone on a PC. Maybe you'll get sick of dealing with Vista or want to use the same machine your offspring use. You know, get some computer help from the kids.. Your machine investment is protected and "Future Proofed". I think that this dual platform support also says volumes about the Carvewright people as well. I want to support and encourage companies that serve all types of users.
Reason number three is EASE OF USE. Yes, this machine has a bit of a learning curve, but what powerful tool doesn't? I set-up and programmed the real cnc machines for years and I have to tell you, when I got home from work, the last thing I wanted to do was more work. I like the integrated software. Why would I want to buy a third party software package and be at the mercy of yet another software company. These guys come and go or get bought out all the time. As long as there is a CarveWright, I'm gonna have a software package that caters exclusively to my needs.
Let's not forget the Carvewright/Compucarve community either. I spend lots of time on the various forums reading what guys have to say and taking in all the great ideas and listening to the chatter about our beloved machines. Some good, some bad, but a COMMUNITY just the same. You're not going to find that with a "one of a kind" or custom machine. You're going to be out in the cold and feel all alone. Yup, there's cnc forums but that custom machine is absolutely unique and there's comfort in numbers. I want to bond with my fellow carvers - not run around like a chicken trying to figure out how to do something or where I can find repair parts.
And of course, all these reasons lead me to something that only CarveWright can bring to the table and that's VALUE. The "build-yer-own" guys claim that you can get a better machine for a couple bucks less and that statement is technically true. However, when you add in the cost of the design software, tooling, and your time - the cost is way over that of a CW. How bout that scanning probe too? I've yet to see anything like that available for the "home brew" machines.
So, as you can see, I have lots of reasons for choosing the CarveWright CNC wood carving machine. There is so much more here than what initially meets the eye. THINK about this and I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion. After all, thousands of us already have.
Another Authority
09-May-2008 12:19 PM Filed in: Opinions
I got another email message from someone surfing the
internet and happened upon this website...
This gentleman thought it was necessary to let me know how misguided (my word - his was a bit less complimentary) I was because I choose to use a Carvewright instead of using one of the better approaches.
He claimed that I was working with a machine that just didn't have the power to do adequate wood carving and that I would be best served by either buying or making my own custom machine. One that I could control though the use of real G-Code. He also blasted me about the design software too, saying it was inferior and that it was closed and lacked proper standards.
I have to admit that this guy really rubbed me the wrong way. I don't mind that he had a strong opinion and he wanted to IMPOSE it upon me. But I do mind in how the message was delivered and how he assumed I was an idiot for making the choice I did.
I need a couple of days to think this over before I respond back.
This gentleman thought it was necessary to let me know how misguided (my word - his was a bit less complimentary) I was because I choose to use a Carvewright instead of using one of the better approaches.
He claimed that I was working with a machine that just didn't have the power to do adequate wood carving and that I would be best served by either buying or making my own custom machine. One that I could control though the use of real G-Code. He also blasted me about the design software too, saying it was inferior and that it was closed and lacked proper standards.
I have to admit that this guy really rubbed me the wrong way. I don't mind that he had a strong opinion and he wanted to IMPOSE it upon me. But I do mind in how the message was delivered and how he assumed I was an idiot for making the choice I did.
I need a couple of days to think this over before I respond back.
Working to Pattern Up
25-Apr-2008 07:17 PM Filed in: Updates
I've been working with the software to design
patterns... The software can import pictures, graphic
elements, clip art, and a lot of other forms of
digital artwork. It converts those images into a
grayscale format. It does this by taking the pixels
and changing them to different levels of white and
dark. These differing shades of light and dark are
then converted to depth. the darker the pixel, the
deeper the depth.
While trying my hand at scanning images and converting them to patterns, I found that I needed to do some manipulations to the scanned images. This especially true of clip art. Clip art is strictly black and white and so the carving would turn out to be very exaggerated. What I need to do is find a way to adjust the images and change or rather swap colors.
While trying my hand at scanning images and converting them to patterns, I found that I needed to do some manipulations to the scanned images. This especially true of clip art. Clip art is strictly black and white and so the carving would turn out to be very exaggerated. What I need to do is find a way to adjust the images and change or rather swap colors.
Next Video is Available
18-Apr-2008 07:20 PM Filed in: Updates
The next video is now available. I want to thank all
you folks for being patient with me (again). I hope
you enjoy this film. I finally get the machine doing
some work. I realize I'm new to this tool, but I
can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy working with
it. The video is a bit longer (15 minutes) than my
usual lot, but I do cover quite a bit of material.
Visit the video page to view it.
Visit the video page to view it.
Capture Your Notes
06-Apr-2008 07:21 PM Filed in: Ideas
Been spending a lot of time on the CarveWright forum
these last couple weeks. I've been reading every
single post and the corresponding replies. There's a
ton of great information there and the first thought
that went through my mind was how can a guy catalog
and organize this information for later retrieval...
I know you can do a search on the different posts, but sifting through all the posts can take time and may not render the answer you are looking for. In addition, not everyone would categorize these posts in the same way I would. This also applies to all the other data and information I've come across in other places.
I put my thinking cap on and came up with a great way to do just what I want. I will be putting this idea into another one of my tip newsletters. Yes, this is a hint to sign up for the tip sheet.
I know you can do a search on the different posts, but sifting through all the posts can take time and may not render the answer you are looking for. In addition, not everyone would categorize these posts in the same way I would. This also applies to all the other data and information I've come across in other places.
I put my thinking cap on and came up with a great way to do just what I want. I will be putting this idea into another one of my tip newsletters. Yes, this is a hint to sign up for the tip sheet.
Qualify those Claims
23-Mar-2008 07:43 AM Filed in: Opinions
I got a nice letter from a fellow carving enthusiast
this morning. He stated that he wanted to help me by
telling me what the best of everything was. He
stressed that I keep an open mind that even though I
was advocating the Carvewright and Compucarve
systems, eventually I would come to see that there
were better products out there.
I don't take issue with what he had to say, nor do I dispute his right to feel that his experiences make him an authority. I honestly believe we are all entitled to our opinions and I will go down defending someone to uphold that right.
What I wish this gentleman would have done however, is to qualify his statements. In the advertising world, this is called confusing CLAIMS with FACTS. Stating "Windows XP is the best cnc operating system" is not a fact, but a claim. This doesn't mean that he doesn't feel that this is the best operating system because obviously he does or he wouldn't have made that statement. ...But tell me why you feel this way.
I was thinking about this letter and I began to wonder if I've made the same mistake... So I went through every inch of this website and read every thing one more time (this must be as least the 600th time) to see if I've made any claims.
Yes I have!! Many times. But in every instance I've explained why I feel the way I do. You may not agree with what I have to say, but at least you know why and how I came to my decision. This is important. You come away understanding how I think and my perspective might make you see things in a different light or from a different angle.
I truly want to thank this gentleman for writing. He helped me to see things and made me realize I need to double check my work. He also made me understand just how important it is to explain things fully. A tip and help site needs to keep these ideals at the forefront.
I plan to review more of what he wrote to me about. I can only learn from his experience.
I don't take issue with what he had to say, nor do I dispute his right to feel that his experiences make him an authority. I honestly believe we are all entitled to our opinions and I will go down defending someone to uphold that right.
What I wish this gentleman would have done however, is to qualify his statements. In the advertising world, this is called confusing CLAIMS with FACTS. Stating "Windows XP is the best cnc operating system" is not a fact, but a claim. This doesn't mean that he doesn't feel that this is the best operating system because obviously he does or he wouldn't have made that statement. ...But tell me why you feel this way.
I was thinking about this letter and I began to wonder if I've made the same mistake... So I went through every inch of this website and read every thing one more time (this must be as least the 600th time) to see if I've made any claims.
Yes I have!! Many times. But in every instance I've explained why I feel the way I do. You may not agree with what I have to say, but at least you know why and how I came to my decision. This is important. You come away understanding how I think and my perspective might make you see things in a different light or from a different angle.
I truly want to thank this gentleman for writing. He helped me to see things and made me realize I need to double check my work. He also made me understand just how important it is to explain things fully. A tip and help site needs to keep these ideals at the forefront.
I plan to review more of what he wrote to me about. I can only learn from his experience.
Software Makes Decent Strides
10-Mar-2008 07:40 PM Filed in: Reviews
nearly a month and a half ago i mentioned how i was
not impressed with the process of registering
the software.
up until a couple of days ago, i had been using a downloaded "evaluation" version of the software. finally, the eval period ended and it came time to register the software if i wanted to use it any further.
i tried and tried to get my version to register with no success. i tried everything and nothing would work. i finally decided to trash the whole application and install the version from my software distribution CD i got when i bought the machine. that part went ok and when i went to register everything went smooth as silk. i checked for any updates and there was one (from version 1.125 to 1.126).
i downloaded the new version and replaced the app with the newer version... again, no hitches. i then went to my shop computer and did the same thing (you can register and use the software on up to two computers). there too, the process was simple and painless.
i have no idea why the eval version gave me so many problems, but the distribution version was fine.
in a past occupation, i was a software developer and so i can understand why Carvewright wants to know who is using their software. it makes sense and by registering, it's an easy way to make sure your users are using the latest version. what i don't understand though, is why Carvewright doesn't just GIVE this software away. they have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.
their machine is almost useless without patterns and projects - it begs for content.
give the software away and maybe there will be more people developing patterns, etc which will only help to spur more machine sales.
up until a couple of days ago, i had been using a downloaded "evaluation" version of the software. finally, the eval period ended and it came time to register the software if i wanted to use it any further.
i tried and tried to get my version to register with no success. i tried everything and nothing would work. i finally decided to trash the whole application and install the version from my software distribution CD i got when i bought the machine. that part went ok and when i went to register everything went smooth as silk. i checked for any updates and there was one (from version 1.125 to 1.126).
i downloaded the new version and replaced the app with the newer version... again, no hitches. i then went to my shop computer and did the same thing (you can register and use the software on up to two computers). there too, the process was simple and painless.
i have no idea why the eval version gave me so many problems, but the distribution version was fine.
in a past occupation, i was a software developer and so i can understand why Carvewright wants to know who is using their software. it makes sense and by registering, it's an easy way to make sure your users are using the latest version. what i don't understand though, is why Carvewright doesn't just GIVE this software away. they have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.
their machine is almost useless without patterns and projects - it begs for content.
give the software away and maybe there will be more people developing patterns, etc which will only help to spur more machine sales.
Software Activation Frustration
24-Jan-2008 12:28 PM Filed in: Opinions
prior to my present endeavors, i spent nearly 20
years in the software and systems development arena.
in addition, i've programmed PLC's and operated many
major machine centers so i'm very familiar with
drawing, cad-cam, and machining software. i was
therefor excited to start with the CarveWright™
designer software.
my initial feel for the SOFTWARE is good.
you may have happened to notice that i emphasized the word software... i did that cause i happen to like the software - but registration and activation is a different story. i think it blows!! but then again, that's just my opinion. and we all know what they say about opinions, right?
for those of you that need a refresher course, it goes like this: "opinions are just like butt holes - everybody has one, and we all think the other guy's stink!" be sure to replace "butt hole" with something more colorful to add impact. anyway, you get the picture.
i have lots of opinions on the software activation process and the whole licensing scheme in general. i'll be putting together a video on this and my initial thoughts about the design software in a couple days. i hope you'll come back and have a view.
in the mean-time, if you have a specific issue about the software, send me a request from here and i'll do my best to find you an answer.
my initial feel for the SOFTWARE is good.
you may have happened to notice that i emphasized the word software... i did that cause i happen to like the software - but registration and activation is a different story. i think it blows!! but then again, that's just my opinion. and we all know what they say about opinions, right?
for those of you that need a refresher course, it goes like this: "opinions are just like butt holes - everybody has one, and we all think the other guy's stink!" be sure to replace "butt hole" with something more colorful to add impact. anyway, you get the picture.
i have lots of opinions on the software activation process and the whole licensing scheme in general. i'll be putting together a video on this and my initial thoughts about the design software in a couple days. i hope you'll come back and have a view.
in the mean-time, if you have a specific issue about the software, send me a request from here and i'll do my best to find you an answer.
Unpacking the CarveWright
19-Jan-2008 03:08 PM Filed in: Reviews
Finally unpacked my new CarveWright cnc wood carving
machine!!! it arrived the other day but i wanted to
wait till i could make a video of the whole process.
i wanted all of you to share in the fun and
excitement along with me.
i apologize for the fuzziness that crops into the video every now and again. i didn't know that was happening until all the unpacking was over with and then it was too late to re-do the video.
i know what i did (stand to the side and then the focusing didn't know what to focus on), and will not make that same mistake again... but hey, this is a tutorial, right? so i guess we ALL learn.
i apologize for the fuzziness that crops into the video every now and again. i didn't know that was happening until all the unpacking was over with and then it was too late to re-do the video.
i know what i did (stand to the side and then the focusing didn't know what to focus on), and will not make that same mistake again... but hey, this is a tutorial, right? so i guess we ALL learn.
On Track and Ready to Go
13-Jan-2008 04:04 PM Filed in: News
Every once in a while, a machine comes along that
revolutionizes and dominates the industry segment it
occupies. This is the case with the CarveWright®
and CompuCarve®
CNC carving machines.
Make no mistake, this isn't just another carving machine... this is a router on STEROIDS!! And this router has a brain - a computer brain.
This is a compact, affordable, table-top machine packed with loads of capabilities.
Even the seasoned pro will marvel at the functions this machine can perform. Add the accessory probe and there is no end to the jobs you can perform. Create new works of art, replace that broken filigree, make signs for your friends... The possibilities are endless.
This machine could easily supplement or replace your current means of income. WOW - Guys, what an easy way to justify this machine to your wife!! You may even finish a couple of those "honey do" jobs. Show her what it can do and let her come up with some ideas for turning your love of woodworking into a steady profit stream.
Traditional hand routers, carving knives, or hand tools can't even come close to the power and precision achieved with this machine.
i've just started my journey with this machine, (although i've been wishing for one for quite a while now). i'm no stranger to woodworking or to CNC machine control. i've spent years working with and programing computers. i've also built a number of machines and created the software code that tell the PLC's (programmable logic controllers) what to do. it's this combination of qualifications that lead me to my purchase. Like all new ideas, the early adapters tend to pay more and experience some "debugging" pains... But the payoff is the EXPERT knowledge one gains in the process.
All one has to do is visit the CarveWright® forum and you'll see just how many people are a part of this exciting movement. Count me as one of those semi-early adopters.
This site is geared with the notion that good things come to those that work for them. Join my mailing list, visit and comment on my blog, and use the links on this site to get yourself one of these woodcutting tools. Watch the videos, and become an expert in your own right.
Thanks for the visit and i hope you'll come back again and again.
_Matt
Make no mistake, this isn't just another carving machine... this is a router on STEROIDS!! And this router has a brain - a computer brain.
This is a compact, affordable, table-top machine packed with loads of capabilities.
Even the seasoned pro will marvel at the functions this machine can perform. Add the accessory probe and there is no end to the jobs you can perform. Create new works of art, replace that broken filigree, make signs for your friends... The possibilities are endless.
This machine could easily supplement or replace your current means of income. WOW - Guys, what an easy way to justify this machine to your wife!! You may even finish a couple of those "honey do" jobs. Show her what it can do and let her come up with some ideas for turning your love of woodworking into a steady profit stream.
Traditional hand routers, carving knives, or hand tools can't even come close to the power and precision achieved with this machine.
i've just started my journey with this machine, (although i've been wishing for one for quite a while now). i'm no stranger to woodworking or to CNC machine control. i've spent years working with and programing computers. i've also built a number of machines and created the software code that tell the PLC's (programmable logic controllers) what to do. it's this combination of qualifications that lead me to my purchase. Like all new ideas, the early adapters tend to pay more and experience some "debugging" pains... But the payoff is the EXPERT knowledge one gains in the process.
All one has to do is visit the CarveWright® forum and you'll see just how many people are a part of this exciting movement. Count me as one of those semi-early adopters.
This site is geared with the notion that good things come to those that work for them. Join my mailing list, visit and comment on my blog, and use the links on this site to get yourself one of these woodcutting tools. Watch the videos, and become an expert in your own right.
Thanks for the visit and i hope you'll come back again and again.
_Matt
It ARRIVES!!!
08-Jan-2008 10:38 AM Filed in: News
Today my CarveWright® machine arrived. it looks
great. UPS delivered it to the store and the outside
packaging is in great shape. usually they tend to
beat up those big heavy boxes but not this time!
i can't wait to open it up but i have to wait. i want to make a video of the process and i won't have time to do that for a couple of days.
boy, i'm going to be tortured every time i walk by it.
i can't wait to open it up but i have to wait. i want to make a video of the process and i won't have time to do that for a couple of days.
boy, i'm going to be tortured every time i walk by it.
Look & Listen
03-Jan-2008 08:18 PM Filed in: HowTos
found this video on YouTube.
watch as the founder of Carvewright®
demonstrates this amazing
cnc carving machine geared towards the home hobbyist.
cnc carving machine geared towards the home hobbyist.
An idea is hatched...
29-Dec-2007 01:51 PM Filed in: News
Been watching the CarveWright® machine for
almost a year now and i'm very interested in
buying one. also think it could be a good start
to my new venture thinking. will run this idea
past Rusty and see if he agrees.