Is the new X-carve the 48x48in version ?
I looked thru past posts and didn’t find that info.
And will there be classes soon ?
There is a bit of a dilemma here: Learn enough V-carve and ask for help getting it cut, or learn ( Oh Yeah ! ) another CAD/CAM package for the smaller machine. The constant moving CAD/ACAM target at DMS has been the biggest impediment to me so far. Fusion 360 looked great until they pulled the rug out from under us all.
The new entry level software is (I believe ) Carbide 3d, which is pretty useable even in the base free version. https://carbide3d.com/
I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to set up and run my first CAM project (custom wood letterpress type) after just the first class and an hour or two of playing with the software.
I’m sure I’ll need a bit more teaching on the specific machine hardware, but the software side seems to be moving in a positive direction.
Yes. That additional CAD/CAM package. Time is limited. Spending it constantly learning new and different software is not time spent making things.
So what size is the machine ?
BTW, the Source article about the machine say Easel is the software. I think it was a recent MasCam discussion that called out Carbide Create.
It would be nice to know which it is.
It’s being switched to Carbide across the board on all of the entry level CAM machines in DMS. They’re currently working on having the Shapoko setup for Carbide, but I personally do not know of the expected ETA for it to be up and available for training.
Good to know. Thanks.
Still can’t find info on the size of the new X-Carve.
At a guess, no more than 36x36, probably close to 30x30.
I’ll be on site tomorrow, will try to remember to take a yardstick to it…
Rats. There was a chance it was a 48x48, which would handle several projects I have in mind.
If you manage that, I would certainly appreciate it.
@keoliver should know the size. He’s been running the classes for it.
The modified x carve, when it is finished, Will send g code to the controller with carbide motion software. The g code can be created with any cam software. The carbide motion controller uses g code in GRBL format, and every CAM package can post process to GRBL format. .Carbide create is free and easy and is definitely the place to start and focus your efforts in my opinion… I Teach classes on it and it is dead simple to learn.
The modified machine is max 750 mm x 750mm in working area. I am not on the team that is modifying the machine, but i understand that there are challenges in getting the proprietary carbide controller to think it is running shapeoko and not an x carve. I teach the software and the shapeoko machines, but i do not have the skills to hack the controller and get this frankenstein machine to work. The team has done great work so far and @swa has a good plan to make this a valuable tool for DMS.
The machine was listed as 500mm by 500mm. Did the modification increase the working area? Thx.
burt’s original post stated 48x48
The table that the machine is resting on is 48x48. The footprint of the machine is 750mmx750mm the working area is about 500x500mm as Chris states . My original post used the wrong term, footprint vs working area .
Official information page.
https://source.dallasmakerspace.org/display/WOOD/Baby+CNC+Station
Better title:
“XCarve - size and upcoming classes query”
Actually no. Classes were not part of the question. The size of the machine is of fundamental importance to my choice of which software to learn right now. All I needed was the size. And a succinct subject conveyed that. ( It appears the X-carve is too small for the job I want to run, so VCarve it is. )
The rest of the title was a protest, once again, over the arbitrary minimum character requirement on titles on this forum. Your proposed title would invite further dilution of the information in the replies.
Seems a common problem around here. Oh look. Here it is again…
