picked up new machine compucarve it died right away.

[slothappy144]

I picked up a new machine Friday, a Craftsman compucarve. I got it running no problem and cut a simple test pattern, So I made a more complex design and let it carve, well that lasted about 20 minutes then it died. Kaput
We drove it back to Sears and had to order a replacement, they don't carry them in stock. So maybe next week I can start carving again. I hope I get more than an hour of work out of the next one.
I plan on making some fancy pachinko cabinets with carved in designs right in the top and side wood pieces. I wish I was a graphic artist as this is more illistrator work than wood working now.

[slothappy144]

I picked up machine #2 Friday and it ran for 1 hour 14 minutes before it quit. I sulked and researched the issue Saturdy morning and managed to fix it. Now I am a carving maniac. I am making switch plate covers and outlet covers, just to play with the machine.
look closely it is hard to see the 3d detqail in a 2d photo but the far right part is messed up, but it was the first thing carved after the repair so I was happy just to make chips. the middle is a test with stock patterns it looks so old ladyish I made the one on the left for fun. I only rubbed the parts with staining wax for a finish, one step. I was going for a patina look.
So this is what I have been up to.
I have a vicky tank but now need to find clean simple images greyscale is the best to convert to 3d carvings. I am really geeked on this machine!

[Sid]

That is cool

[arbycoffee]

very cool look at tattoo flash on anise bay, thereis alot of bootlegged gray work there.

[chmer01]

Way cool! Can hardly wait to see what you'll do next. I'm sure the better half will have a bunch of project to add to your honey do list. LOL

[dattia]

Way, way cool...I'm sure you are going to be carving everything you can get your hands on

[Tulsa]

How's that thing work on a large Turkey?

[alstonj1]

so what was the problem in the first place and how did you resolve it?

[slothappy144]

so what was the problem in the first place and how did you resolve it?

I should have known Jeff would want the gory details.
The readout on the machine kept saying insert board, the board was in the machine. It uses a few sensors to measure the board and keep track of where it is in the carving process, Cool thing is is has a sensor test area, so I quickly pinpointed the issue to be with the rear roller. I had no idea where the switch /sensor was located at and did not want to totally disassemble a new machine, (ok just a little I wanted to) I traced some wires and found a small limit switch after luckily pulling 2 screws and dropping one side of the rear roller, I tweaked the contact arm a tiny bit and re-assembled it, it is working like a champ now.

[Youngjedi]

That is GREAT!!!!! I love it! too pricey for me, but for the craft person, it could pay for itself very fast. I WANT ONE!

[alstonj1]

the gorier the better but nice to see you have the machine you wanted despite todays lousy q.c. and design flaws......sometimes it is better to take things into ones own hands to get satisfaction....

[slothappy144]

It is a matter of the less painful way of going. I was not going to wait 2-3 weeks for another replacement machine when I can get it running at no cost in a few hours. It bothered me to have to wait 2 weeks after running for 1 hour.
It seems once the bugs are excised these machines are worth having.