X-Carve

X-Carve CNC Router

What is it?

It's a computer-controlled router that can be used to cut or carve designs on wood and other similar materials, based on a design drawn on the computer. It's controlled by a computer next to it, usually running Easel, a cloud-based, browser-based program that lets you draw your design and send it to the X-Carve. It was donated by Dan Dougmore, Lowell Make's 3D printer captain. It's located in the machine shop.

What can it do?

See some example projects here: https://www.inventables.com/projects It can V-Carve crisp letters for sinage. It can do full 3D profiles but this would require 3D CAD tools in addition to Easel.

How can I use it?

Create a free account at http://easel.inventables.com/users/sign_in

Watch tutorials here: https://inventables.desk.com/customer/en/portal/topics/1022638-easel-tutorials/articles

Contact Jim Fred to get checked-out.

Contact Ben Towle, the Machine Shop captain, to get FOB access to the shop.

FAQ

• What approval is required for me to use it? Ask Jim Fred or Dan Dougmore for a check-out.
• Where do I get bits? So far, users have been using their own bits, frequently purchased from https://www.toolstoday.com/cnc-router-bits-and-insert-bits.html. Sometimes, there are bits laying around the machine. Jim has a box of these bits https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CMjTUdnuliNYiwdyVal-XB-fDxm1-ZVBIgDBWF3dQf4/edit?usp=sharing that he keeps in his desk drawer.
• What if I have more questions?
  • Ask people around the shop
  • Contact people on BaseCamp, either pinging them directly or using the campfire
  • Check the Easel forum https://discuss.inventables.com/c/easel
• Who else uses it? Jim Fred seems to use it the most. Others: E.B., Dan Dougmore, Jack Walsh.
• What are the working dimensions? maximum cutting area of 750mm x 750mm x 65mm