Carvey Introduction

Carvey Introduction for first time users: If you want to design something for the carvey and have someone else cut it for you, follow these steps.

Create an Account

Use the invetables website for designing for the Carvey:

http://easel.inventables.com/

Click on Sign in through Inventables

Create an account using your Meadowbrook Email, your Full name, and your Meadowbrook Password. Click Continue

Login and Create a New Project

Click on New Project

Set Up Document Configuration

Select Carvey Machine

You know you have selected the correct machine if you see the red L-shaped bracket on the bottom-left corner of the grid. Your design will not work in that area.

Measure your Material

Measure the size of the material you want to use, including the length, width, and depth. Record all three measurements on the right side of your screen. To record the height, use calipers to get a precise measurement. The calipers are stored in the gray cabinet drawer below the Carvey.

Start Designing

Use tools along the top to layout an original design.
Change fill to outline to speed up your cut time
1/8" is deep! Use shallow Cuts to save time. Darker gray = deeper cut (compare gray shades of the deeper word "circle" to the lighter gray and shallow tree image
Preview of your cut will show up on the right side.
Make your fonts thick. Skinny fonts don't cut well with a drill bit.

Importing an Image

You may import a .png (image trace) or .svg file. (SVG file provides the best level of detail and ability to edit or change the image.)

If you find an image on the internet, you can convert it using the website pngtosvg.com.

Want a Meadowbrook M? Download this from google drive and import it.

Cutting Through Material

If you want to cut a piece out of your material, draw a shape around it and make the Cut depth the same depth as your material (in this example it is 1/2" but your depth will vary depending on the material, so be sure you measured with calipers and inputed the depth properly!)
When you drag your cut depth down to the full dept, you will see yellow tabs appear on the shape. You can move these around your shape. Make sure they are evenly distributed. You'll have to chisel them off afterward. They keep the piece from flying out of the material while it is being cut.

Naming your File

Click on Untitled
Type in a better filename (one with your name in it.)
Click Rename.

Sharing your File

Click on File -> Sharing
A window appears.
Click on Shared with Link
Copy the Link
Click Save.

Setting up File to Cut

Select your material. The plastic tiles are 2 Color HDPE. Ask about the wood!
Select the largest bit possible that gives you the best preview image. (Most signs will use 1/8" straight cut bit.) Small bits take forever to cut.

Submit your job to be printed when you aren't in the eurekaLab.

Complete the form: bit.ly/mbrequest.

Using the Carvey Computer

If you want to cut the piece yourself, follow these steps.