[MArruda]

Okay, why don't we break this down to simpler terms as far as reliability- If I was using my Unisaw (Delta 10" cabinet saw to those that aren't aware- not trying to be condescending, but some peole might not know what one is) and ran my hand over the blade, cutting off my fingers, that would be my stupidity, my inexpereince, my problem. If I where to be using my unisaw and the arbor snapped off, sending a 10" blade spinning at my head at 3450RPM, That is obviously manufacturer error.

Now, to the CW- if I were complaining about the user interface, or how hard it was to set up, or something of that nature, that would be my inexperience and stupidity. Now, if you go over the problems of the three machines, how do you explain operator error? For the first machine, it's a known problem that isn't told to the consumer unless you really look- there's an official announcement on burned flex shafts at the CW home forum, yet nothing on the main web page for the manufacturer. Come on- crappy material used in the dust bag so that the blower motor was able to blow a hole in it- Do tell, how could any of this be construed as operator error?

For those that haven't used it, the CW has some potential if they can get the manufacturing taken care of. When it was working, the results were pretty good. It's a hobby machine and should be understood as such. With that in mind though, it must be admitted that there's some problems with it. Carvewright themselves have admitted that on initial roll out for the first year of production their return/repair rate was about 15%. That's a heck of a lot of returned machines, and for most companies, would be deemed a failure. This is the only product of LHR, and thus, cannot be written off as a failure and taken back to the drawing board.

Something else for potential buyers to know is that the software is quite limited. Easy to use and user friendly, but limited in scope- it seems they're adding models and whatnot to the functionality, but you can't properly import any cut patterns. Keep that in mind.

The 1,2,3 comment is accurate. I should have abandoned hope and walked away before the third unit, but I wanted to believe that it was a fluke.

If you're having luck with yours, more power to you. I'm glad you were able to get a good one. For potential buyers, keep in mind that after 200 cut hours, the warranty is up and LHR won't speak to you for free, let alone help you with problems.

-Michael