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Have you ever bought an old woodworking machine just because it looked cool? Tried a new tool and said, "Wow! This just changed my life!" Used a big, industrial machine and wondered how in the world you could sneak it into your shop? I really don't need five cordless drills, seven routers or 24 antique hand planes, but I can't help it. Gentle brushing removes whiskers left from the carving process. The forum has taught me many details I otherwise would have missed.ħClean carvings take longer.These samples in oak show the differences in quality and required time between the three carving modes.ĨThe CompuCarve produces excellent results in a variety of woods, although the details aren't quite as crisp as hand carvings. I periodically check the on-line users forum and Customer's Spotlight pages that are on the website, to read about user's issues, ask questions, and view projects. I've found the staff to be friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help with any issue. Simply go to the CarveWright website or call (713) 473-6572. LRH Technologies provides technical support for both machines. After the scan has been imported into the software, it can still be manipulated.ĩThe duplicating probe (available as an accessory at additional cost) allows making copies of existing objects. Slightly rounding the probe tip helps to minimize marks on the original. Plans for a scanning sled can be found at As with almost any reproduction, there's a slight loss of detail. The Scanning Probe ($300) can scan almost any object and material, including clay or wax, so you can replicate existing carvings, furniture parts and other objects (Photo 9). On the bright side, the CompuCarve will work tirelessly on its own while you work on other projects. The CompuCarve is designed to run continuously, because large-scale carvings can take all day. Using the new Centerline software, vectoring the AW sign in "best" mode took only 37 minutes the pattern shown in Photo 5 will take about half an hour. Using raster carving and the "best" mode, creating the American Woodworker sign took 1-3/4 hours the patterns shown on the virtual board in Photo 4 will take almost 2-1/2 hours to complete. They may also benefit from light sanding or additional hand carving (Photo 8). A small brass brush and vacuum help to clean the completed carvings. "Normal" and "draft" quality modes produce rougher appearing images, especially in soft woods. Great Support but it gives the best results (Photo 7).