Overview
It is possible to update older X-Carve machines to have the same components as our current model 1000mm X-Carve, as of November 2021. However, as we've improved our offerings, unfortunately, we no longer offer all of the parts necessary to complete these upgrades.
It is important to note that X-Carve is an open-source machine, and all of the components can be sourced externally. We have 3D models and drawings available in a GitHub repository here.
This process may still be expensive and can take quite a bit of time, as it is essentially building a new machine.
Our official recommendation is to consider the efficiency and cost of purchasing a new 1000mm X-Carve.
We understand that users may still want to continue this route. The X-Carve has undergone many changes over the years and has had a few different variations in size (1000mm, 750mm, and 500mm). The X-Carve can be broken down into these iterations:
November 2021 (CURRENT)
Available only in 1000mm
Updated Components:
- X-Carve Upgrade Kit - (Direct Drive Z-Axis, Risers/Stiffeners, 9mm Belts, Updated NEMA 23 Motors)
- 1000mm Modular Waste Board Kit
- Makita Router (Spindle Mount and Router Collet) - replaced the previous DeWalt Routers
Pre-November 2021
Available in 1000mm, 750mm, and 500mm. (750mm & 500mm Discontinued in October 2019)
Updated Components:
- Full-Sized Waste Board Kits
- X-Controller Kit - replaced Arduino/gShield controller
- NEMA 23 Motors (with stepper motor cable assemblies) - replaced direct-wired motors
- DeWalt 611 / D26200 Router
- Wide MakerSlide - updated X-Axis slide/rail
- Homing Switch Kit
- Z-Probe Kit
- Updated Drag Chain Kit
- Updated Gantry Side Plates and X-Carriage
- Sideboard Kits
2015 & Earlier (Pre-September 2016)
Available in 1000mm, 750mm, and 500mm.
Older Components:
- Arduino/gShield controller (soldering required)
- Multiple Discontinued Router Options
- Two Standard MakerSlides make up the X-Axis rail
- Direct-wired Motors (soldering required)
- Wiring requires additional machine-mounted terminals
Updating/Upgrading Machines
For 2015 model X-Carves (Pre-September 2016), unfortunately, there is no simple route to updating to a current X-Carve.
To be compatible with the X-Carve Upgrade Kit on the current X-Carve, a few components are necessary: the X-Controller, Wide MakerSlide, and the updated stepper motor cable assemblies (white plugs - not directly wired into the motors). The Z-Axis Drive is heavier than the older stock Z-Axis, so the Wide MakerSlide would help with holding weight. The previous motors were directly wired, so the updated cables are necessary for connecting the newer motors. And the previous Arduino/gShield controller will not have the power to run the upgrades to their full/intended capabilities. Without using these components, especially the controller, the kit would not be as much of an upgrade to the X-Carve machine.
2015 X-Carves also had an earlier version of the Drag Chain Kit, which was considerably smaller. In order to be compatible with the updated/current X-Carve Drag Chain Kit, the Gantry Side Plates (x2) and X-Carriage will also need to be updated, as the previous versions did not have the correct openings for the hardware.
With that said, we no longer offer the parts necessary to complete these upgrades. These components will need to be sourced externally.
For reference, we have 3D models and drawings available in a GitHub repository here.