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CNC
First I've seen of this. I'll bet it uses a roller drive to feed the material on the "thru" axis?
Nelson

http://www.carvewright.com/index.html is the OEM. The accuracy is really low and they use proprietary software, but it seems like it could be a handy little tool for the price.

It might be possible for someone to use it to rough plates or something with enough fiddling around with the software, and it'd be great for a small shop that needs a custom molding profile or some small decorative touches.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

Saw one close up yesterday and the verdict: toy.

At best, this thing would be suitable for very light engraving in pine or soft plastics. At worst, just a POS.   

The X and Z are actuated by a pair of rails that are "maybe" 1/4" in diameter. On them rides a carriage that just friction fits on to them in a "C" shape. The spindle is belt driven like an engraving head or a turntable.

If I had to get a job done I would choose the MDF and gas pipe design of the 7th Sojourn over this thing.

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

John--Are you saying that you were not impressed?

On the contrary, Nelson, it left a very strong impression.   

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

I looked at the Carvewright tool a few weeks ago just out of curiosity. Since the software is proprietary and the machine is $2k I just seemed like there had to be limitations. After reviewing the projects on their message board it looked like most people were making signs and stuff like that. Kind of an expensive tool just to make signs. I guess I would be impressed if someone really created a 3D machined part that was not part of the standard library of carvings. (signs and scroll type work) My guess is that the next generation of machine and software will be much more useful.

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Brad
Avon, OH

I saw it and immediately thought of mandolin plates (that being my
current project). Put a blank in, carve the inside, take it out and flip it
over, carve the outside. Heck, might even do necks, too.

Of course, that's all dependent on the software allowing you to
reasonably design top and back plates...

If only I had a couple grand to waste!