Quick Links:
- Calibrations and Maintenance
- How to Setup your Computer for Easel
Identifying Your X-Carve:
The first step is to identify the year/model of the X-Carve you have. This is important as it determines the firmware settings that you will input, along with any upgrades you may be using.
2015 & Earlier (Pre-September 2016) |
The Pre-November 2021 X-Carve (2016 -2021): | The November 2021 X-Carve (2021 - Present): |
The easiest way to find out is to ask the seller, but we have an article that helps walk through each model:
Update/Upgrade Older X-Carve Models
The X-Carve is an open-source CNC machine. As such, there are third-party modifications available for it. While Inventables can only support the hardware and upgrades, we've built and tested ourselves, you may need to reach out to the upgrade providers for additional setup help. Such as firmware instructions
The next thing is to read through the assembly instructions for your machine. You'll want to make sure that you have every component. Knowing the names of the parts and how they interact will also help when it comes to calibrating and maintaining your machine. It will also help when troubleshooting issues.
2015 & Earlier (Pre-September 2016)
https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/xcarve2015/
Pre November 2021:
https://x-carve-instructions.inventables.com/1000mm/
November 2021:
https://inventables.gitbook.io/x-carve-assembly
Calibration and Maintenance:
Speaking of calibration and maintenance, you'll want to check over the machine before you start using it. Even if it was calibrated when you bought the machine, moving the X-Carve and placing it in a new location can put it out of alignment. It is also important to mention that older versions of the X-Carves are no longer available. This means that replacement parts specifically for deactivated machines may be limited.
You'll want to use the calibration and maintenance guide to:
- Check the squareness of your machine
- Ensure your belts and v-wheels are tight
- Check that each cable is properly plugged into the X-controller, Stepper Motors, and Homing Switches
- While tuning, do not move the gantry manually. If you need to, unplug the cables from the controller beforehand to prevent feedback from the Stepper Motors
- Turn off the X-Controller when not in use by using the Power button on the back of the controller
How do I tune and calibrate the X-Carve?
Sign up for Easel:
Easel is the only software designed with the X-Carve in mind. If you have an account, you can log in and open a new project. Otherwise, you'll need to sign up as a new user. During signup, you'll get a 30-day trial for Easel Pro, and afterward, it will switch to the Free Version of Easel. This article explains the differences:
Easel Pro Accounts are NONTRANSFERABLE. Product keys and Easel Pro subscriptions from the previous owner cannot be transferred.
How to Setup your Computer for Easel:
First, you'll need to make sure that your computer meets the system requirements:
What are Easel's System Requirements?
Next, you'll follow our step-by-step computer setup guide:
For example, if you have a Pre-November 2021 X-Carve, you'll select X-Carve Pre-November 2021 and Enter your Machine details. You'll use the guide above to enter the correct components, but we have added an example below:
If you have any issues connecting your machine, or if you don't see the green power light on the front of the X-Controller, please make sure your e-stop button is fully disengaged before reaching out for further assistance. You can also use the following articles to troubleshoot issues:
- If Easel or your Computer aren't recognizing your machine: Machine won't connect
- If you need to re-flash the Firmware for your X-Controller or Arduino. This can be necessary if the machine hasn't been used in years:
- How do I re-flash Grbl to my X-Controller/Arduino?
- The X-Carve uses GRBL Firmware. Firmware settings are the instructions your machine uses to run: How to Check Your Firmware Settings