I’ve been spending too much time messing with the X-Carve and not enough time in the shop. Here’s my honest review of the machine and my thoughts on who it’s really meant for.
I’d like to thank Inventables for being an OUTSTANDING company from start to finish. The two people I worked with were understanding and accommodating.
Ever since receiving my X-Carve, a “Luxo Style” desk lamp has been on the top of my priority list. Unfortunately, every time I tried to design it, I would get frustrated. Last weekend I finally took the time to learn Google Sketchup using Jay Bate’s tutorials.
Jay’s Tutorials – https://goo.gl/zpSHPv
I made a prototype of my lamp, and I’m very happy with the results. I want to make sure I take my time building the real thing, so here is a quick teaser of my progress this weekend.
X-Carve: https://www.inventables.com/
You guys confirmed in our last video that the X-Carve would NOT fit in the space I made in the adjustable height table. So, this weekend I took everything apart, cut down my trailer jacks, and re-assembled it.
Since I ended up almost exactly where I started, that wouldn’t have made for a very entertaining video. At 4PM on Sunday afternoon, I started to assemble the CNC. It took 9 1/2 hours over 2 days, but I’m done and it’s working perfectly. I made a few test cuts, and new knobs for my bandsaw!
X-Carve Info: www.inventables.com
Today I finished making my adjustable height work bench with drill powered X-Carve CNC machine lift. I made the lift out of 2 trailer jacks flipped upside down connected by a 1/2″ rod.
Lift Mechanism Video – https://goo.gl/V2577x
I made the top shelf removable so when I need to use the CNC machine, I simply “lift” the middle shelf up to bench level. You could use the same design to build an adjustable height desk by removing the 4 outside legs. I still need to add a hand crank and adjustable feet.
