The Carvera is a desktop CNC mill from Makera that packs some very smart features. Automatic toolchanging, automatic workpiece probing, WIFI connectivity, integrated laser engraving and all fully enclosed with a vacuum. So did everything work as it should? Yes!
This machine offers a huge step up in sophistication from the CNC routers I have previously used. I can mill in my studio without making a mess, and the multi tool operation combined with a rigid construction allows high quality results with efficient automation. Expect to see more CNC projects on the channel.
A longish video but I wanted to make sure potential buyers had a good idea of how everything works. Please use the chapters to navigate to what is most relevant to you.
This pre-production machine was provided free of charge by Makera for testing. All opinions expressed are my own. This is a product on Kickstarter, so please look into the risks associated with pledging.
Carvera by Makera on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/makera-inc/carvera?ref=cdgytt
My feedback I sent to Makera after testing:
Problems I encountered
Some fasteners came loose during freight, Loctite needed.
USB serial connection unstable.
Rubber feet marked my table.
My suggestions for small quality of life improvements:
Accept upload of filenames with spaces or add a warning.
Add a confirmation box for when a file has finished uploading.
Add the ability to sort directories by name, type, date to improve navigation.
Add the ability to save a ‘favourite’ folder with a shortcut.
Add UI button to ‘wake up’ machine (turn on lights).
Remove red dots left behind on the UI after right clicking.
Add the ability to scan margin without immediately starting the job afterwards.
Add Desproto cutter/tool files to save setup time for the user.
Add Deskproto and other example source files to the available resources to help people get up and running with suitable feeds/speeds etc.
Consider a UV filtering film on the enclosure to protect from the laser.
0:00 Introduction
Setting up my own Chinese 6040 CNC back in 2013: http://www.soliforum.com/topic/4844/x61500gt-cnc-router/
Start of 3D printed Lowrider 2 series: https://youtu.be/xIGre_E2_og
0:59 Product specs and price
Carvera by Makera on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/makera-inc/carvera?ref=cdgytt
My review policy: https://teachingtechyt.github.io/reviewpolicy.html
2:15 Unboxing and assembly
4:13 Early issues
5:00 Software overview
6:21 3 axis relief example project
8:00 Light example project – PCB
9:57 Light example project – aluminium and acrylic pieces plus assembly
10:29 Laser etching example project
10:46 4th axis example project
12:10 Setting up CAM software for Carvera
Desk Proto software: https://www.deskproto.com/index.php
13:08 An example job with Desk Proto
15:25 My test projects
Models used in this video:
Han Solo in Carbonite: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4741259
Pickle EVO quad frame: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3571311
17:53 Robust construction
18:33 Enclosure efficacy and safety
19:46 Generous tools and materials
20:22 Attention to detail
20:48 Comparison with other CNC routers
3018 $200 CNC review: https://youtu.be/Y5nyjvytlBk
My Chinese 6040 CNC router: https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200l-usb/x6-2200l-usb-cnc-desktop-engraver.html
X Carve Pro: https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve-pro
Denford F1 in Schools router: https://store-q4wdtz4m.mybigcommerce.com/denford-f1-in-schools-router/?_ga=2.36947104.1803465449.1632355288-1268964825.1632355288
Axiom CNC: https://www.carbatec.com.au/axiom_ar4_cnc?SearchID=10197273&SearchPos=1
Axiom enclosure: https://www.carbatec.com.au/axiom-ar4-pro-plus-cnc-safety-enclosure-only?SearchID=10197273&SearchPos=24
22:15 Conclusion: Expect more CNC projects on the channel!
Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au
Get Quality Resins from 3D Printers Online. 5% off storewide for Teaching Tech subscribers [Code: tech5]
https://3dprintersonline.com.au/
Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Support me on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/teachingtech
source
Comments are closed.