Purchased my complete bundle about 2 years ago. Never operated a CNC prior to this in my life. About 2 months ago I purchased the upgrade kit with stepper motors and heavier duty gantry etc. I liken the assembly to a detailed adult erector set. Yes there was many hours of assembly time. That's where old age (a few beers) and patience come into play. Two things I've learned about operating this machine, patience and a little bit of a math brain. You have to be able to convert standard (1/8/, 1/4, 1/2, 5/8 etc.) mathematics into decimals to be able to operate the machine efficiently. I use mine mostly for hobbies and for making a dollar here and there. I'm sure I've paid for mine at least one time over with made projects. I spend 5 to 7 nights a week in my little shop making things as opposed to sitting around watching television. I actually enjoy working with it every day and seeing what else I can build. I tell my friends that if they can sketch it on a cocktail napkin, I can make it. Incorporate Inkskape (totally free) with Easel, and you have everything you need. I would definitely recommend the X-Carve any day of the week. I have treated mine very well and it is never had a single issue. I'm sure there are plenty of units out there that have a higher price tag that will do more than the X-Carve, however for what I do (hobbyist) this exceeds my expectations. Thanks for your feedback and commentary, I will look for further reviews.
I got my shop stool from an art college that was closing down and they were throwing a bunch of stuff out. I salvaged this stool from that pile. It is stainless steel, but I am sorry to stay I don't know where they purchased it.
Purchased my complete bundle about 2 years ago. Never operated a CNC prior to this in my life. About 2 months ago I purchased the upgrade kit with stepper motors and heavier duty gantry etc. I liken the assembly to a detailed adult erector set. Yes there was many hours of assembly time. That's where old age (a few beers) and patience come into play. Two things I've learned about operating this machine, patience and a little bit of a math brain. You have to be able to convert standard (1/8/, 1/4, 1/2, 5/8 etc.) mathematics into decimals to be able to operate the machine efficiently. I use mine mostly for hobbies and for making a dollar here and there. I'm sure I've paid for mine at least one time over with made projects. I spend 5 to 7 nights a week in my little shop making things as opposed to sitting around watching television. I actually enjoy working with it every day and seeing what else I can build. I tell my friends that if they can sketch it on a cocktail napkin, I can make it. Incorporate Inkskape (totally free) with Easel, and you have everything you need. I would definitely recommend the X-Carve any day of the week. I have treated mine very well and it is never had a single issue. I'm sure there are plenty of units out there that have a higher price tag that will do more than the X-Carve, however for what I do (hobbyist) this exceeds my expectations.
Thanks for your feedback and commentary, I will look for further reviews.
Great review, honesty, insight, and depth. Thanks for the post, I've subbed.
I bought mine and I’m halfway assembling it. Thanks for the video!
Been using mine for about the same amount of time, first CNC. No complaints so far!
Where'd you get your shop stool?
I got my shop stool from an art college that was closing down and they were throwing a bunch of stuff out. I salvaged this stool from that pile. It is stainless steel, but I am sorry to stay I don't know where they purchased it.
Awesome information
Wooden toys are great idea. There are so few of them nowadays.
Let's see what you think of x-carve in six months.
Absolutely! I plan on making a six month review as well as a one year review.
I have an older one. It is pure junk.
I’m sorry that has been your experience. Mine has been great so far. I’ll do a 3 month and 6 month review of this machine.