Compact, computer-controlled, 3-dimensional woodworking machine with an easy-to-use interface. It allows a novice to make a complete project without a shop full of tools.The unique configuration allows it to perform many other woodworking functions, including ripping, cross cutting, mitering, contouring, jointing and routing. The CompuCarve can work in most soft materials, including wood, plastics (polycarbonate or cast acrylic) and certain types of high density foam. Set includes CompuCarve machine, (1) 1/16 in. carbide carving bit, (1) 1/8 in. carbide cutting bit, CarveWright Memory Card, starter software package, (2) 1/4 in. bit adaptors, vacuum bag adaptor, bit removal tool, hex wrench, owner's manual and Quick Start Guide.
Average Customer Rating:
3.3 out of 5
63 of 109 (58%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
FEATURED REVIEW
Rating
55
It truly is a dream come true.....,May 4, 2007
By Eagle1from Pearl, Ms
Reliability
45
Value
55
Performance
55
Durability
45
"This machine isn't for everyone, but for us technical - hobby wood workers.. .it truly is a dream come true. I actually like the fact that I don't have to my computer wired up in my work shop. I do my graphics in my office and take the projects to the machine. I read the manual and have joined the forums. The controls on the machine were very intuitive and the computer software was pretty thorough, you must know what you are doing to really appreciate this unit.
If you have ANY 3D rendering or graphic experience, you can make AMAZING projects. This is not for a beginner wood worker.
It's not the fastest CNC or mill machine, but at its price, I’ll put up with slower carving times . . . . Truly an amazing product... Tech Support from the manufacture is outstanding."
23 of 23 people found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
45
Nice Machine,December 27, 2008
By Darthmaul1864from Peoria, Il
"I have used the Compucarve for several engraving projects and have found that it does a nice job. It is a little touchy to get set up but once the board is in place and the project is running it does a great job. It has trouble measuring dark boards (stained or walnut). Have to put masking tape on the ends for board sensor to pick up board."
14 of 15 people found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
55
Sears-Carve Wright Woodworking Machine,October 5, 2008
By Geiserfrom Waterloo, Iowa
"I own a Sears CompuCarve woodworking machine, and I'm very happy with it, the customer support at Carvewright is excellent. I just brought the 3-D Scanning probe and it is awesome!!! I would highly recommend this carver if you are serious about making beautiful designs in wood and other carvable materials."
10 of 12 people found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
service,June 16, 2008
By sawboss0066from whitesboro tx
"i have had many craftsman tools and this one is the only one that i think i ever made a mistake at buying because onces its broke it is so had to have it repaired and any one of the service centers so take my advice and dont get one because if it breaks you are down for months on end"
22 of 35 people found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
35
Great....if you can keep it running,May 16, 2008
By MTmtfrom Ohio
"I bought the Compucarve as a gift 12/07. I spent many hours reading all the special care and quirks of the machine online. We kept special care of the Compucarve and made several beautiful pieces. We were able to handle many of the minor problems however the machine still broke down after 30 hours. Returned the machine. Next machine was better but broke down after 55 hours. Sent it out for repair and after two weeks got it back. The machine worked for one carving and then broke down again. I would buy another if they can fix the many, many problems and make it more durable."
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
Does beautiful work-when it works,April 15, 2008
By Stillwaiting4svcfrom Woodbridge, VA
"I must say that I was impressed with the output from this machine, when it worked.It has had far more downtime than up. It is very difficult to keep running, and now that it is in the extended warranty peroid, it isalmost impossible to get it repaired.I have been trying for 2 months now. The manufacturer does not honor the extended warranty.Sears cannot repair, and they refer you back to the manufacturer. BEWARE of the support hole."
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
DO NOT BUY IT!,April 14, 2008
By biker4648from Orlando, Florida
"I ordered the Compucarve through Sears Craftsman Club due to the security of Sears and their customer satisfaction. I received the machine on a Friday and set it up on Saturday. Started carving my first project about 3 hours later. Finished the first carve in less than 1 hour (small carve job). Wasn't impressed with the quality of the carve. Possible due to carving in Cypress. Switched to good quality tight grained Oak. I set the machine to highest quality carve. Projected carve time was 6 hours. 3 hours into the carve the tapered carving bit came lose from the chuck and drilled through the 1 inch Oak board and destroyed the out feed sandpaper belt and broke the tip of the carving bit. Called Sears Monday and attempted to explain to customer service what had happened. They attempted to pass me through to LHR for tech support (was disconnected by LHR). Found LHR's toll-free number and they said the damage parts would NOT be covered under warranty. They talked me through how to retrieve info from the machine such as revision number of the unit and time on the machine and motors. This machine was one of the first production run and was lacking many updates which possible caused the malfunction of this machine. Regardless of the lack of updates, the damaged parts would not be covered under the warranty! Sucked it up and gave them my credit card number so I could get my machine back. 3 weeks later I get the machine back missing parts. I purchase the missing parts out of my own pocket and start to carve my original project again in Oak. 30 minutes into the 6 hour carve the machine stops with a "Z axis motor stall". I have 4 hours on this machine, while LHR has put over 13 hours on it. They (LHR) only warranties it for 100 hours. Check other web sites, People are saying that LHR will not honor the extended warranty offered by Sears. I'm calling Sears tomorrow to get my money back. I've had this machine in my possession for a total of 4 days!"
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
45
Great for adding flourish and detail,March 30, 2008
By jwarmyfrom Canton, Michigan
"I have owned my Compucarve for several weeks and it does exactly what it is advertised to do. The setup was straight forward and the software loaded on my computer without a glitch. I have made plaques and signs since setting up my machine, and have been very pleased with the results. The only items I would like to see improved on concerns the edge routing feature. Unless I have missed something in the manual, I was hoping that the edge routing could be performed on irregular outlines. It appears that edge routing is only available on rectangular boards. If you have a curved edge or oval, it will not follow the irregular contour. The only problem I encountered was when the set screws holding the 1/8 in. cutting bit in the adapter loosened and the bit stopped cutting. By hitting stop, removing the bit and adapter, and remounting the bit in the adapter, the software allowed me to continue the cut I was making without losing position. As with any power machine, I would advise to stay with the machine while it is working, and not go off to do something else. In addition, I am a little put off by the cost of the software upgrade offerred for the sign making function. It seems it could be offerred for less as part of the total package. All in all I am more than pleased with the Compucarve and the software that comes with it."
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
45
Great Opportunity to expand options,March 13, 2008
By cabinetmsker1from Maryland
"Really struggled about this purchase with all the bad reviews. But I'm glad I went for it. I have run a few projects and it does take some time to learn how to flex the machines capabilities but I have not been disappointed. Every thing has turned out nice, Did a plaque with two photos of my dogs which is real cool. I had a few issues with the web site ordering bits and software upgrade so i mentioned my concerns about the bad reviews and issues on the site at the bottom of my order. I received a call back which i did not expect. The manager who called admitted they are having growing pains but they seem committed to solving them.
Best advice, read all of the material,let the machine operate with the extra few inches needed to stay under the roller. It is not that big a deal, and if you are real hung up loosing the extra material of expensive wood, build a gig, it does not take that much thought to do, even if you want to do a round piece.
Looking forward to stretching the capabilities of the machine and the software."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
Compucarve problems,February 22, 2008
By ladawgfrom New Orleans
"I purchased the Craftsman Comucarve machine and had to have it replaced within 3 days and then had to wait 1 week for delievery. Recieved new machine it ran for 3 hours and the poweer supply failed. Another 10 days of waiting for parts. At 13 hours of operation time the board sensor failed. Another 8 days of down time. At 15 hours of run time the glue that holds the flex shaft outer casing failed causing the shaft and casing to fallinto the machine breaking the plug for the scanning probe completely off. was able to fix the shaft. at 18 hours and 20 minutes of run time the door switch failed and the machine started step carving deeper and deeper until it pierced the board completely, ruining the work piece. Now the machine has to be sent back to the factory for repair which will cause another 4 to 6 weeks of down time. If I had known about the problems with this machine I certainly would not have purchased it. According to the tech that I spoke some of these were known issues but I was not notified that there could be a problem. I would not reccomend this product to anyone. If you wish to purchase this typr of machine buy an orginal CNC."
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
Great When it works,February 7, 2008
By tonytoolmanfrom Woodbridge, VA
"This product is a dream when it is working. Please remember that it is a Carving machine, not an engraver. It will do lettering, and does it much better when you purchase the software upgrade for text. From the user forum board, there are three major problems it seems to have. They are frequent failures of the Z-Motor, the Z-Motor controller board and the board sensor. I have experienced all of these with mine as well. They have fairly good support, when you can get through. But I don't recommend that you wait for the return call. My machine has been down now for three months, and just went out of warranty. After several attempts, they were not able to get it running during the warranty period. Now they want me to pay even though they were working on this before it ran out. The service was very good a year ago, but they may have sold too many, and it appears to me that the quality has dropped dramatically."
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
DOA out of the box,January 29, 2008
By giulianrfrom Long Island N.Y.
"The machine looked promising. The software was about the best I have ever come across. The CompuCarve did not power up. Now the worst part, to add insult to injury...the store manager (Luis) did not want to take the unit back. He claimed that Sears computers were down. It took over 1 week and 10 hours of calls to Sears customer service to finally get my money back and Sears had the machine! Totally unacceptible."
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
Soft ware registration problems,January 28, 2008
By Flummoxedfrom Ontario, CA
"Let me start out by saying I have shopped at Sears, for the majority of my tool purchases for over 40 years and have been very satisfied. I ordered the Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine and received it shortly after Christmas. I set it up in my garage and went to my computer to load and register the soft ware. There was no problem loading the soft ware. However, they do not tell you, that in order to register it you have to have the most recent version. I had to make a toll call to find this out. The person that I reached, at the soft ware site, directed me to the website to get the most recent version of the soft ware. The person asks if it would be all right to call me back and finish with the registration after the down load was complete. I agreed. No one every called me back. I made four subsequent calls and was unable to speak with anyone regarding the software registration. No one returned any of the messages I left. Because the machine cannot be setup and run without the soft ware, I was unable to try it out. I returned the machine after approximately two weeks. I hope this helps anyone who is interested in purchasing the machine"
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
35
installing bits,January 21, 2008
By wittyfrom Palm Bay, Fl
"I find it difficult at time to install the bits. Is there a trick to it. There is a red line on the quick release chuck. Does that need to be in a insert place before trying to install the bit? Other then that its neat."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
45
Better than anticipated,January 19, 2008
By Bubbabearfrom North Georgia U.S.A
"I read the reviews from here and was really scared to purchase. I found the forum from carvewright owners and users and after reading everything there I purchased the unit. I love wouldn't trade it for anything. Yeah it may have a few issues but the good and fun far outway the few issues. Buy It enjoy it and have a ball. Appears this review system is showing to be as most review sites. the ones that like it are so busy enjoying the item they dont have a lot of time to be here complaining about nothing and the ones that are to lazy and impatient to work with it have decided to do nothing but make it look bad. I LOVE IT and WOULD BUY ANOTHER"
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
55
CompuCarve/CarveWright woodworking machine,January 19, 2008
By mlt1from Georgia
"The CompuCarve/CarveWright machine has enabled me to accomplish amazing results with wood, and it is downright FUN to use! I am the proud owner of two machines now. I bought my first machine in January 2007 and soon realized I needed another (in August 2007) to keep up with my "project to-do" list! The machine is well designed and easy to operate. The CarveWright company provides a User Forum that is an extremely good resource for finding answers to questions about the machine and learning how to get the most out of it, from experienced and informed users. I especially recommend that anyone who is a new owner of a CompuCarve/CarveWright machine should join the forum (it's free). OVERVIEW The machine is not complicated at all and the included Designer software (the software that you use to layout your carving projects) is no problem to learn either, although it is helpful if you have some previous experience with other graphics programs. THE MACHINE There are only three main things required to be successful... 1) You must possess basic computer skills, or have a loyal friend who can teach you the basics (you need just a bit more computer-savvy than just being able to send email!) 2) You must be able to follow directions 3) Read the manual PROBLEMS? - probably not! I have been told that there are over 14,000 machines now in use. The people that have had actual mechanical problems are in a very tiny minority compared to that number. I know it doesn't make anyone feel better about that if they are one of the "unlucky ones", but I thought it was worth mentioning so that you get a proper perspective. Generally, folks that are happy with the machine are not as likely to take the time to post a review as those who are unhappy. Having frequented the CarveWright User Forum for nearly a year, I read time and time again that the vast majority of folks who think they are having a problem with their machine are not following the recommended procedures for it's proper use. For example, a very simple thing like making sure the project board is at least 7" longer than the "virtual" board in the Designer software is often missed by new users and they cause themselves unneccessary grief. Not knowing any better, they think the machine has a problem, when in reality, it was plain old "pilot error" on their part. I recommend reading the brief manual (twice), and have it by your side when doing your first few projects so you don't neglect a step when setting up the machine for a carving session. Again, I want to emphasize that the machine is NOT HARD to operate. Just follow the directions outlined in the manual and you'll be a happy carver! MACHINE UPKEEP Couple things that I routinely do to keep my machines running in tip-top condition.. 1) Clean out the machine of sawdust build-up after each project carve - a clean machine is a happy machine. 2) Periodically inspect the machine for anything unusual such as loose screws, wear and tear on the sanding belts, sawdust buildup on parts that are lubricated with grease or oil. (By the way, I have never found any loose screws nor had to replace my sanding belts, but I check nevertheless!) THE DESIGNER SOFTWARE This is an amazing piece of work. It allows you to drag-and-drop patterns onto the "virtual board", arrange, resize, position, mirror, create textured surfaces, concave or convex surfaces, and so on. While laying out a design, you can zoom-in, zoom-out, and rotate the 'board' in virtual "3D space" to view your project design at any angle. Very handy and the software gives an excellent representation of what the project will look like BEFORE you commit to carving on real wood! Basic sign and decorative plaque making is a breeze. The Text Tool allows you to use any font installed on your PC or Mac computer. You can apply an arc to the text, angle it, change the spacing and resize it as desired. As you get more familiar with the software and its features, you'll find you can't resist doing more advanced projects and 'playing' with the software to create complex-looking projects that will have folks wondering "how'd you do that?" The software already comes with a nice supply of "stock" patterns that can be used for laying out your projects. Additional patterns are available from a variety of sources on the web (including free ones on the CarveWright Forum Pattern Sharing section) and can be downloaded to your computer for adding new patterns to your Pattern Library. (NOTE: Pattern Files for download are often "zipped" and have to be "unzipped" before they can be imported into the Pattern Library - remember what I said before... you need to know normal, basic computer skills - if you do, then you already know about zipping and unzipping files!). IN A NUTSHELL I absolutely love the machine and its capabilities. If you are comfortable (and capable) with running your own computer, and can follow directions, I think you'll have a great experience with the machine."
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
45
Started out poor, but coming on strong,December 29, 2007
By FEETDRYfrom Las Vegas, NV
"I have had two of the CompuCarves. The first one destroyed itself after only three uses. Ball bearing being tossed all over the place and shaking itself into a tragic end. The second one is doing well and I have used it a ton on different projects with not one ball bearing flying at me. I just picked up the probe for Christmas and can't wait to see what that will help me do. It is an amazing machine when you get a good one."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
December 28, 2007
By Barry3
"Had problem out of the bos with set up. After 4 days of calling both sears and the company, I finally got to talk to a person (sears) and all he would say was bring it to a repair center. I think it was a simple problem and could have been answered over the phone. I returned the unit to the store for a refund."
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
15
15 Minutes,December 23, 2007
By SteveOhiofrom Wheelersburg, OH
"I read the reviews on this miricle carver and they caused me to think twice. I thought if it doesn't work I can return it, so, I bought it and brought it home. Like all new items, the first thing I do is test/play with it. It was a little difficult to set up, had computer glitches that I needed to make adjustements for (I am fairly handy with computers). For my test I decided on the lion. The carver went to work and it displayed aprox time 40min. I sat and waited 5-10min and went to check its progress and it was meeting my expectaions. I returned to my chair and a few minutes later the awfulest sound came from the machine and it was getting louder. I hurried back to the carver and it began to smoke. I looked in and the carver head was wabbeling terribly. I pulled the plug on it. Time lapsed 10-15 minutes from beginning the 1st and only project to meltdown. The problem with it is, it has a flexable driveline like a dremmel extension. Where that meets with the carver head heated up so much it softened causing things to bend. Noise is same as a plainer or router and not an issue. My Sears store gave me no trouble with returning it although I did have trouble with Sears getting it credited back to my creditcard. KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS!!!!!!!!! THE RECEIPT WHEN YOU BUY IT AND WHEN YOU RETURN IT."
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine
Rating
35
Compu Carve,December 19, 2007
By woodbutcher2222from Smithfield, VA
Reliability
25
Value
35
Performance
25
Durability
15
"An experienced woodworker with 20+ years experience, I purchased this machine as my entry into CNC, for a specific job. The first machine had a defective collet, and I returned it. The second machine suffered "board sensor loss" at 10 run hours. Manufacturer shipped replacement quickly. Then at 20 run hours machjine suffered serious failure. that hours upon hours of tech assist time could not fix. It seems that the manufacturer's tech assist team (2 people) is overwhelmed. On several instances, it took more than 2 days to get a person on the phone. Tech assit did not want to accept that the machine was not responding, and I had to be insistent to get them to fix it. Return warranty service took three weeks. When the machine came back there was no description of what was wrong with the machine. If you are buying this machine, be preapred to deal with tech assist asking you to "bend parts" and "put a dime under a sensor" to get your machine running for a little while. At this rate, I know I will be keeping a close eye on the end of the warranty period."
