We are honest when we say, “we make the machines you need, not necessarily what you want”. There are a few functions that would be missing like an auto tool changer and a vacuum bed but other than that, our CNCs do the same as other 3 axis CNCs. You can 2D carve, 3D carve, engrave and V carve albeit at a slower travel speed and with a smaller diameter bit. So, if you plan to cut sheets of ply at 15 meters per minute with a 12mm router bit, I highly suggest you look into other 2.5tonne industrial CNCs. We cater to the hobby, small business, prototypes and small-scale commercial.

We try to cater for most needs through the offering of 3 unique inhouse designed CNCs.

Not only are our plates and wire looms are made inhouse, but we have also continually improved and innovated to produce the best value CNC Australia has to offer.

The areas we are class leaders include:

• 6mm steel plates (8mm for Turbo) vs aluminium steel plates
  • Yes, our competitors have thicker aluminium gantry plates but what they won’t tell you is that steel is exactly what your CNC needs, weight and rigidity. It just happens to be that after tens of thousands of dollars in investment and persistence to manufacture inhouse, we have a CNC that is supper rigid across the whole range.
• Closed loop stepper motors vs open loop stepper motors
  • One of the biggest leaps in innovation has been the use of closed loop stepper motors. Closed loop motors have a sensor that tracks the actual motor position vs actual and readjusts on the fly. This allows for the elimination of lost steps, 30% higher torque and cleaner overall cuts and carves. The motors will go into a “motor fault” and turn all the other motors off if they experience a critical failure like bumping into a side gantry. This doubles up as a safety mechanism as it operates as a much more reliable hard limit.
• Robot high flex wiring vs 4 core security cable
  • Yes we used to use and most of our competitors still use 4 core security cable to power each motor. Much of the barrier of using closed loop stepper motors is that the wiring requirement doubles and adds a lot more effort to the construction of our CNCs. We think it’s worth it and as an added bonus, our CNCs only require 40w to run!
• Proximity switches vs toggle switches
  • Proximity switches allows for a high degree or returnability back to 0,0,0 which allows for multi part carves. We can achieve a 0.05mm return back to 0,0,0 vs 0.4mm with toggle switches.

The BlueCarve range of CNCs have been designed with safety in mind using Australian approved power sources. Unlike others, we do not use power supplies that need a 3D printed cover to make it safe. On the odd occasion for transportation we will be required to separate the VFD for Blueys where you would be required to engage an electrician to complete the final connection of mains power.

If you pick up your CNC at our factory in Laverton North 3026 VIC, your Bluey and Turbo comes fully assembled.  All I ask is that you bring your laptop and/or router along when you do. Together we will install the computer driver needed to run the CNC and ensure your CNC is operating correctly. We will give you a full overview and ensure all is working well. I’ll help you load your CNC into your vehicle and most new owners are cutting by that afternoon. Bluey, Turbo and the Trax when picked up will not be boxed or crated so it is advisable to bring either a trailer, van or vehicle with a large boot.

Bluey v2 – If you are interstate, you will receive your Bluey in either 1-3 boxes in 4 main parts. Assembly is straight forward, with instructions provided and of course you can ask for assistance over the phone or via instant messaging. You will need about an 1 hour to assemble a Bluey to start carving. The cables are terminated with colour coded plugs to each motor and limit switch, 8 main screws to assembly the gantry, 6 screws to tighten to assemble the base. This is one advantage the Bluey has over other similar DIY CNCs where they may take 10hrs or more to assemble.

Turbo – If you purchase a Turbo and require it to be shipped, we will pack your CNC into a palleted crate. The Z axis is either dropped down or removed all together to reduce the overall size and therefore the shipping charge is reduced. You will be required to reattach the Z axis with the instructions provided. The most cost effective way to ship your Turbo is to a commercial address with a forklift, depot close to you and then residential being the most expensive.

Trax – The Trax is flat packed into a 310x50x60cm crate. We estimate that it will take about an hour to assemble your Trax. The only two shipping options are commercial address with a forklift or a depot for pick up.

More often than not the driver will assign the delivery as a residential delivery and then invoice BlueCarve about $250 for the privilege which we will have to pass on. Best to include a comment in the Quote Request about your delivery circumstances so that we can determine the best transport solution.

We can ship the Bluey v2 with no problems and have sent many overseas. We use UPS with the typical cost to ship about $400AUD. We do not apply GST to the invoice for overseas purchases of which 10% will not be included in official Quote.

For the Turbo and Trax, we can pack your CNC in a crate and make available for pick up or quote to have it shipped to a port or depot. We can make your CNC compliant for importation, complete any documentation needed but we do not organise the shipping itself. For NZ, customers have usually opted for Mainfreight and we also can pass on details for our freight forwarded/customs broker.

There is little difference in what you can cut on a BlueCarve CNC vs. any other CNC in it’s class on the market. The most common materials include:

• Wood, ply, MDF, hardwood, softwood
• Plastics
• Composite panel (ACM)
• Aluminium and soft metals

The main consideration between the BlueCarve vs a $5000+ CNC machine is rigidity. This has an impact on quality of cut and speed of cutting. If you plan on cutting thick aluminium with minimal passes and achieve a flawless finish, most likely no 1mx1m rail CNC under $5000 will meet your requirements. What you are looking for there is a CNC mill, not a CNC router.

Other than that, your imagination is your limitation!  Of recent BlueCarve CNC customers have used their CNC to make guitar bodies, chopping board inlays, beetle catcher kits for bee hives, ply ribs for wooden surf boards, car parts, art displays, resin pours and the list goes on. You will see some great work in the Gallery, the BlueCarve Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Bluecarve and on Instagram with hashtag #Bluecarve for projects and videos.

Your BlueCarve CNC comes as standard:

• Fully assembled (disassembled for shipping) CNC with electronics tested
• Access to Easel by Inventables as standard
• Bits starter pack
• Spindle holder to accept a 65mm shaft (Makita RT0700C or your owns 65mm spindle)

You can purchase the following accessories:

• Spindle
• Dust boot
• T slot rails or aluminium bed (for Turbo only)
• T slot clamps
• Makita collets
• Blue diode laser

You will still need to add:

• A Makita trimmer RT0700C if you are not purchasing a spindle
• Table to sit the CNC on
• Laptop/computer Windows OS or Apple OS
• Shop Vacuum
• MDF or ply base board
• MDF waste board

We use 4 booking agents to give the best shipping option. We do not make a profit on freight and it takes me about 2hrs to disassemble and pack your Bluey and Turbo so freight is only available for interstate or regional Victoria buyers. Delivery takes up to a week but is quick in most circumstances. Sometimes items maybe damaged in transit of which I ask that you completely assemble your machine and send me a message with what needs replacing.

The most expensive shipping option is delivery to door, to depot for pick up, tailgate commercial delivery and cheapest, forklift commercial delivery. You may want to consider a depot delivery option for pick up. This option is usually $250 less than delivery to door and allows pick up at your convenience.

Your BlueCarve CNC is made to order with each unit taking about a week to build and test. This is in addition to the wait times as we usually have a build list. Please check the front page regarding updated estimated delivery times.

Yes, any size smaller is possible. Some customers prefer this to accommodate a space constraint they might have. Unfortunately there is actually more work in adapting to a smaller size so there is no cost saving so I usually chuck in a few extra bits.

The BlueCarve suite of CNCs operates on the open source GRBL platform. This has the benefit of being flexible, allowing you to choose what software suits you best. The three components that is required to complete a project include Computer Aided Design (CAM), Computer Aided Machining (CAM) and Sender. There is one program available that is fully compatible that does all three components and that is Easel. An internet connection will be required to use this program. Easel is intuitive, easy to use but limited to 2D/2.5D projects. There is a subscription option called Pro within Easel that provides extra functionality but is mostly not necessary. It is a requirement to first use Easel with your BlueCarve CNC before venturing into other programs such as gSender.

If you would like to explore other CAD, CAM and/or Sender options they include:

• Vectric Aspire (CAD/CAM/Sender – $$$$)
• Vectric Vcarve (CAD/CAM/Sender – $$$)
• Carveco (CAD/CAM – $$/Subscription)
• Fusion360 (CAD/CAM – $$$/Subscription) ⁰
• OpenBuilds CAM (CAD/CAM/Sender – FREE)
• Estlcam (CAM/Sender – FREE/$)

At BlueCarve we pride ourselves on having one of the best customer service experiences in the industry. Issues sometimes happen but we are here to help! You may be required to assist in diagnosing and replacing parts if necessary. Alternatively, you may want to bring your CNC in to have it looked at free of charge. If you do not feel comfortable in assisting or have no means to visit us at Laverton North VIC 3026 I will be honest and say that the BlueCarve series of CNCs might not fit your needs. Also, it is also good to get to know your BlueCarve CNC well and to be confident before accepting customer orders. We will endeavour to assist you in a timely manner, but patience is appreciated.

We provide a 12 month warranty on all mechanical and controller parts. Lasers, water and air cooled spindle have a 6 months warranty. Support includes technical as well as general questions which could range from problems with your CNC as well as undesired cutting results. I am happy to provide you replacement parts within that warranty period. Back to factory postage is not covered but postage to customer is covered within warranty period.  The best way to get in contact is via BlueCarve CNC Facebook messenger so that I can send and receive photos for reference.

You are in luck here! I operate Adam’s Bits which is renowned to having the best valued and great quality router bits in Australia. You get $65 worth of router bits and accessories from www.endmill.com.au based on what you are planning to cut. If you think you it cannot get any better, I will provide you with a discount code to receive 20% of the entire range of CNC router bits on my site for life of your BlueCarve CNC.

With your purchase of a BlueCarve CNC you will receive 8 end mills and a 6.35 to 3.175mm collet adaptor to fit your Makita Trimmer. If you choose to purchase a spindle upgrade, you will receive a full set of the most common collets.

The starter bits can sometime vary due to supply but in essence they include:

• 1x 1 flute up cut for plastics
• 5x 2 flute straight for timbers
• 2x 2 flute down cut for timbers

You still have a chance up until shipping to purchase the surfacing bit and 6mm collet for $30 if you want to use a Makita trimmer. This will allow you to also utilise 6mm CNC router bits. Also you may want to consider the 3.175mm and/or 4mm collet for the Makita trimmer in lieu of the collet adaptor.

Operating a CNC is relatively safe but you need to adhere to the following precautions:

• Wear safety glasses when CNC is in operation
• Wear ear muffs when trimmer is operating above levels that can cause hearing loss
• Keep body parts a clear distance from the CNC while in operation
• Do not touch the trimmer when turned on
• Do not leave your CNC unattended while in operation
• CNC Controller is not to be kept in an enclosed area, allowing free flowing air at all times Router bits are sharp, take care when handling

During operation of your BlueCarve CNC laser you must:

• Wear suitable laser goggles when power is connected to the laser module
• Only allow other people also wearing laser safety goggles in the room when the laser is powered
• Restrict access to the room where your laser is operating
• Only connect power to the laser module once module is attached to the Z axis with the lens facing down to the waste board

Don’t be fooled by a supplier’s stated “tolerance”. Unfortunately, your actual tolerances don’t work that way. The factors that effect your actual tolerance include machine motion accuracy + machine backlash + speed and acceleration + spindle/trimmer tolerance + collet tolerance + bit tolerance.

The sure way to measure the tolerance is to cut a 100mm circle and 100mm square and verifying the result with a vernier which can only be checked after you have set your CNC up.

In real life, the following factors can create an inaccuracy:

• Machine motion – loose, uncalibrated or worn belts. A ball screw CNC like the Turbo will give you the lowest machine accuracy
• Machine backlash – CNCs driven at high speeds will create a backlash. The most backlash experienced will be from a belt driven CNC, then a rack and pinion CNC with the least from a ball screw CNC. Keeping your machine maintained will assist in reducing backlash
• Spindle/trimmer tolerance – A Makita trimmer is not really meant for CNC even though most CNCs in Australia running with a trimmer will be using a Makita. The collets are mass produced and are meant for router bits, not necessarily CNC router bits. The expected tolerance is under 0.3mm while a spindle will have a tolerance of 0.005mm and a spindle collet of about 0.05mm.
• Bit tolerance – Using a large diameter bit can cause a tolerance issue. If you are planning on making intricate parts or press fit parts, it is best to use a smaller diameter bit.

Our machine tolerances where we measure the return of the gantry back to 0 and typical performance (not guaranteed):

• Bluey – 0.1mm with a typical 0.3mm
• Trax – 0.1mm with a typical 0.3mm
• Turbo – 0.05mm with a typical 0.1mm

Both CNCs require regular cleaning of rails and drive screws, lubrication of drive screws and linear rails and periodical check of nuts and bolts.

The Bluey being a belt and wheel driven CNC requires regular maintenance enable peak performance. Wheels Using a 10mm spanner, check each wheel by turning with one finger. If you can freely spin the wheel, tighten the eccentric spacer. Belts Check the tension of the belt but homing your Bluey (or moving each axis to a corner by hand). If you can barely fit 2 or 3 fingers under the belt in the middle of the axis, tighten the end belt clip.

The Turbo has linear rails and ball screws that require to be clean an lubricated with white lithium grease spray.