CarveTight Spindle FAQ

CarveTight_logo

+–What is the CarveTight?

It is an upgrade that LHR made available in the spring of 2010. It’s made from one solid piece of
hardened ground steel to significantly reduce vibration, improve run out, run quieter, and
enhance the overall quality of the CarveWright machine. This item is standard on the
CarveWright Version C machine.



+-Do the new Version C machines have the CarveTight installed on it already?


Yes, the CarveTight is standard on all new machines.




+-Can I add the CarveTight to my old CarveWright or CompuCarve?


Yes, you can even install it yourself or order the CarveTight Service Upgrade Package and let LHR

install it for you.




+-If I order a CarveTight are there other items I will need to order?


The first time you upgrade to a new CarveTight, you will need to make sure you order the

correct bits and bit accessories to go with it. Bits and scanning probe all feature an option as to

which adapter, if any, you need with your bit. You can choose from the CarveTight adapter,

Quick Change adapter or NO Adapter.




+-Does it use different bits?


The bits are the same, but the adapters are not. Only the Carbide Bits with ¼” carbide shanks

need to be fully replaced. These are the 1/16” carving bit and 1/8” cutting bits.




+-Can I still use my bits from the Full Bit Set or Decorative Bits?


Yes, but you will need to make some changes to them. First, the old‐style adapters need to be

removed. The bit adjustment tool is great for helping you accomplish this. Then, the ½” steel

shank bits will each need to have ½” rubber stops put on them and that is all. The ¼” steel

shank bits will each need to have ¼” rubber stops put on them, plus they can all share one ¼”

split collet. This ¼” split collet can easily be put on and taken off of the ¼” steel shank bits as

they are needed.




+-What do I about my little 1/16” cutting bit that I use for thin materials?


The 1/16” cutting bit is carbide, however the shank of it is only 1/8” in diameter. That end of

the 1/16” cutting bit is “dipped” in steel to make it a full ¼” shank. Therefore, it is treated just

like a ¼” steel shank bit and will need a ¼” rubber stop and will share the ¼” split collet.




+-Why can’t I use the rubber stop and ¼” split collet on my carbide bits?


The carbide bits require a hard pressed‐on collar. A special device is used to attach the collars to

the carbide bits. They will slip in the ¼” split collets.




+-What about my Scanning Probe?


A Scanning Probe adapter is available. You will need to remove the old‐style adapter. The

adapter for the CarveTight can easily be installed by you on your probe. It does not need to be

hard pressed.




+-Can I use my CompuCarve Bits with the CarveTight?


CompuCarve Bits are the exact same as the CarveWright bits with the old‐style Quick Change

Adapter. So, yes they can be used! The same exceptions and adjustments as listing above for

the CarveWright apply to the CompuCarve bits.




+-Will LHR take a trade‐in for my machine or carbide bits?


No, we are not able to do trade‐ins. We suggest you try selling them on our Community Forum

or eBay. Remember the warranty, add-on software features, patterns, projects and subscriptions are non‐transferable.




+-Where can I find more information about the CarveTight?


Michael Tyler wrote a Tips and Tricks about the CarveTight. It is under LEARN – then TIPS AND

TRICKS – ISSUE 29 APRIL 2010 – Announcing the CarveTight. You can also look under

PRODUCTS, do a search on the Community Forum or call us at 713‐473‐6572. We will be happy

to answer your questions.