Carvera desktop CNC mill test - A seriously smart and capable machine

[@TeachingTech]

One quick correction: The X, Y, Z axes all run on servo motors, not stepper motors. Only the 4th axis uses a stepper.

[@tenlittleindians]

That's closer to what I have on my Carvewright machines but that 1/8" tool limit is a deal breaker. I'd say 1/2" and smaller would be more useful and practical.

[@joemulkerins5250]

Nice..

[@TeachingTech]

It also comes with a tool holder for ~6mm tools (I'm guessing 1/4"). Not quite what you're after but an option too.

[@tenlittleindians]

@@TeachingTech 12.7mm is equal to 1/2" so if your saying it's limited to 6mm that is closer to the 1/8" you mentioned in your review.

[@JustCuzRobotics]

@@tenlittleindians Trust me this machine's spindle motor would not do anything with a half inch tool. Way too weak.

[@dcf476]

I don't have the room, I don't have the money, I don't have a clue why I'd need one BUT I WANT ONE! Great review as always with no detail missed be it good or bad.

[@hughm0n6u33]

You mean you NEEEEEED one like everybody

[@PiefacePete46]

Daniel Flew: You and I are in the same boat... a really thoroughly thought out toy that made my mouth water! :o) Michael's reviews are top notch when it comes to covering all the angles.

[@zdog90210]

I didn't know that you had a review policy but wow is that insanely professional of these reviews. One guy makes content more valid than tv does

[@milaanpatel4997]

He had an experience of almost getting sued for giving an honest review. Its a thing in YT these days. The more your vhannal grows more is the risk of someone getting it down. At the end its pure business.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Coward.

[@GridSpace]

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of this machine so I can complete support for it (including 4th axis and laser) in Kiri:Moto. Like you, I have had CNC machines longer than 3D printers, but use them far less often because of the noise, mess, and lack of tool changing. I think the Carvera has a good chance of changing this.

[@TMS5100]

Thats just about the most perfect PCB milling i've seen from a desktop machine. The tool length probing and the Z probing seems to help a lot!

[@erikm9768]

You defintely hit me with the "I dont know if CNC is for me" part but dipping your toes in the water with a $3000 purchase is also very hard. The carvera is twice that but has so many QoL improvements that its likely that I will be able to enjoy CNC more if i have a more capable machine.

[@fa1641]

I was literally just looking for CNC machines earlier. I watched your older video at 8:00 a.m. and now you come out with this. I would say this is luck

[@fa1641]

I would love your opinion on sub $500 ones for entry level users.

[@GoDuffdaddy]

Great review. Really good to get such great detail on a KS project. Most are sorely lacking. This definitely looks well thought out and the attention to detail suggests it’s put together by people who know what they are doing. 🙏

[@Naomi-Wu]

Awesome review!

[@jsal92]

Great and comprehensive review as always! Also the chopped t shirt didn't go unnoticed 😛

[@Rushmere3D]

Looks great and a well thought out machine. The review was fair and hopefully you honest feedback is taken on board. My only issue is Kickstarter, I can risk a few hundred pounds on the platform but not thousands, I really wish they had a better route to funding their company.

[@cyber_guerilla]

This machine is not only a tool changer but also a game changer!

[@lukasz_kostka]

What is interesting for me is how tool changing is done for such small bits.

[@JohnOCFII]

That is a really impressive machine. It is great that someone with years of CNC experience was able to review it. I look forward to watch the campaign, and hope that they meet their objectives! Very nice review!

[@purplehayes5718]

I was a CNC lead man for over 25 years, now retired. The number one mistake I see made on mills is using a tool that is sticking out more than needed from the tool holder. Especially when the tools become small in diameter. In most cases, a snub nose tool would work best. Stay away from tools that have a cutting edge and shank longer than needed. If you are cutting 1/8 inch thick stock Use a 1/4 inch long cutting edge tool if possible. This will keep deflection to a minimum. Also, grind the shaft or shank if needed so most of it is recessed into the tool folder. Follow those two simple rules and I will guarantee you a better more accurate part.

[@akust]

Great machine! I would have liked to "listen in", i.e. how loud the machine is, open, closed. How would it do in an apartment? How strong are vibrations..

[@Vez3D]

Just ordered one ❤ cant wait to try it

[@BikZom]

This thing looks very promising having all this tools and precission in one desktop sized machine is just awesome

[@electronicsandewastescrapp7384]

WOW very impressive. I don't know if I've seen any maker machine so well thought out.

[@JeromeDemers]

OMG you forgot the most important competitor the The 2800$ Nomad 3 Desktop CNC!! Great review and great machine.

[@gregzambo6693]

Do more on home CNC equipment please ! Love your work!

[@philippk736]

A simple upgrade might be just buying a transparent laser safety film and sticking it on the window. Still, I agree it should have been included with the machine itself.

[@philevans4021]

Re. the serial connection dropping out - did you have Cura open at the time? I know that Cura loves to try and take over serial ports constantly. I know if I'm doing anything involving serial ports like connecting Arduinos etc. to make sure Cura isn't running.

[@bencolbourn5691]

THIS! cura has caused so many head scratching moments at my work

[@gustavrsh]

Yeah, I run Octoprint on a regular PC and Cura loves to mess up with the connection. The solution is to disable the USB extension.

[@BeefIngot]

I use octoprint so I just don't install the Arduino drivers when installing cura. much better

[@bencolbourn5691]

@@gustavrsh that's a good idea. I'm doing this immediately.

[@shaunmorrissey7313]

I like that a lot BUT Kickstarter! no no no no no, once bitten as they say.

[@CB_agotchi]

Do more CNC videos! This is great!

[@gwhite5555]

I hope you will have the opportunity to review the Carbide Nomad 3, and perhaps do a comparison. The Nomad 3 doesn't have the tool changer, which is a significant difference, and it doesn't have the integrated laser engraver. It all cost less ($2,800.00), and is not a Kickstarter offering. Always appreciate your reviews. Kind regards - g. e. white.

[@StormBurnX]

Probing, Laser built-in, tool switching, enclosed, vacuum, wifi... after hearing the feature set I immediately googled it to check the price point. Disappointed to see it's a kickstarter but a few grand for a machine claiming those features better live up to the hype!

[@ydefy1848]

For your connection issue, try contacting support for your machine and ask them what is the required communication baud rate. Then, find your port in device manager and change the default "bits per second" setting from the default 9600 to the one specified by the cnc manufacturer. I had the same symptoms trying to connect to prevost bus multiplex until I realized the IT did something on the laptop witch reseted the port baud rate to default. Hope this helps.

[@toyotaboyhatman]

Joel just did a CNC review a few weeks ago. I like that more companies are jumping into this category, which I can only assume will help increase quality / features while driving the price down.

[@rdyer8764]

A very good review that was dedicated primarily to the hardware. However, I would say the unsung hero of this machine is the software. The improvement suggestions you had with the UI seemed pretty small compared to what appeared to work flawlessly: the ease of setup and tool changing. I think the hardware worked so smoothly that it was easy to forget that everything under the sun is fueled by software. Software rules!! :))

[@Plan-C]

I have to say, I tip my hat to you sir. I have tried both the T8 CNC mill kit (with a bunch of mods) and printed a Cyclone PCB mill back in around 2018 to no avail. The common point of failure was the runout on the motor spindle was typically nearly half a mm. Absolutely no go for PCB fab (which was mt original goal). Etchant for me for the time being lol.

[@Gallardo6669]

Fantastic! ! ! The "new hobbyist 3d printer" of the future. Very much needed. But: we need it strong and accurate enough for steel too and price had to come down. Thx for video

[@ipadize]

sounds pretty cool

[@DocHogan]

If you still have the demo unit and are allowed to, PLEASE do more vids with it. Waiting for this to fulfill will be the hardest Kickstarter wait ever

[@DMonZ1988]

shots when mike says machine!

[@JamesElise160]

I have a 6040 CNC too. The auto toolchange alone on this machine severely tempts me.... If only I had a spare £2.5K lying around....

[@theofficialczex1708]

Honestly, I had low expectations coming into this video. After all, Kickstarter machines don't often turn out quite so great, but this review unit makes it quite a bit more convincing; at least, we know they're capable of delivering a competent product.

[@stevesloan6775]

Awesome review, awesome machine! Soooooo tempting... but the whole kickstarter this🧐 🇦🇺🤜🏼🤛🏼🍀😎🤓

[@mryoureauser6723]

Thank You for your input on this particular machine that is a primary contender of choice up for consideration. If you can enlighten me, from what I understand is that P.C.B. files are gerber type and the drill files are excellon. Is there any trouble using external P.C.B. files for a machine that uses G-Code? Do I need to get a separate software package to act as an converter/interpreter as one could require compatibility with various types of P.C.B. design software?

[@DarkArtGuitars]

This is actually very impressive. If they manage to ship this package at the listed price, they're miles ahead of any competitors. Will be interesting to see how the pricing and included accessories continue after the Kickstarter.

[@It-b-Blair]

Brilliant piece of kit!

[@avejst]

Wow, great machine Thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us :-)

[@freemansfreedom8595]

18:40 claim that makes no sense without the enclosure itself blocking the UV light. If It is supposed to be a "desk" machine expecting me to use glasses whenever I use the laser, defeats the point. Specially if there is people around you or you need prescription glasses, which should be a common enough scenario for a desk machine. Also USE A PROPER ESTOP SWITCH. An EStop is not supposed to be pretty, it is supposed to be able to stop the machine easily no matter what. That button while it seems easy to press, it is not "I NEED TO STOP THE MACHINE YESTERDAY!" easy to press. There is a reason for big manufacturers to use the mushroom buttons for the ESTOP functionality. Don't skimp.

[@TeachingTech]

In the same segment at 19:40, I talk about the laser not protected. This is the second time in the video I cover this. Please don't pretend I haven't addressed. I take your point on the non mushroom e stop. The LED in the current button does communicate the machine state so perhaps having it next to a mushroom button would be better.

[@freemansfreedom8595]

@@TeachingTech I meant their claim of being a desktop machine, not yours. Admittedly I should finish the video instead of stopping at the minute mark before comenting, that is my own bad habit. It was just me hating when a manufacturer pulls claims like that, specially when it can harm users, and even more so when the machine does seem oriented to people that might not fully understand whats going on. And those users are more likely to forget that not everyone has safety glasses when launching an engraving program. Metal manufacturing background, and my limited experience drived the point of safety to my very core after being protected from injuries by said safety measurements (which makes me rant like this with safety concerns 😅). I did forget about the led in the button to be completely honest, but still, as you said solution is as simple as a led next to a mushroom EStop. And as reminder for anyone reading this thread, be careful when operating machinery, understand and respect it, and inform yourself througly about the safety measures before operating it. When an accident happens you will thank yourself.

[@justinchampion5468]

Looks amazing, but $5k? Yeesh :D - Don't mistake me I'd spend the cash... If I had it. Love the multi-OS support.

[@TeachingTech]

It seems stupidly expensive compared to an Aliexpress $200 3018 but it is crazily sophisticated compared to those. It's like comparing a cheap as chips eBay i3 clone to a top level coreXY kit like a Voron or Rat Rig. Both technically 3D printers but one is beautifully engineered with all the latest features and capabilities and the other is a cheap way to dip your toe in the water.

[@justinchampion5468]

​ @Teaching Tech I don't disagree, but I must point out that the first commercial 'home' 3D printers were ~$2k-5k US as well... My last ender-3s including mods to bring them up to equivalence were $200 each. I am *NOT* disregarding your review or the value proposition of the unit... Only lamenting that I don't have five thousand dollars US to spend on a device of it's kind. Thanks again for a great video and a good, reliable review.

[@zfox1]

@@TeachingTech Thats acutally a great comparison and shows one thing: This CNC is worth it as long as you have a use for it and its features

[@TeachingTech]

Completely fair, I agree with you.

[@KRich408]

Loose screws are common on machines like this today, I just got elegoo Saturn that over half the screws were loose some even fell out during the first days use like the z motor it fell into the printer when I opened the printer up to hopefully fix it I found a lot more loose!!! I have a replacement on the way because nothing new should be in this condition it's not a beta or Kickstarter product anymore. I have a feeling the replacement will have similar issues but I'm armed with some locktite blue to secure everything before I put it to use.

[@shadow7037932]

This looks like a lot better value than that Bantam Tools Desktop CNC.

[@michael.knight]

Looks great and much better than any others I've seen. But when I see the software, I get the feeling like you'll basically be a beta tester for the first two years of using it.

[@TeachingTech]

Although there's some quality of life suggestions I've made (listed in the description), the software was pretty good. I far, far prefer it over Mach 3. I don't consider it a bottle neck in using the machine at all.

[@michael.knight]

@@TeachingTech That's good to hear. I was more judging based on the poor UI, but that seems to be always the case on these machine.

[@TeachingTech]

I know exactly what you mean but was pleasantly surprised here. Can be improved (see my wish list in the description) but quite reasonable as is.

[@nemanja2131]

One more functionality that could probably easily added to a machine like this is auto pick/place electronic components (we also have the vacum that could be used for it) and laser soldering...

[@GunSmoker]

Missing "R" in Cavera in the title.

[@TeachingTech]

Fixed, thank you.

[@aaronleiter9009]

I'd be interested in these if there was a legit chance of refund if not delivered. Been burned too many times though. Nice machine for size, etc.

[@Audio_Simon]

How does the ATC chuck operate? Is it air powered like most pro machines? Electric? I note the air blast nozzle which is a very handy addition for aluminium milling. It will greatly reduce chip welding on the tool. Air compressors are not desktop friendly though.

[@krobzzzz]

How well does it work with steel? Because if it can cut steel in a reasonable manner, this thing is even more amazing than it already seems to be.

[@kpatrickm]

Say " Machine" again. I dare you. Only joking. Nice video as usual

[@TeachingTech]

Yeah I noticed that too when editing :/

[@squirralien1863]

Wow what a nice machine, I'd certainly like one of them but not likely to happen unless some big changes in life, Absolutely great review as usual, thank you.

[@parrottm76262]

Closed loop! Yay!

[@takumorrison4609]

this is waaay cool ... QUESTION - Is there a 3D printer I can buy that can be this EASY to BUILD and ... EASY to OPERATE?? Love your channel by the way. Is time to introduce my kids and myself to this type of technology. Cheers

[@SergeiPetrov]

Your rating is good. But not only did you forget about servo drives instead of stepper drives, you forgot another very important part. The CNC milling machine must be shown with audio. Or at least measure how much the spindle is deflected relative to the table when force is applied. Unfortunately, all this automatic tool change is powerless if the machine resonates and does not produce a clean cut.

[@BeefIngot]

about thingy verse : it often takes a while after a new thing is uploaded to load images etc

[@michaelgonzalez8863]

Nice !

[@iteerrex8166]

Looks very nice, if only it was a little bigger. Nice review TT and thanks.

[@PiefacePete46]

iTeerRex: MMMM... that's what my first girlfriend said! ;o)

[@iteerrex8166]

@@PiefacePete46 lol oh yea, it’s one of those “That’s what she said.” 😂

[@chrisradical2046]

Like for the Mighty Car Mods t-shirt

[@benjaminford8173]

Ouch, I didn't know I needed this but my wallet says I don't haha. Looks like a super neat machine to have

[@ferdinand9802]

Odd that none of the reviews demonstrates one of the most obvious questions for a desktop machine that is supposed to be usable at home / in the office: A demonstration of noise for cutting different kinds of materials. Do the reviewers get a list of things they are (not) supposed to speak about?

[@KeithOlson]

Personally, I think that they don't mention it because it is just like all of the others: *LOUD!* (There is no getting away from that.)

[@ferdinand9802]

​@@KeithOlson Think a CNC with an enclosure that does everything to get it as silent as possible would be a very attractive spot for a desktop machine - many want one, most don't live in an environment where they are free to make noise though. To their credit it's not them claiming the machine to be silent directly, they just quote this review with a sentence that indicates that this machine (in contrast to many others) is silent enough that it can be used in a studio environment: "I already have several CNC routers, but I rarely use them because they are loud, messy, and cumbersome to operate. With the Carvera, I can conveniently mill in my studio, with the added benefit of smart features that improve useability and productivity" So proving that claim qualitatively and quantitatively would have been one of the most important parts I would have expected from an objective, independent review.

[@KeithOlson]

@@ferdinand9802 Fair enough.

[@ipadize]

does it know when it made following errors or does it just continue cutting? aight it has closed loop steppers :)

[@TeachingTech]

It will pause without losing position and alert the user in the software. I imagine it might be possible to recover a job. I didn't need to, my only use was shown when I knocked the probe and misaligned it. Just had to restart the job to fix it.

[@H3xx99]

For the problem of dust building up under the machine, it wouldn't be that difficult to build a collection box with a sloped bottom and dust collector attachment, just to prevent build-up underneath.

[@originaltrilogy1]

Will window tint film that blocks UV be enough to protect from the laser?

[@TeachingTech]

I have suggested that and they are investigating.

[@originaltrilogy1]

@@TeachingTech Cool. I had to do that to a resin printer I had to block *incoming* UV light, and it was easy to do and cheap. Cut the window film pieces to perfect size on the CO2 laser :)

[@SourceOfObesity]

Xiaomi Roborock dust bin and filters :-) Clever!

[@Etacovda63]

Looks like an amazing machine. Quite tempting.

[@obe22099]

Looks amazing for what it is. I know i can source the equivalent parts for DIY machine for under $1k in terms of the primary function and a larger build surface also not including the tools and equipment i already have. The tool changer and the systems in the enclosure like the built in vac are above my expertise level but I'm very curious about how it works now that I've seen it used in a practical way.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Bona fides: I purchased a professional CNC milling machine over a decade ago, specifically for milling PCBs. It cost $10,000 even then, and is alarmingly similar to this example, less the tool-changer, but with far superior clamping of the board. (It works utterly flawlessly, even with micrometre precision.) But, for a "Kickstarter", this is really impressive! The only major "wtf" moment was at 15:56. That channel in the Wankel fob is utterly appalling! If this was the machine's fault, and not yours, then it is utter junk!

[@mordecai0815]

Looks very tempting. I am however quite hesitant to potentially give away such a large amount of money without ever getting something in return.

[@cyberspider78910]

This is cool. But as hardcore DIYer, I would roll my own machine and will not be dependent on any vendor or provider. Good is path of your own, let it be rough. Thanks for indepth video as usual.

[@privatelisting366]

The 41 downvotes are from legacy large format CNC machine and tool manufacturers/software vendors. Talk about an industry disruptor!

[@donaldhollingsworth3875]

I hate when 3D printer reviewers call the program as G codes when then there is always M codes. I have been in the rotating aircraft engine machining for the the last 20 years. There are always G & M codes to run the part program.

[@milaanpatel4997]

Can i ask, what do you usually make with CNC and how ofter do you use it? Does cost justifies your saving on outsourcing same job (or buying prebuilt parts) ? I got my first 3d printer hoping to make useful stuff, or save money by making custom parts instead of buying. Since 2 years, I mostly printed toys, printer parts and functional parts that can be swapped with commonly available things to do the same job. As a KZbinr, these things pays your bills. For a casual person, my workspace is filled with PLA junk which eats up my time and money with no actual output.

[@SecondClassCitizen]

Keep in mind if you have the room, a fullsize Tormach isn't much more I think the base model with no tooling or any QoL features is between 6-7k. It will give you a lot more options in what kind of material you can work with and once you have one you can build a lot of the QoL features yourself.

[@tiny180]

Wow i wish i could afford that one it dose everything I would want to do but itdont matter even if I could save up it would be years but hey i get to watch you ribht I still get to learn stuff and dream

[@AkilJacob]

1 step closer to a 5-axis desktop machine capable of doing metal.

[@obe22099]

I haven't seen anyone demonstrate anything resembling affordable 5-axis desktop metal milling. Affordable being under $5k usd.

[@kwakeham]

@@obe22099 PocketNC?

[@obe22099]

@@kwakeham Yea but if they cut the price in half it would probably net them more overall sales. It's like $7k with shipping and tax for the v2 bare tool. They are competing in no mans land, too small for industrial applications and too expensive for small business or DIY makers. I've seen videos of it in action it's impressive but it's not alien tech. Surprised there aren't any notable competitors in that market segment.

[@josephficara3666]

Wonderful detailed review thank you. Do you still have the machine and if so do you have any thoughts after using it for a year or so?

[@allenl9214]

Hi, great review.. I was wondering if this unit is good for intricate and detailed wax carving for jewelry? What is the highest resolution it can mill? I was looking for a cnc unit that will provide the smoothest milled surface and capable of milling intricate details

[@ssnydess6787]

What file types does it use? Does it include or use another machines NC tape codes for generation of NC tapes?

[@TeachingTech]

It uses gcode, GRBL flavour with a .nc file extension. The CAM software will export this correctly for the machine if using the provided settings/post processor files.

[@ssnydess6787]

@@TeachingTech Thank you! I put in an offer on one of the machines, they are running a special currently. Thank you for the extensive test and results!

[@ssnydess6787]

Update: 11/26/2022: After several delays, my machine has shipped and due to hit the US just before Christmas! Now the tough choice as far as the modeling and G code software. Merry Christmas!

[@CF_Sapper]

Shame its on KS, I have sworn off them because of how bad the scamming on there is getting with no protection for the backers.

[@mattress44]

So...sorry just into your game, but just watched that you're a teacher. I'm convinced you're a great teacher. Lucky students. Regards Matt

[@arthurmorgan8966]

Seeing screws falling out… Is it possible they didn’t use threadlocker because user might need some checks and modifications? Btw, how’s the squareness/parallelism between toolhead and the bed?

[@NZHippie]

I have had similar issues with USB ports and it comes down to the USB hardware on the Mother-Board... The drivers and/or operating system make little difference to the problem unfortunately... Some chipsets seem to handle simultaneous port use better than others, some barely mange one port in use even with light loads like USB sticks...

[@drkline69]

Great features, especially the tool changer, but that much money for such a small work area just isn't worth it to me. I already have an Ortur laser and built an MPCNC so I couldn't justify buying this for that price.

[@ashleygreen3066]

Where do you order slabs of aluminum & where can I get the machine? I can’t find it anywhere

[@jamiekawabata7101]

How does the tool changer work?

[@iComputerfreak]

A bit of an off-topic question, but does anyone know where I can get one of these ruler shown in the video at 14:03?

[@mrclown7469]

"multifunction pcb ruler"

[@iComputerfreak]

@@mrclown7469 Thank you! I found it on Amazon under that name.

[@stevec5000]

In the specs you skipped over the 200 W low power spindle motor! Even $150 units come with at least a 300 W motor! Did that cause any problems?

[@krukhlis]

BTW, What is a noise level of this machine? Could you please measure it during metal milling? This is important if you want to use it at your home and you have some family.

[@jeffalessi]

Where did you purchase the large blue batteries? Thank you and have a most awesome day!

[@Miketz]

All we want to know is "Does it chop the competition?"

[@GogogoFolowMe]

Mighty Car Mods tee, isn't it?

[@RomanoPRODUCTION]

You know Michael that your European Vampire family loves you so much

[@str8evil]

I’d love to know just how loud it is… unfortunately I don’t have a workshop, so if I do get one it would live in my apt.

[@matthewschultz5199]

maSHEEN!

[@AllanScheSar]

What do you think about the Nomad from Shapeoko compare to this maschine.

[@wanglydiaplt]

Several questions: can it survive the use of coolant or spray mist? Can it cut steel? How accurate is it?

[@chrischris6399]

what does Wegstr CNC think ?