X-Carve CNC Station

This is our baby CNC machine. In this section you will find information to help you get the most value from our X-Carve machine.

X-Carve Machine

Our X-Carve CNC machine was donated to DMS by a generous benefactor on August 18, 2023.

Basics of how the Design & Carve process works

Replacement Cost

Please be careful with our machine because it will cost us around $2500 to replace it with the current model.

https://www.inventables.com/products/x-carve-1

How you become authorized to use the X-Carve CNC

This process is being kept simple, but since we select to have a lot of users a bit of structure is required.

1. Create your Easel account to access the free software.
2. Go through the various tutorials listed below
3. Take a couple of Make-and-Take classes or the Becoming familiar with X-Carve class(coming soon).
4. Take a short quiz on Moodle to verify you understand the basics.
5. Create the simple test cut file you will receive after you pass the quiz.
6. Set a day and time with one of the X-carve coach/tester folks.
7. Demonstrate you can run your simple job and then you are set to go.

This simple process will help us verify members have both some knowledge and a small investment in the machine.

Session Limits

Members are limited to 1 hour sessions during peak usage times(people are waiting). If you have a complex job(2+ hours) then run it during off the off hours 10PM - 9AM. Pleading ignorance of the job’s run times isn’t acceptable since it is shown at the bottom of the preview. This rule will be enforced when people are waiting in the queue. If you are careful, you should be able to remove your job from the machine and return later and continue running the tool paths.

Learn the X-Carve Machine

Becoming familiar with X-Carve

Preparing for your Knowledge Quiz

X-Carve Quiz Prep

X-Carve Machine Proficiency Demonstration

X-Carve Machine Proficiency Demonstration

Make & Take Classes

Members from several committees are currently exploring awesome classes.
This is a great way to gain experience before investing the time to learn everything.

After attending one or more Make & Take classes you are then invited to display your competency by designing and cutting the file at a test-out session

Easel Software Getting Started

The supported software for the x-carve machine is Easel.

Get started now by downloading a free copy

Tutorial Videos

The following videos explain some basic aspects of using the machine.

*Basic Operations* The First Carve on Your X-Carve Pro

*Intermediate Techniques* Easel Intermediate Techniques

*Bit Selection* Learn About Router Bits

*Use Multiple Bits* Use Multiple Bits

*X-Carve Projects* X-Carve Projects