Latest reviews about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

TheBigSearsManager says "Not a better tool on the market, It can do everything!!!" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

TheBigSearsManager — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:37:18 GMT

This is the most increadible tool ever made! You can't own to many of them. The people who have had a bad experience with it can't really blame the tool because they are a bunch of mouth breathing, nail bending, wood scrapers. Some struggle to get it out of the box and think the can program them, OH PLEASE, most can't fiquire out which end of the cutter goes where. Most need to go back to carving with chisels (not to sharp tho) maybe just get a crayon and color a block of wood. Hope this was helpful to all of you....

RedCarMusic says "Great product but has quirks" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

RedCarMusic — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:02:39 GMT

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.

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NetRaven says "Brings out the wood worker in everyone!" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

NetRaven — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:08:10 GMT

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 as it will save you some frustrations down the road.

The online tutorials are awesome and give you a chance to do some hands on learning. The support is wonderful! They are attentive, kind and love to share their knowledge. You get the two most important bits to start. As your learning grows, so will your designs which will require additional bits. So you don't have to spend a lot right up front.

Overall, it has been a pleasure working with this machine and CompuCarve professionals. It is indeed a very well rounded product and manufacturer.

Bravo!

Stephen

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camouflagelady says "Not worth the money paid." about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

camouflagelady — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:57:54 GMT

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. Then the carriage won't go all the way over to the depth gadge. Didn't even have the machine for a month. Have to send it in for repair. Told if we keep bringing back, Sears is not going to stand behind warrantee. We bought 5 yr warrantee plus all the fancy bits, patterns, new bit for broken one and new memory card. We're wondering if they don't stand behind warrantee, are we going to get our money...

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temler says "perfect machine, has small learning curve but it fairly easy. " about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

temler — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:30:14 GMT

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 just several little problems and then some programmer errors that the machine let go through, now the program will not allow you to do some of the things that would cause problems. I think most of the bugs have been worked out of this machine. But my first machine after a couple small changes it is still working great, there are tons and tons of pattern and project out there that are already...

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gwojj says "a waste of time and money" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

gwojj — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:52:11 GMT

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 machine fix, and far too much money on what turned out to be scrap wood for my fireplace. They actually sent me someone else's repaired machine as a replacement for my defective machine, instead of a new one! Even after sending the machine back 3 times for repair, it works for maybe 2 or 3 projects then breaks down again. Using this machine (or trying to use it), is nothing but frustration, a waste of time, wood and money. If I could give it less then one star I would!

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downbydc says "Does a beautiful job but has break down problems" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

downbydc — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:14:14 GMT

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 to sears and they gave me my money back with no hassel. This was on Sept. 16, 2009. I still like the machine and am thinking about buying another at a cheaper price that what I paid for the last one. Anyone that has a machine and would like to sell please advise.

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Darthmaul1864 says "Nice Machine" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:04 GMT

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....

Geiser says "Sears-Carve Wright Woodworking Machine" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:45:14 GMT

I own a Sears CompuCarve woodworking machine, and I'm very happy with it, the customer support at Carvewright is excellent. I just brought the 3-D Scanning probe and it is awesome!!! I would highly recommend this carver if you are serious about making beautiful designs in wood and other carvable materials....

sawboss0066 says "service" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:03 GMT

i have had many craftsman tools and this one is the only one that i think i ever made a mistake at buying because onces its broke it is so had to have it repaired and any one of the service centers so take my advice and dont get one because if it breaks you are down for months on end...

MTmt says "Great....if you can keep it running" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:15:11 GMT

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....

Stillwaiting4svc says "Does beautiful work-when it works" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:00:02 GMT

I must say that I was impressed with the output from this machine, when it worked.It has had far more downtime than up. It is very difficult to keep running, and now that it is in the extended warranty peroid, it isalmost impossible to get it repaired.I have been trying for 2 months now. The manufacturer does not honor the extended warranty.Sears cannot repair, and they refer you back to the manufacturer. BEWARE of the support hole....

biker4648 says "DO NOT BUY IT!" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:15:03 GMT

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 Oak board and destroyed the out feed sandpaper belt and broke the tip of the carving bit. Called Sears Monday and attempted to explain to customer service what had happened. They attempted to pass me through to LHR for tech support (was disconnected by LHR). Found LHR's toll-free number and they said the damage parts would NOT be covered under warranty. They talked me through how to retrieve info......

jwarmy says "Great for adding flourish and detail" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:45:06 GMT

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 not follow the irregular contour. The only problem I encountered was when the set screws holding the 1/8 in. cutting bit in the adapter loosened and the bit stopped cutting. By hitting stop, removing the bit and adapter, and remounting the bit in the adapter, the software allowed me to continue the cut I was making without losing position. As with any power machine, I would advise to stay with......

chipper1 says "1 star" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:45:08 GMT

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cabinetmsker1 says "Great Opportunity to expand options" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:00:05 GMT

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 they seem committed to solving them. Best advice, read all of the material,let the machine operate with the extra few inches needed to stay under the roller. It is not that big a deal, and if you are real hung up loosing the extra material of expensive wood, build a gig, it does not take that much thought to do, even if you want to do a round piece. Looking forward to stretching the capabilities......

ladawg says "Compucarve problems" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:45:13 GMT

I purchased the Craftsman Comucarve machine and had to have it replaced within 3 days and then had to wait 1 week for delievery. Recieved new machine it ran for 3 hours and the poweer supply failed. Another 10 days of waiting for parts. At 13 hours of operation time the board sensor failed. Another 8 days of down time. At 15 hours of run time the glue that holds the flex shaft outer casing failed causing the shaft and casing to fallinto the machine breaking the plug for the scanning probe completely off. was able to fix the shaft. at 18 hours and 20 minutes of run time the door switch failed and the machine started step carving deeper and deeper until it pierced the board completely, ruining the work piece. Now the machine has to be sent back to the factory for repair which will cause another 4 to 6 weeks of down time. If I had known about the problems with this machine I certainly would not have purchased it. According to the tech that I spoke some of these were known issues but I was......

tonytoolman says "Great When it works" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:45:09 GMT

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 of warranty. After several attempts, they were not able to get it running during the warranty period. Now they want me to pay even though they were working on this before it ran out. The service was very good a year ago, but they may have sold too many, and it appears to me that the quality has dropped dramatically....

giulianr says "DOA out of the box" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:00:23 GMT

The machine looked promising. The software was about the best I have ever come across. The CompuCarve did not power up. Now the worst part, to add insult to injury...the store manager (Luis) did not want to take the unit back. He claimed that Sears computers were down. It took over 1 week and 10 hours of calls to Sears customer service to finally get my money back and Sears had the machine! Totally unacceptible....

Flummoxed says "Soft ware registration problems" about Craftsman 1 hp CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine (21754)

sears-feed — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:00:34 GMT

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 the website to get the most recent version of the soft ware. The person asks if it would be all right to call me back and finish with the registration after the down load was complete. I agreed. No one every called me back. I made four subsequent calls and was unable to speak with anyone regarding the software registration. No one returned any of the messages I left. Because the machine cannot be......