Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specifications of the CarveWright machine?

Package Size: 28.5” x 20.25” x 18”
Package Weight: 78 lbs (35.4 kg)
Machine Weight: 70 lbs (31.8 kg)
Cut Motor Speed (No Load): 20,000 rpm
Cut Motor Horsepower (Peak): 1.0 Hp
Electrical Rating: 110VAC at 8 A, 60 HZ
Power Cord Length: 6 feet
Maximum Workpiece Size: 14.5” wide x 5.0” tall x 12' long (Limited by weight)
Minimum Workpiece Size: 1.5” wide x 0.5” tall x 7.0” long

General Machine Questions

Machine Questions

What is the CarveWright machine able to do?

You can think of the CarveWright machine as a desktop publishing system for wood and other soft materials. The easy to use CarveWright Designer software lets the user create original designs without having to use complicated CAD software. Once the design is ready, the information is uploaded to the machine via a memory card and carved. The machine can carve, cut, surface, edge route, and miter a workpiece with a variety of bits and techniques. To see a sampling of what can be done with the machine, visit the CarveWright website. Check out the Projects/The Results page, the Customer Gallery or the gallery in the Users forum.

The machine requires no prior knowledge of machine tools. It does almost all of the setup with its sensors and prompts the user for information when required.

What are the maximum workpiece dimensions?

The machine can handle a workpiece up to 14.5" wide x 5.0" tall x 12' long. The maximum length in most cases is dependent on the weight of the workpiece and is related to both quality of the carving and longevity of the drive mechanism. Any workpiece more than 20 lbs in weight places increased stress on the drive mechanism and will accelerate wear of the system. Although there is no physical limit to workpiece length, stand-alone support rollers should be used on any workpiece over 3' long to achieve the best results.

What are the minimum workpiece dimensions?

The minimum acceptable size of a workpiece that can be inserted into the CarveWright is 1.5" wide x 0.5" thick x 7.0" long. It will be necessary to mount the workpiece onto a jig if any single dimension is smaller than the stated minimums.

What is the maximum depth of cut?

The maximum depth of cut is 1.0” with the 1/8” cutting bit and 0.8” with the 1/16” carving bit.

What is the output quality of the cutting passes?

Like a printer, projects can be configured to run in a draft mode (low quality), normal quality, or best quality depending on the situation. The quality mode dictates the speed of the cut and amount of material removed per pass. On the best quality setting the spacing between passes is .006”.

How long does a typical project take to carve?

The carving time of each project is determined by four main variables: the size of the project, the quality setting selected, the depth of cut, and the cutting mode. Like a printer, the user can select the output quality. The higher the quality setting selected the longer the project will take to run. The CarveWright produces carvings by two different cut modes; raster carving and vector carving modes. Raster carvings are produced by making many small passes with the 1/16” carving bit, building the image one line at a time. A vector carving is produced when the bit follows a 3-D path generated by the software. Vector carvings are typically much faster than raster carvings. The software will estimate total cut time when you upload the project to the memory card. For comparison the top of the small jewelry box (8.5" x 5.5" x 3.5") on the Projects/The Results page of the website took one hour to carve in normal quality. The larger box (10" x 13" x 6") took 5 hours at high quality.

Can the machine be used in an industrial or commercial setting?

The CarveWright is designed as a light duty machine intended primarily for the hobby market and is priced accordingly. It is not suggested, nor warranted, for continuous commercial or industrial use.

CanI use an extension cord with the machine?

When using the CompuCarve at an extended distance from the wall outlet, use an extension cord heavy enough to carry the current that the tool will draw without inducing a large resistance load. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage, which can result in a momentary loss of power. This can cause damage to the machine and in some cases can cause the machine sensors to work intermittently. This may show itself in random machine stalls or even a full electronics reboot. Additionally, only connect to a dedicated circuit. Circuits with other large loads (AC units, other tools, dust collection systems, etc.) can also cause a momentary voltage drop when operating at the same time (especially at startup).

Use the chart provided below to determine the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only jacketed cords listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) should be used.

Length of Extension Cord vs. Minimum Wire Size (American Wire Gage - AWG)
Up to 10 feet	14 AWG
10 to 50 feet	12 AWG
Over 50 feet	not recommended

When working with the tool outdoors, use an extension cord that is designed for outside use (This is indicated by the letters WA on the power cord's outer jacket). Before using an extension cord, inspect it for loose or exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.

Can I use my own bits?

The machine has a standard library of approved bits that it can draw from. Because of variations in bit geometry and size among different brands, only CarveWright brand bits can be used. Use of other bits may void the warranty. The majority of machine functionality is done with the included carving and cutting bits. Please visit the CarveWright website store for a listing of bits and bit sets.

How long will the carving bits last?

The 1/16” carving bit is solid carbide and will last for many hours if handled correctly. Lifetime is directly related to what materials are being cut. Cutting in materials with glue (such as plywood or particle board) will tend to wear the bit faster. The typical reason a carving bit needs to be replaced is that it is dropped and the tip has been damaged.

Can you use more than one bit during a project?

The software will allow the user to create projects that use as many of the CarveWright approved bits as desired. On projects that use more than one bit, the machine will prompt the user for each bit, as it is needed. The patented quick-change system makes changing bits fast and easy.

Does the software automatically select the bits for the user?

It depends on what functions are being commanded in the software. Some functions will automatically use certain bits while other functions can use any one of many user selectable bits. By default the machine will use the 1/16” carving bit for any raster carvings.

Can I reuse my bit adapters?

The CarveWright utilizes a patented quick release chuck system to make changing bits fast and easy. To use this system the bits must first be installed into the tapered bit adapters. The 1/4" bit adapters are single use only. They are not to be removed from one bit to use on another since the setscrews are required to be permanently thread cemented. Swapping adapters will lead to stripped setscrews and loose bits.

1/2" bit adapters can be reused on multiple bits.

Can the machine carve object in the round?

The CarveWright does not currently have the capability to fully carve in the round.

Can I carve on both sides of the material?

The CarveWright software enables you to place designs on both sides of the workpiece. Many times a two sided design will require a special jig because of the way the machine moves and measures the material. The machine does not currently have the capability to fully carve in the round.

Can I seam two pieces together to create a larger piece?

The machine has the precision to output multiple pieces that will line up well when seamed together if the project is laid out correctly in the software and appropriate steps are taken during the carving.

Can the machine cut all the way through the material?

Yes, the drive belt configuration allows the machine to plunge any bit below the bottom surface of the workpiece. The machine is also configured so that the entire topside of the material can be carved (although to do this, the piece may have to be mounted into a jig).

How does the machine perform cutouts without the loose pieces interfering?

The software automatically adds small tabs that bridge to any pieces that are cut out using the "Cut Out" function. These tabs keep the pieces from dropping out and binding the system or cutting bit. These tabs can be cut with a razor or snapped off after the piece is removed.

Does the machine have a dust collection system?

The machine does have a vacuum impeller built-in as well as an external vacuum port that fits 2 - 1/4" OD hose. The built-in vacuum system maintains airflow through the machine and removes airborne dust that can build up on the sensors. It is not designed to remove all generated chips and dust. Most of the dust generated by the CarveWright remains confined in the machine and will not affect the machine performance. After every project simply vacuum or use compressed air to clear the dust. The machine is designed to allow dust and larger debris to fall through the bottom of the machine via a cutout. The most effective way to remove this dust without voiding the machine’s warranty is to setup a downdraft vacuum system. Customers have reported great success using this method. Please see our user forums for more information.

How long can the machine run?

The machine can run for long periods of time under normal operating conditions. We have carved projects that have taken six or more hours with no problems. Under heavy loading it is recommended that you periodically let the cutting head cool down.

Do I have to manually set the speed and feed rate for the machine?

The machine automatically sets the optimal speed and feed rates based on the function that it is performing. The user will never have to calculate or input this information.

Can the machine do joinery?

The CarveWright can currently do miter and bevel cuts and can be commanded to do dados and rabbets.

What is the resolution of the machine?

The core capability of the CarveWright is as a carving machine. The machine configuration and control software are quite different than a classic mill. As such the terms resolution and accuracy are hard to correlate to what you expect from a classic milling machine. Our controllable resolution is .00025" on the Y and Z-axes and .0015" on the X-axis. The accuracy of any single raster carving line is on the order of .005"-.010" in the y and Z and the step width is between .005" and .010" depending on the quality setting you choose. When you are talking accuracy of position of two elements across a 60" board the value is even higher.

Is it possible to run the machine on 220V AC?

The CarveWright can only be used with a 60 Hz 110V AC power supply.

What is the capacity of the memory card?

The capacity of the memory card is large enough to hold a significant number of projects and scans. How many it will hold depends on the size of the individual projects. Typically we get 30 to 40 projects on a card. If the card fills up, simply delete some of the files using the Flash Manager in the software. As long as you keep the project file on your computer you can reupload it at any time.

Can I buy additional memory cards?

Additional memory cards and programmers can be purchased online at our web store for those using more than one design computer.

Can you connect the machine directly to your computer?

There is no need or accommodation for connecting the machine directly to a computer. The CarveWright is configured this way is so that your computer will not have to be exposed to the dirty shop environment. The machine comes with a memory card and a memory card programmer that plugs into a USB port on your computer. Once a project is downloaded from your computer to the card (via the programmer) you simply remove the card and insert it into the memory card slot in the machine. Also, the machine is not wireless compatible.

What are the suggested operating conditions for the machine?

The recommended operating environment is between 60F and 100F.

Can the machine carve complex surfaces?

Yes, the machine can carve complex surfaces. A very accurate representation of an existing surface can be obtained by using the surface-scanning probe available for $299. Many times a jig will be required to index the material to be carved.

Are there plans to offer a larger industrial unit in the future?

No. At this time we only sell one model of the machine. However we are continually working to expand our product line to meet customer needs. Please continue to monitor the website to see press releases on new products and software.

Where do existing customers get hardware support?

Use the contact page at www.carvewright.com for methods of contacting hardware support..

Material

The CarveWright can work in most soft materials including wood (including exotic hardwoods), suitable plastic, and foam. Any materials outside these families are not to be used with the machine unless explicitly stated by CarveWright. At present, the CarveWright does not carve in metal, ceramic tile, stone, glass, or concrete.

Wood: The machine can carve the full range of wood types from soft pine to exotic hardwoods. While we have not tested every conceivable hardwood, we have yet to find one that cannot be used in the CarveWright machine. We have found that hard materials with tight grains produce the best finishes. In most cases, feathering and chip out will increase as the grain size increases. Also dry materials tend to produce a better quality finish then material with high moisture content. The CarveWright Designer Software has several tools to control chip-out to help when working across all types of wood grain.
Plastic: Suitable carving plastics include polycarbonate (Lexan), cast acrylic (sign makers plastic), and Corian (acrylic base). Most other plastics such as Nylon, ABS, and extruded acrylic (Plexiglas) tend to melt and gum up because the melting point of the material is lower than the temperature generated at the bit tip when carving. The great thing about cast acrylic and Corian is that they come in many different colors and opacities
Note that the machine is always expecting soft material like wood as the carving medium and will automatically set the speed and feed rates based on this expectation. Therefore it is very important to keep any carving in plastic to less than 1/8” deep. Deeper carving will put excessive load on the machine by trying to push a bit through this hard material and can cause damage.
The only bit currently approved for plastic is the tapered carving bit. This means that some functions will not be available to you when using hard plastic. DO NOT use any machine function that employs a bit other than the tapered carving bit when using plastics. For example do not use decorative bits or the cutout function on plastics.
Also remember to clean the machine very thoroughly when using plastics. The “dust’ and chips produced can damage drive components and belts.
Foam: Foam is a great medium for carving. Sign foam (High Density Urethane) is particularly suited for creating signs and molds. The denser the foam the better the surface finish.
Other Materials: Any materials outside of those stated above are not to be used in the machine. In fact, note that the CarveWright warranty is null and void if the machine is used to cut metals, stone, or any other hard material not explicitly allowed. We encourage all of our customers to be creative with materials within the wood, plastic and foam families and to report successes and failures so that we can share this information with the entire CarveWright community.

Software Questions

Can I try the software before I purchase the machine?: The Designer software is available free of charge for 30 days. Visit the website and navigate to the Support/Downloads/Trial Software page. Simply fill in the information required and hit the ‘Submit’ button. This will give you full functionality of the software included with the machine aside from the ability to send the information to the machine or any premium features. Once you purchase your machine, you can continue to use the software after registering your machine.
Where do existing customers get software support?: Use the contact page at www.carvewright.com for methods of contacting software support.
Is the software compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems?: The software is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Specifically the software will run on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista (testing), and Mac OS X version 10.3 or higher. We are currently testing compatibility with Windows Vista and have many customers that are using the software on Vista. However we are not Vista certified at the moment. Please contact us with any Vista installation issue.
What are the computer system requirements for the software?: Use this link to see the system requirements for the CarveWright Designer Software and Premium Features.
What should I expect from the look and feel of the software?: The fundamental concept behind the CarveWright Designer software is that the user does not have to be a CAD designer or graphic artist to output unique designs. We liken the software to desktop publishing software where the design elements (in this case 3-D patterns) can be selected from existing libraries.
Explain the 3-D element libraries.: The CarveWright design software is configured very much like a clip art program. There are libraries of 3-D elements that the user can drag and drop into the design. These elements can be modified in many different ways once they are placed on the workpiece. For example they can be resized, rotated, stretched, mirrored, inverted, copied, deepened, constrained, dimensioned, outlined, or cut out. Thousands of additional library elements are available for purchase through our searchable online database called the Pattern Depot.
Can I add additional elements to the library?: There are several ways for users to add elements to the library themselves. First, additional 3-D elements can be purchased through the Pattern Depot. Second, the CarveWright software can import standard 2-D graphics files and place them in the user's custom library. Likewise photographs can be added to the library. Third, adding actual 3-D elements is possible with the CarveWright surface-scanning probe, which maps the surface of an existing 3-D element.
Please explain the surface-scanning probe.: The scanning probe allows 3-D pieces to be scanned into the software and added to the library.
The scanner creates a 3-D surface map by tracing the surface with the needle probe. The maximum scan depth is 1.0". Most objects will need to be placed on a special scanning jig so that they can be fed into the machine. The scanning probe is now available in the online store or by calling CarveWright directly.
Can I import 2-D graphics and carve them?: You can import standard graphic files like .bmp, .png, .jpeg, .gif into the software. However it is important to understand how this process works and what type of carving will result. In a 2-D image there is only limited information that the software can work with – the position and “color” of each pixel in the image. The Designer software imports the graphic and analyzes the “color” of every pixel in the image. Each pixel is then assigned a depth based on its “color” (the color black being converted to shallowest depth and the color white converted to the greatest depth). This means that if you have a black and white image that there will only be two depths to the carving. The most common misconception is that the software can convert a 2-D image into a complex 3-D element like those seen in the libraries. This is untrue and further, there is no software in the world that can do this because of the lack of information in the 2-D image.
Simple clip art designs and logos import and carve very nicely. Other more complex designs may take some additional editing to achieve the desired design effect. Also, the quality of the carved output is highly dependent on the resolution of the image that you are importing. High resolution images are recommended especially if the carving is large in size. The software allows you to quickly invert the depth scale if desired.
Can I import photographs to be carved?: The same rules for 2-D graphics formats apply to a photograph. Photographs can be imported directly by the software and added to the workpiece. The software converts the photograph's color directly to depth (black and white being at opposite ends of the spectrum). Importing photographs and carving them into semi-transparent plastic with backlighting creates a very interesting photographic effect (see the website Projects/Results page). Carving realistic 3-D photographs into wood takes additional image manipulation expertise simply because of the lack of information contained in the 2-D photograph.
Can I import files from other CAD packages?: Currently the software does not accommodate importing CAD file formats. It does however allow for quick conversion of grayscale (or even color) images to 3-D images for use on the machine. It simply takes pixel intensity and converts it to depth. So if you can convert your designs to grayscale in your design package then the CarveWright software can import it.
Can the machine use G-Code programs?: The software cannot import or export in G-code presently.
Can we run the software on more than one computer?: Customers are allowed to install the software on up to two computers at any one time.
Additional software licenses are available through the online store.
How do I update the software?: For users with a high-speed Internet connection, updating the software is very fast and easy.
Simply open the CarveWright Designer software and make sure that you are connected to the Internet. From the top toolbar select "Help". From the Help drop down menu select "Check for Updates". The software will then open a window that will display your current software version and guide you through the update process if needed. If you do not have access the internet please contact CarveWright to purchase an update disc.
For what period of time will updates be provided as part of the purchase price?: Updates to the base software and software support are provided free of charge for one year.
Typically, updates include bug fixes and small feature improvements.
What text fonts will the machine carve?: The CarveWright design software is able to use all True Type fonts already installed on your computer (in the system “Fonts” folder). This means that there are no proprietary fonts that you have to buy to use on the machine. There are three distinct text effects that can be created with the software. Raster mode carves the letters with thin passes, one after another; similar to the way a printer works. Outlining text produces a cut at the perimeter of the letter. Centerline text will generate a centerline and vary the depth of the cutting bit based on the width of the original font.
What is Centerline Text?: Centerline text functionality is another text carving option that will work with the fonts installed on your computer. The software will generate the centerline of the figure, similar to lettering seen in stone, and create the figure width by varying the depth of the cutting bit. The centerline text carving is done with a 60 or 90-degree v-groove bit. The centerline text module can be purchased from the online store.
Can the machine engrave very small letters?: The machine is fully capable of vectoring text but the design software is not optimized for engraving. That is to say that we do not maintain our own proprietary vectored fonts that are used to form letters. The CarveWright software draws on fonts already available on your system. The advantage to this is that you have an endless number of fonts available to carve and several different ways to carve any font. The drawback to this is it is more difficult to engrave very small fonts.
What is the Pattern Editor?: The Pattern Editor is the software program that is included with the purchase of a scanning probe. It allows the user to clean up and import scans into the CarveWright software. Simple pixel level editing is possible using this software.
Will CarveWright assist in designing custom pieces for a customer?: CarveWright provides help materials that will instruct on general software functionality for putting together projects. However we do not provide any design to suit services for your special project.

Sales and Marketing Questions

How can I purchase a CarveWright System?: You can purchase a CarveWright System by contacting CarveWright at 713-473-6572 or by ordering from our online store at the CarveWright website (www.carvewright.com). We accept all major credit cards as well as personal checks and money orders. Also check out our domestic retailers Woodcraft Supply, Amazon.com, and various others throughout the country.
What comes with the purchase price?: The CarveWright System has an MSRP of $1899.99. The machine comes with all of the hardware and software needed to immediately start producing original pieces. The purchase price includes everything needed to create the majority of the projects seen on the Results page of the CarveWright website. The package includes: the machine, the basic software suite, 3-D element libraries, cutting and carving bits with adapters, the bit release tool, the memory card and memory card programmer, warranty, and Operator's Manual. The pricing for the machine as well as the bits and accessories can be found under the Store page of the website.
Is the machine subject to tax?: Tax is only included on orders shipped within Texas. This is valid for orders placed over the phone or website.
How much does the CarveWright cost to ship?: Currently the shipping is done by UPS ground and is dependent on location. You can visit UPS website (www.ups.com) for rate information. The CarveWright is shipped from Pasadena, Texas, 77504 and the box size is 28” x 20” x 18” by 85 pounds.
What are the warranty terms?: Our goal is to provide the best product experience possible. The CarveWright warranty protects against manufacturing defects for a term of one year or 200 hours of machine cutting, whichever comes first. The warranty excludes consumable items such as bits, sandpaper drive belts, and flexshafts. The machine tracks cutting time for this purpose. Shipping costs are not covered under the warranty. Our service center is located in Houston, TX. There is a 30-day return period after which no returns are accepted. The warranty does not cover commercial or industrial use.
What is the return policy?: Customers may return any item that is UNUSED within 30 days of purchase for a product refund with a 10% restocking fee*. All freight charges incurred in this transaction are the responsibility of the customer. Refunds will be made on credit cards for credit card purchases and by company check for all other purchases. No returns for a refund will be accepted more than 30 days from the date of purchase. Any item that has been used and is accepted by CarveWright for return within 30 days of the date of purchase will be subject to a 20% restocking fee; and, the customer will be charged for any missing components or damage to the machine, parts or accessories. For additional assistance, you may call 713-473-6572 and one of our customer service representatives will be glad to explain our return and refund policies. Please have the invoice ready when you call. A copy of the invoice must accompany all returns.
*Software, including Centerline Text, the Pattern Editor, and Patterns are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Can units be purchased internationally?: The CarveWright is not currently available outside the continental US. We are working to expand our sales and service infrastructure to better serve the international market.
How long has the machine been on the market?: The CarveWright system has been in development for over seven years and was introduced to the market at the end of 2006. Currently more than 10,000 units have been sold.
What are the differences between the CarveWright and the CompuCarve brand machines?: Functionally, the CarveWright and Craftsman CompuCarve machines are identical. The warranty will also be the similar. There will be several small cosmetic differences and the price and product packages may vary from time to time based on special promotional offerings. The biggest difference is that CarveWright customers deal directly with the manufacturer and developer on all aspects of the transaction.
Where can I order the bits and accessories? Will they work with my CompuCarve system?: All of the available accessories (including scanning probe, bits, patterns etc) will work with the CompuCarve and CarveWright systems interchangeably. You can order the machine and all of the accessories from CarveWright by calling 713-473-6572. The pricing for the full product line can be found on the Store page of the CarveWright website.
Can I get hardcopies of the sales literature or the video demonstration CD?: You can request an informational packet by calling 713-473-6572, sending us an e-mail request through the website, or by requesting it via mail. Also, all of the information regarding the CarveWright is available on the website including the operator's manual, video demonstration, trial software, and the FAQ. If you would like to have the video demonstration or free trial software sent to you in CD form, it can be purchased for $7.50. This cost is applicable toward the price of the machine if purchased.
Are carved samples available to show cut quality?: A carved sample can be purchased for $15, which is applicable toward the price of the machine when purchased. We have a standard carving that we send out and we do not carve special orders.
Where can I see the CarveWright in action?: The CarveWright staff is continually traveling the country doing product demonstrations. You can view all planned shows and events on the Community/Scheduled Shows tab of the CarveWright website. We also do in house demonstrations at our facility in Pasadena Texas every Wednesday excluding holidays. Please call ahead for an appointment.
Would it be possible to have a representative do a demonstration for my special group?: We are available for special demonstrations. Scheduling depends on availability, location and group size. Please contact us with specific requests.
Are there special packages available to educators?: We do have special packages available for educators interested in employing the CarveWright in their classroom. These packages include a basic curriculum, additional software licenses, and additional hardware to maximize the machines use in the classroom setting. Please call or visit the Educators tab on the website for more information.
Is CarveWright seeking independent dealers or distributors?: We are currently seeking parties interested in exploring independent distribution or; representation. Please fill out the form on the Contact/Vendor Inquiry page on the website or call us directly for more information.
Are classes available to learn how to use the machine?: Yes, we now offer classes on the use of the machine. Visit the Support/Training Seminar page on the website for more information.
Is an extended warranty available?: CarveWright does not currently offer an extended manufacturer’s warranty. We are evaluating the specifics of making one available in the future. For those customers who purchased an extended warranty through one of our distributors please direct all questions regarding this service to that vendor.

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