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


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urlhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=32n3D7ou_s0

X-Carve Machine

We have the 'Makerspace' edition of this software and you can read more about this offering and it's benefits and limitations at this Vectric site.

We have 5 PC's licensed at DMS that can export toolpaths, the maximum allowed.  This full version of the software is called the Makerspace Edition.  The software you install on your personal machine is often referred to as either Makerspace Client Edition or Trial Edition.  In effect, once the Trial Edition is installed and tied to a Makerspace ID it becomes the Makerspace Client Edition.

  1. The PC at the Multicam
  2. Design PC 1 in the common Room
  3. The Machine Shop cart PC
  4. Surface Book 2
  5. The large workstation in the Digital Media Room (DM-4)

if you'd like to get started using this software please do the following:

  1. You must agree to comply with the Makerspace licensing agreement, highlights of which are below.
  2. KEY: Download from this link or the link above the current Trial Version of the VCarve Pro software that is compatible with the Makerspace offering.  Once you click the link you will see the following:
    1. Image Removed 
  3. Install this on a PC of your choosing.
  4. You must configure your copy to use our Makerspace ID on your member version of the software. 
  5. MakerspaceID: 004AC-9D27A-14F73-6B0FF-08D3C-70F66-FE933

  6. To enter the code once the trial is installed and opened:

    1. Help menu > About VCarve Pro… > Enter Makerspace ID
    2. Paste the Makerspace ID
    3. Restart VCarve

    Note: Your installed software will still report being a trial edition in various places.  Please disregard this user interface bug.

  7. Look at the learning paths and training videos available on Vectric's Support site.

Key points of Makerspace Licensing

The license agreement for the Makerspace Edition only allows licensed makerspace users to load files from the Makerspace Client Edition for cutting on CNC machines at the licensed makerspace, it is expressly forbidden to generate toolpaths from a Makerspace Client file for use on CNC machines not present at the Makerspace premises. The Makerspace Edition of the software must only be installed at the Makerspace location. If these conditions are violated, the VCarve Pro Makerspace license will be revoked.

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

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