Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)
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Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754) Reviews


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3.28 of 5 (by 116 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 59% of reviewers recommend (69 out of 116)

Pros
  • quality product and support. (2)
  • wonderful education and training. (2)
  • it's perfect (1)
Cons
  • cleaning after each project is a must (1)
  • most dumb ass's can't use it (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

“Brings out the wood worker in everyone!”

I am a I.T. professional, (computers) and never really had any woodworking talent. The CompuCarve enabled me to apply my computer and artistic skills while allowing me to watch them become wonderful wood crafts. The support is awesome and while the machine takes some time to learn, it is time well spent...

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Posted on Apr 11, 2010
Most Helpful Critical Review

“a waste of time and money”

      Unfortunately, I was one of the countless consumers that bought into the hype about this so-called amazing machine.  Was I wrong.  I have spent dozens of hours on the phone with tech support trying to get this machine to work properly.  I have wasted far too much time trying to get this...

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Posted on Nov 17, 2009

Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled... Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 116 in total

“perfect machine, has small learning curve but it fairly easy. ”

I love this machine so much, i have bought a second one. I lot of the people that have had problems have had it on the first version of this machine and most of those could of been user error. there is a lot of user error, you just want to jump into carving but you have to make sure you are doing it right, it is a very powerful machine and if you don't set it up right or design the project correct you can have less than perfect results. I will by a third machine some day when i can for my dad. I got one of the first machine out and see there were a few problems with the REV a machine, not bad problems...

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Posted on Feb 13, 2010

“Great product but has quirks”

Had mine for a few weeks now. Software is simple as in drag and drop, but perhaps too simple as it doesn't convert DXF files - the user must input lines and shapes, and can be slower than normal CAD programs. There is an STL file converter for $300 more, that I have not tried yet. Also, the unit is very loud (like a router). Possibilities are endless though - but you will need to be creative sometimes, as it has limitations that sometimes need to be worked around.
Posted on Apr 14, 2010

“Not worth the money paid.”

Let me just say we're on our 4th and now doesn't work right. First machine was routing edges and plunged down through the wood. Second and third, the flex shaft cable burnt while carving project. Neither one had more than 50 carving hours on it. Was told to get chain oil with moly. Went all over town. Auto supply stores, talked to mechanics, feed mill oil experts. Everybody said there was no such animal. It wasn't until we went to one hardware store before someone knew what we were talking about. The fourth machine kept saying bit depth does not match. Plunged down through wood and broke bit....

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Posted on Mar 06, 2010

“Nice Machine”

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.
Posted on Dec 28, 2008

“Does a beautiful job but has break down problems”

Purchased the craftsman compucarve from sears in april 2009.  Carved several small projects and came out just fine and was well pleased. Purchased the umbrella stand from carvewright and made one. Total of 20 hours carving time.  Started on second stand and was 80% finished when it gave the z axis 380 error.  Contact with LHR and they walked me through and it had a bad motor.  They sent the new motor and I installed it on the machine.  Started a new carve on the stand and was half way thru when it lost all power.  LHR advised that it must be the power supply.  I decided it was time to return...

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Posted on Sep 17, 2009

“Great Opportunity to expand options”

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... read full review »
Posted on Mar 17, 2008

“Great When it works”

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... read full review »
Posted on Feb 10, 2008

“Soft ware registration problems”

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... read full review »
Posted on Jan 29, 2008

“Great for adding flourish and detail”

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... read full review »
Posted on Apr 05, 2008

“DO NOT BUY IT!”

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... read full review »
Posted on Apr 18, 2008

“Great....if you can keep it running”

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.
Posted on May 19, 2008

“1 star”

Posted on Mar 25, 2008

“CompuCarve”

Guys, read the reviews, do your home work, think about the price. This is truly not woodworking but drafting. The program is fairly easy to figure out though. I was concerned after reading some reviews but after running it for many hours I haven't had a problem other than operator error. I WOULD certainly buy it again. A word of warning...Keep everything clean!!! including the muffler, and it will work great for you. It doesn't spread much dust so fairly clean to operate in your shop. I think the possibilities are endless especially as more graphics come available. You can waste some wood learning... read full review »
Posted on Sep 05, 2007

Reviews of Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

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