The machine has a standard library of approved bits that can be used. Because of the variations in bit geometry and size among different brands, only CarveWright brand bits can be used. Use of other bits may void the warranty. The majority of machine functionality is done with the included carving and cutting bits. Please visit the CarveWright website store for a listing of bits and bit sets.
The 1/16″ carving bit is solid carbide and will last for many hours, if handled correctly. Lifetime is directly related to what materials are being cut. Cutting in materials with glue (such as plywood or particle board) will tend to wear the bit faster. The typical reason a carving bit needs to be replaced is that it is dropped and the tip has been damaged.
The software will allow the user to create projects that use as many of the CarveWright approved bits as desired. On projects that use more than one bit, the machine will prompt the user for each bit, as it is needed. The patented quick-change system makes changing bits fast and easy.
It depends on what functions are being commanded in the software. Some functions will automatically use certain bits, while others functions can use any one of the many user selectable bits. By default the machine will use the 1/16″ carving bit for any raster carvings.
The CarveWright CarveTight spindle system uses pressed on steel adapters for the cutting and carving bits. These cannot be changed, as removing them would damage the bits. The decorative bits when used with the CarveTight system will utilize a 1/4″ split collet for the 1/4″ shank bits, and the no collet is required for the 1/2″ shank bits. Stop collars are recommended for these bits to provide a consistent stopping point when changing bits.

Older CarveWright’s utilizes the quick release chuck system. BITS FOR THE OLD-STYLE QC ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. PLEASE UPGRADE TO THE CARVETIGHT SPINDLE.
To use this system the bits must first be installed into the tapered bit adapters. The cutting and carving bits use a 1/4″ bit adapter and they are not to be removed from one bit to use on another since the setscrews are required to be permanently thread cemented. Swapping adapters will lead to stripped setscrews and loose bits. The 1/2″ bit adapters can be reused on multiple bits.