So after playing around for a week, I got my XCarve assembled and wired. I didn’t go with a fully populated kit, so did have a few issues with assembly and wiring using my on-hand parts. I’ll draft a post in the assembly section to help other newbies in the same situation. Went through the machine setup and corrected my reverse movements, etc. I even ran the “demo” first cut without the router installed in the machine, just so there was no chance it would eat itself if something was wrong. Finally I ran my first test cut using Easel, simply my name in a blockish script on a piece of scrap wood from a pallet. It came out Awesome! I probably need to run through a calibration to make sure it is correct to .001, but to the eye it looks perfect.
Now the problems begin. First, I realize I need a bunch of new router bits! $50 later and I have a basic start. Then I recognize it’s way past bed time, so shut the shop down, and head in. But I can’t sleep. Visions of routing and upgrades dance through my head. Today, I can’t even think about what I’m supposed to be doing at work! I’m flagging down everybody I can and show them the cool carving and engage them in a 20 minute conversation on what I can do. I think I’ve caught a disease without a cure.
In all seriousness, thanks to the inventables team for putting together an awesome kit and making this possible. I’ve lusted after CNC routing since I first saw a demonstration in college in 1984. At that time a simple machine with fewer capabilities than the XCarve was over $100K. I’m just giddy that I can finally have that capability myself!
–Rick