Check Out My New Inventables X Carve Pro

[@petedazer3381]

You build some of the nicest guitars I’ve seen, and are a true inspiration for me. I’m 63, and have to literally abandon my business direction of the past 27 years, due to constant supply chain disruptions, and I want to go back to my roots, of amplifier design and fabrication/repairs and guitar repairs and setups! The inspiring part, is you look like your doing what you should be doing, and so should I!

[@Rockingoodman]

Looks like the right choice for your process. I'm surprised the pro is that much nicer than the original. Thanks for sharing your thought process as well as the experience

[@tonyflies1]

You were definitely the main Inspiration for me building my cnc. Love the videos if I’m honest I’m kinda disappointed not to see another build but I get it, it takes a lot of time. Looks a great machine best of luck with it. Looking forward to see some great guitars from it.

[@austinshaner]

Thanks for this video. I've been using a modified 750mm xcarve for the last 6 or 7 years now (now 750x1500mm). It has served me well but I've also outgrown its capabilities. I plan on upgrading within the next year or so and have been comparing this vs AVID CNC, as well as the PrintNC (if I'm willing to put more work in to save cost). I'm starting my guitar build log this weekend on my channel which will still use the xcarve, but I had to put considerable thought into accommodating my machines limitations. This machine looks great and a breath of fresh air from inventables.

[@MET3]

Austin. I love your videos! When looking for your next cnc consider a Onefinity too. In general I put it right between the xcarve and avid. It may not be the right machine for you, but at least worth a look.

[@roncox2657]

I recently took the CNC plunge- bought a Stepcraft M1000. Being new to CNC I’m now experiencing a big learning curve .

[@aether_antares7761]

Learn digital before you buy.

[@Kweesh]

@The Button It means he has no idea what he's talking about

[@aether_antares7761]

@@Kweesh Glad you assumed that. Anyway, @The Button what i actually mean by that is that you learn fusion 360 CAD/CAM first. You can run full on CAM simulations first, this also shows the errors etc. If you get the hang of this, start learning the actual machine. It makes the process easier and less frustrating. It also prevents you from wasting alot of wood etc. But hey, apparently i dont know anything about it according to parrish. Have a fantastic day and enjoy your machine!

[@micro963]

Thank you for sharing nice video👍👍👍very informative. The spindle is air cooled? Does it have a fan or do I need an air compressor ? I see the the ball bearing screw on the gantry but I don’t see the ones on the Y axis, are they hidden inside the extrusion? Thank you

[@HighlineGuitars]

The spindle is air cooled but doesn't need an air compressor. Ball screws are used on all axis.

[@TomH_YT]

Excellent explanation. I hope you get some love from the vendor.

[@DavidRavenMoon]

That looks great! Best of luck with your new toy! 😀

[@getenlightened]

That's a sweet beast. Not cheap, but it looks very robust - and love the larger work area.

[@christopherhall5315]

I'd like to hear more about your idea for the T-Slots and dedicated spoil boards. Thanks, Chris!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Noted!

[@zachkaplan4011]

The X-Carve Pro comes stock with the T-Slot spoil board. Everyone that has the board Chris has on his machine is being shipped at no extra charge the T-Slot board as they become available.

[@short6691]

Looking forward to seeing “the beast” in action. 4” turbo dust collection?

[@ERWebster]

Congratz! That does look like one hell of a machine, ought to serve you well. 👍

[@TNTX2010]

I'm about to take the dive, either building or buying a CNC. I'd like to buy one and just dive right in, but I don't want that debt over my head , if I can help it. I' considering getting your CNC machine plans and build as I go. I'd like to ask; what you would change up (different motors, ball screws, router/spindle, VFD, etc..) if anything, in youir CNC plans? Thanks.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I'd probably go with ball screws instead of acme lead screws. That's it.

[@TNTX2010]

@@HighlineGuitars Thanks. Have a great day. I love your videos, and you have helped inspire a 56 year old to start making his 36 year old dreams a reality. 😄

[@thijs199]

Nice, Full CNC guitar, I presume?

[@RicardoAldana1988]

Hi Chris.. I’m encourage to buy an X-Carve Pro too thanks to your video! I just figure it out that it has a 4x2 size model! You could give me some enlightenment if that size it would work out to make electric guitars too! Thanks for your content..

[@HighlineGuitars]

Yes, it will work fine.

[@RicardoAldana1988]

@@HighlineGuitars Thanks you so much..

[@masontejera506]

Great video - are you still liking it? How does the tiling work in practice?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I love it, never used the tiling feature.

[@masontejera506]

@@HighlineGuitars rad - thanks!

[@toinevanderwielen9508]

Curious why you need a second cnc router!

[@dalgguitars]

Those damn screws on the floor! I say they usually evaporate when they hit the floor. Thanks for this video! (haircut for Chris yet?)

[@juanjobravo4476]

Congratulations! How wide are the linear guides of both x & y axes?

[@HighlineGuitars]

About 4 feet.

[@robertcoleman7124]

For the same money could have gotten a axiom elite series and they have servos instead of a steppers and they are amazing machines I have the ar4 series by them and it's a beast

[@HighlineGuitars]

Is everything that comes standard on the X-Carve Pro included with the Axiom or are they accessories that have to be ordered at an additional cost?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Also, the 4x4 Elite costs $4k more than my X-Carve Pro.

[@HighlineGuitars]

Is the cost of shipping included? It was for the X-Carve Pro.

[@robertcoleman7124]

They have 299 flat rate freight and they are 10,999 if I remember right and they come with the tool box and stand

[@robertcoleman7124]

I priced it by the 4x4 model yours is the 2x4 model right

[@Bob_at_OZDiggzguitars]

Now, that makes my 3018 look like a toy...errr...well...I want one!

[@tcmccormick]

Oh no! I was literally about to pull the trigger to buy your Ole Yellar CNC plans when you came out with this video. My question to you is between the X Carve (like your original. The Pro is overkill for me) and building Ole Yellar, which would you go with? Looks like the X Carve is about about $1800 and you said Ole Yellar is around $1500 to build. I like the idea of building it myself, but for $300 it may make more sense to to just buy the X Carve ready to go, but if Ole Yellar can do more and is a better machine I had rather build it. What do you think? Also, really enjoy all your guitar building videos. I have learned a lot.

[@HighlineGuitars]

Ole Yellar is a better machine than the original X-Carve however, these days it may cost more to build.

[@mattc2674]

Hi Chris - I’m considering purchasing my first CNC to carve guitars. I’m relatively handy - I saw your “can you build a CNC?” Video, and I definitely think I can. I’m also already familiar with CAD and 3D printers, which I think some knowledge will translate . Question for you: the original XCarve is available new for about $2400. I can afford that, but not much more. Would I benefit in terms of future capability a lot by skipping the xcarve and investing the time/energy into building a version of your “old yeller” CNC? Do you have a strong recommendation either way? In your workflow, what is the most important thing that the original XCarve can not do? Thanks for the videos, they’re so helpful!

[@HighlineGuitars]

It's important to understand that my original X-Carve was the first version. The current version is a far more capable machine. Build your own machine because it's a fun project. Buy an X-Carve if you want to save time and get started right away.

[@mattc2674]

@@HighlineGuitars thank you Chris, that is very helpful advice!

[@luisownerbr]

I'm jealous, my CNC router is a bunch of parts in a box in my garage for now 😂

[@getenlightened]

Ditto

[@luthiferbuilds]

is it a 120v unit?

[@HighlineGuitars]

110

[@viociarnau1670]

How much is this CNC…?

[@HighlineGuitars]

About $10k.

[@billgreen4592]

Congratulations!

[@patrickkelly142]

Wow I’m jealous

[@sambeguely1132]

black beauty

[@jandro]

fooled me once with the x-carve, never again.

[@HighlineGuitars]

How?

[@jandro]

@@HighlineGuitars I purchased the x-carve dec 2015 / january 2016; shortly after watching some of your videos, enthusiastic to embark on my novice guitar building journey. Unfortunately, while the assembly was straight forward, I encountered the infamous bent acme screw on the Z axis, I had to swap out my rubber belts due to quick degradation, experienced chatter, lost a lot of steps cutting semi hard woods with ridiculously low feedrates, DOC's (I think they later bumped the driver to get better use out of the stepper motors). I use it as a dedicated side dot "CNC" now, however while it is capable to produce an instrument, I would never recommend it. I purchased a camaster shortly after and I've made upwards 100 guitars with it, cutting aluminum, ziricote, macassar guitar necks. Nothing against you personally chris, just don't understand why you keep promoting them as much.

[@fat-hand]

@@jandro thanks for the intel. I have been considering a CNC but it’s super hard to figure out which one is really worth the many thousands it cost.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I had none of the problems you mentioned and the original X-Carve got me started in CNC without breaking the bank. When I had outgrown that machine I opted to build my own since I didn’t want to spend $$$$ on a better machine and because Inventables didn’t offer a better machine. As I said in the video, I really like the company. I will say that I am pretty low maintenance.

[@robles1999]

As my first CNC after months of research I went with the Sienci Longmill. So far after about 2yrs of use the machine hasn’t let me down once and the team at Sienci is fantastic. For a first timer with a low budget, the Sienci machines is the way to go. The rigidity (even though it has 3d printed parts) is there and their gsender controller program is awesome. Even though I was hesitant about purchasing it due to the 3d printed parts, I am extremely happy with the machine. You can then, once you are ready to upgrade, I think the x-carve would be a fantastic option.

[@JebJulian]

SBR vs HGR. there is no comparison. HGR all the way (well worth the cost)

[@JebJulian]

In terms of losing steps the best option is steppers with encoders (only recently available for DIY)

[@JebJulian]

main problem with machining aluminium / steel with an MDF / ply table is the coolant. (timber swells with moister) If you can cut aluminium use it as the table you can face it.

[@JebJulian]

Congrates on the upgrade

[@JebJulian]

Called my CNC the BMF/ Shout out Samuel L J!

[@jasonmartin8907]

You remind me of Bob Lazar

[@HighlineGuitars]

I don't know who that is.

[@geirthieussbimkravahl]

Your intro music is at an annoyingly loud level, especially for headphone listeners. Keep the whole thing at roughly the same decibel. The whole point of distortion is to sound loud without actually being loud, so you cranking up the loudness on a distorted guitar tone is excessive.