Has anybody seen or used this X-Carve machine? Is there any interest in getting one for the Space?
Here’s the web page for X-Carve → CNC Machine | X-Carve CNC – Inventables, Inc.
Here’s a video review of the X-Carve…
We have a Shapeoko 2 with 500mm rails, which can be upgraded to an X-Carve ($200 for the core upgrade kit). It currently has a 12,000rpm spindle with no variable speed control (an external manual speed control exists that was repaired / needs to be reinstalled and tested).
Were you aware of the Shapeoko / do you know of X-Carve features you would need or would consider worth upgrading for?
1 Like
No I was not aware of the Shapeoko. That’s good to know that we have an option to upgrade to X-Carve if we have a need to do so.
The spindle produces 12,000 rpm, only when powered by a 48V supply. We currently have a 24V supply for it, so it currently maxes out at about 6,000 rpm.
Also, there are other cheaper, and in my opinion means to upgrade the Shapeko we have. The electronics are good, but we could get a much better upgrade by using OpenBuilds Linear Rail and components. About a $100 to nearly double of horizontal capacity (~ 24-30" in X & Y). For about another hundred we could upgrade the control from a GRBL shield to a TINYG, which had significant performance improvements as well as potentially offering a fourth axis control…
BTW, the OpenBuild material I am referring to is the same material Kristov is using for his 5 axis machine.
But in all reality anything that a shapeoko/x-carve can do the multicam can do better.
2 Likes
Yes, but the shapeoko is a lower bar to entry and less intimidating for most folks, not to mention it is much quieter. Also, we can use the shapeoko to engrave brass, which we can’t in the multicam.
engraving brass is an administrative hurdle on the multicam not a technical one.
1 Like
A hurdle is still a hurdle! As you may have noticed, I prefer to avoid conflict when I can. I get enough of it in my day life… 