Why I love my X-Carve and WONT be getting the pro... for now. 

Thank you so much for making this video. It was super helpful for someone who's on the fence about what to buy.

Just subscribed to your channel, based entirely on the statement "if you want to hear about xcarve pro, go to the time in the description below." I didn't, but I appreciated you trying to make the viewing of the video efficient for folks to came to hear about the xcarve pro. thanks!

Excellent video and honestly, the fold up idea was worth visiting alone! We're going to be adding the X-Carve or similar to our garage shop soon and this was great information.

Thank you for your honest opinion. I’ve been looking for something like this for awhile now. I currently have the glowforge and love it but I’ve always wanted a CNC router.

Great information & video. Thank you!

Great vid on the X Carve and your upgrades. I am pretty sure you can tile with the X Carve. Also I watched a video of an expanded X Carve to 1800mm. I have an X Carve that I haven't built yet but bought some up grade parts to install when I do. I also have a Gatton CNC that I bought and am building it to hold a half sheet of Ply. You should look into it just to give you ideas. I am installing a water cooled spindle instead of a router. All said and done on the Gatton I have invested about 27 to 3 G. Liked and subbed.

I like how when you say you have a small shop, you really mean it. Lol im on my 3rd summer of woodworking in a 1 car garage and i really appreciate guys like you making it work. Lets me see how it is possible. I only work spring n summer because ill freeze my ass during the cold months hah Really really wanting tonoull trigger on this. But i am just getting interested in cnc so ill wait a bit.. Good stuff tho!! Thx

Your video is perfect. Well done

I was on the fence about a cnc for a while! Deciding which to get was insane there are so many options. So I got a 3d printer in December 2018 to get my feet wet in a plotting machine type thing.. fast forward to end of 2019 somewhere in the beginning of 2019 I caught the 3d printer bug and December 2019 and 15 3d printers later i went with the X carve because it seemed like the most complete system, and I liked that Inventables actually listens to the users. I'm glad I got it, they make it SO easy to get going and literally jump right and and start rockin, Easel is super easy to use, it was a good choice in my opinion. I was totally going to jump on the pro but eh I'm kinda right there where you are, bit too much $ and there are cheaper routes so I won't be getting one after all. I will be getting a bigger machine with lead screw drive all around and linear rails. Thought I'd chime in since you had me through the entire video. Cheers and happy carving ✌

Great video. Have been looking at the 4x2 pro and the x carve. Guess your video is a few years old now so the x carve price has gone up a bit. I currently have an epilog laser and am looking at a CNC machine to compliment it

I dono if anyone saw today, but TBD CNC was purchased by X-Carve, and they are now working together to upgrade your X-Carve. New Easel Pro features are being added, like Tiling, which is great for everyone, I need to rewatch the video, but it sounds like some good stuff is coming for the X-Carve!

Props for speaking the truth. The price is outrageous! I have an avid CNC 4x8 and it ran me around $14k I think and it’s superior in every way to the x-carve. I hope they decide to keep doing promos because I truly believe that once that $12k price takes off they won’t be selling anymore.

Thanks for the honest feedback as a guy that bought one, versus being given one. I tried to read through the comments before asking this question but didn’t see anything in the video or in the comments. Which version of Easel do you run?

This was legit! Exactly what I needed. I recently inherited a handful of woodworking tools and have decided to go all in and become a woodworker. I'm in the process of building a 12x16 woodshop in my backyard and decided that I would treat myself to one pricier tool so I can hit the ground running and decided on a CNC machine. Although I'm a newbie, I'm fairly techie (Illustrator, SketchUp, etc.) so ramping up shouldn't be too hard. So now it's all about finding the most robust, yet cost-effective option. I was sort of leaning towards the Maker Made M2 at around $1000, but this might be worth the added investment. Although it won't do as large of pieces, seems like it will be more accurate with better detail. If I'm off-base with any of that, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Thanks for the great video! I was considering Pro as my next purchase but I might as well upgrade the one I have ! Would you mind sharing the details of the upgrades and where I can purchase them? Thanks again for very informative video!

Tiling works great on this version of the xcarve if you’re using Vcarve Pro.

Nice Video and good advice! I love my x-carve 1000 x 1000. I too will not be upgrading as my current machine will do everything I need it to do. I love to do 3D carving on it and use V-Carve Desktop and import the file into Easel and run it from there. Yes, the machine will pay for itself in just a few short months. Best.

Thank you.

I was thinking about the new x-carve pro as well but I have done so many upgrades to current machine I just don't think I could accomplish massive cuts on thr Pro. The 1800mm side rails were a game changer.

Hey, just came across your video on the X carve pro. It was very timely as I am looking at purchasing an x carve. Also, your upgrades are the most succinct I have seen. Would you be willing to share how are you price out work that you do as piece of work. That is, someone asks you to cut some shapes from of a piece of material. Not a full blown build: plaque, build a table, or something like that. Even if not specific per piece/hour dollar amount, how are you price that differently than a project. I regret I haven’t had time to go through all of the comments on your videos. You might have answered this before. Looking forward to enjoying your channel.

Thank you for your comments. I too felt the NEW X-Carve is over priced. I'd order the Chinese 1212 Blue Elephant before the new X-Carve. It is $2000 plus shipping is another $3500 to a port closest to my house and even then I'd need to either pick it up myself or have it trucked here. Still beats $12,000 big time. I can't afford either right now but if I were in the market...

I can’t agree with you more. I appreciate the truth.

I 100% agree with you

Hey Man, figured I'd chime in here with some added info: the Easel software is built to work for the x-carve CNC and, as of now, the x-carve is still actually based off an open-source firmware called GRBL. This means that you can use Easel to control any other CNC machine that uses the GRBL firmware. For example, my company produces a CNC called the LongMill that is very similar to the x-carve but addresses all the issues you bring up in this video: supporting the Y-axes, adding more clearance, screw driven on each axis. Our CNC and many others can be controlled using Easel the same as you would an x-carve. Just thought I'd mention it since it seems from your other comments that you believe easel can only be used if you have an x-controller 👍

I build guitars and I've been doing inlay work on a small CNC for a while. I'm about to upgrade to a machine that will do bodies and necks and after a year of hemming and hawing over the Shapoeko vs X-Carve I was thrilled when they came out with the Pro - until I saw the price. One thing I'm not sure you mentioned was that by pricing this thing over 10 grand they have gone WAY over machines that are superior in quality and features - Machines like Laguna and Shopcraft have CNCs that have auto bit changers and 4x8 capacity and full tables etc...for like 7-8 grand. And that doesn't include buying used industrial stuff. The reality is that even a pro-level shop could spend 8-9 grand and have a far superior machine. So for someone like me who actually builds guitars for a living (wife has a really good job!) I would never spend 12 grand on a machine when I could spend 5 and get all the same features. To me, the entry-level machines top out at about 3 grand. After that, you start getting into some real quality stuff like Axiom. Just my thoughts.

Thanks for the honest video. My question is about the tablet. Which one is it and does it add any limitations to the setup. Is it capable of sending instructions at least as fast as the cnc can work them. I know.... words hard.

Thanks you

I agree with you. I think most serious hobbyists have a machine spec’d out very similar to yours. Mine is 😎

whwn folding, how do you support the x-axis carry rail-bridge (o that it neither slides aong the Y-axis, or the spindle torque the Y-axis rails from weight biasing toward the wall?

I believe you are spot on with the price assessment. Inventables missed the target completely. The pro is not a 12k machine. It just isn't.

I was about to pull the trigger on the pro until I saw your video and rethought my woodworking. What is the best way to reach out to you regarding a question?

How often do you have to replace the bits? I'm definitely gettign one of these, just wondering if I should buy a couple extra sets of bits*obvisouly its going to depend on how often its used, i'll be putting it to work!*

Hey can you post a video about your fold out design you did for this? Thanks!!!

Great video, would you be able to provide a link to stiffeners that you use?

I looked at X carve but ended up going with CNC4Newbie since it was a Pro grade setup for less than Xcarve and no belts. I drive it hard and fast and it works great.

I would like to see a list of your DIY upgrades, could you make that available?

Can you do a video on how you flatten boards with x-carve

It is funny that Inventibles did pretty much all of the upgrades you did.

I agree with you bro.. I ordered mine and then decided to cancelled my pre-order and decided to get the cnc4newbie upgrade instead. I think if the Xcarve was closer to 4K I would have gone through with it. But at 6K I can build a much capable machine.. not to mention, for 11K !

Just wondering what tablet you are using to run easel. Thanks

I love the "WE" Pete on the Isle of Wight

Thanx - learned a lot. But I have a basic question... can the X-carve cut out individual pieces (eg. the drawer fronts for a toolbox) or does it only carve? I want to be able to make accurate & reproducible parts to later hand assemble and join. Could you let me know? Appreciated.

Hey I was thinking about getting one and I feel you gave some great information. Can you add a laser engraving head to it and if so do you know what and where to get it thanks.

About to purchase an xcarve like yours and was told to just skip it and get a cnc4newbies machine. What are your thoughts?

Your vid popped up in my feed, and having a Pro I was curious as to your thoughts. It is an expensive machine, but I will note its still not full priced during the presale. It's not as steep of a discount as it was initially but still a bargain at just over $7k for the 4x4. That's a ton of money, I get that, but like your OG x-carve it will pay for itself if you used it to do so. You stated the Pro is 25% faster, and that's way off the mark. Its more like 400 to 600% faster based on the job. That speed and ability to do those 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" passes is the reason why its a game changer imo. Even for a hobbyist or someone who isn't a full production shop like me. What it means is during your normal wood shop workflow it presents opportunities for quick iteration that wasn't previously there bc the OG x-carve would've taken too long to make it useful. Cutting templates, routing c channel grooves, building cabinets and drawers, and the list goes on. The precision of the Pro is off the charts as well. I am sponsored by Inventables but I will only work with companies I truly believe in. Its really amazing, and by far the most useful tool in my shop.

I have this unit in the shopping cart and was about to purchase until I got to around the 20 minute mark. You mention that this unit is $1800, but the current price is $2299, roughly 20% less. Am I missing a discount somewhere? Promo code?

If I were to upgrade from my xcarve, I would rather consider the Shapeoko Pro (2020) which a considerable price. I like your upgrade, been looking at that but yet haven’t justified the purchase as I don’t mill that tall material.

We literally have the exact same machine lol, upgraded z and risers/stiffeners. That’s literally all you need.

Have you tried or considered using a laser burner, etcher, cutter at all?

Just going to throw this out there... my understanding is you're not buying the pro because you've already upgraded your older x carve to mimic the new pro, plus they'll be sending you the tile feature to try on yours, plus you have a friend with a huge CNC if you need it. So, me personally, I don't have an old x carve that I've updated like you have, I don't have the tile feature being sent to me for free, and I don't have a friend with a huge 10x10 CNC. I've never had one before and I want to make 1 purchase and get the best I can, so I went ahead and bought the pre order X Carve Pro. Just my 2 cents!

Is that the stock stock boot

I just bought my x carve 1000mm. i am putting it together now. Where can I get those side rails.

I'm thinking about purchasing one of these. It's my first cnc. Anything I need to watch out for?

Can you carve a hand written letter onto a board with this machine?

Also they are selling the Pro for $6,000 not $12. What are your thoughts on that?

Thanks for the review! Do you know if it works with Mac computers?

Have you looked at the Onefinity? It is $2000 , ball screws, and doesn't need an external computer for control.

Add wheels and you can move it where you want while your cutting

I don't know if you mentioned that the Pro comes mostly assembled and is not a kit.

what is the cutting denentions possible with that machine

17:15 Watch out, the X-Carve Pro is using Ball Screws not Lead Screws, there is a difference in Backlash and especially a huge difference in price. Still the X Carve pro and also the normal X carve are both absolutely overpriced for what they actually are

I use Makita router it has variable speed on it.

They have tiling on Easel Pro

Would you buy the X-Pro while it’s on sale for $6000?

I run mine fast and hard too. no problems. the pro is too much $$$$

Update time?

Look at the Onefinity

I've looked at the X-Carve Pro and you'd be better with a 48x48 machine from cnc4newbie! X-Carve Pro is way over priced and underpowered. A 1.5kw spindle with ¼" bits are going to be slow. Cnc4newbie NewCarve would be a much better value and with a 2.2kw spindle much more of a workhorse or get a 4x8 machine from cnc4newbie for less than the X-Carve Pro!!

It is really simple, the x carve pro is just way too expensive..There are other units that are cheaper that are the same or better in quality..

I.have a SainSmart but so small wish they had a place to go look at wife love it d For makings for church hope it Does it van I make a dsigh.with 3/4

Wow....I just watched a video and the guy absolutely hated the machine.

Guys the pro will NEVER be listed for the 12k this is basic rudimentary marketing. They’ve literally made up a number, pretend to cross it out and “give you a deal” this tactic has been used for years a d it’s one that works. The most basic form of marketing. The machine clearly isn’t worth it so pretending anyone will ever have to pay that is misleading.

I do not recommend buying a xcarve ......I like your aftermarket purchased z axis.and added height and y stabilizers...all should be standard on xcarve..shame shame on mr inventables...Yes the millright mega v xl is an awesome machine way way better and more capable than xcarve..fast as heck with rack pinion design...and cheaper priced than xcarve...i own a xcarve and Simply said stock xcarve is junk period.and compared to competitors at same price point out there there is no intelligent reason to purchase one currently...if you go into forums with experienced cnc'ers like cnczone they laugh at the xcarve machine design/build. .Fyi...any cnc machine can tile....the software is what tells machine to tile....even with my crappy flimsy xcarve ive done a 12ft sign....u dont need the overpriced xcarve pro to tile....Yes..urs is not an xcarve.. a stock xcarve will not perform like your cnc...urs is heavily modified with about $1000 in added modifications which gives false expectations...any cnc router can do what an xcarve csn do and do it better..xcarve is not special nor unique...stock xcarve is crap period...it was ok option 5 years ago but no longer...the millright mega v xl ...bulkman workbee 1515...ebay 6090 w 4th axis...cnc newbie newcarve...all are far superior options at about same price and lower....stock 1000mm (30inx30in) xcarve is underpowered...too small...flimsy.built not rigid...too much flex....horrible z axis..rubber belt crap...limited z clearance...tiny stepper motors...its simply overpriced junk compared to other machines in same class.....xcarve pro is a joke...about 3-4x overpriced.....fyi you should not have to upgrade a 2000.00 machine to make it work properly...xcarve needs to redesign the machine to be proper and keep it at same price.....i like the flip up table but having xcarve stored in upright position is a bad idea...its not dedigned to be in that position and its not good for the machine....inventables is great at marketing ...they spend a lot of money on brainwashing people with their ridiculous advertising tactics...they need to invest more into making a better product that is as good or better than competitors at same price point...

Thats not an xcarve...too many modifications....please dont call it an xcarve.....millright mega v xl is far superior.