# Troubleshooting **URL:** https://community.inventables.com/c/x-carve/troubleshooting/26.md [Latest](https://community.inventables.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.inventables.com/categories.md) --- ## [Motors not responding \[Resolved\]](https://community.inventables.com/t/motors-not-responding-resolved/8366)
**Author:** [@ChrisMcleod](https://community.inventables.com/u/ChrisMcleod)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 3:29pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/motors-not-responding-resolved/8366 "2015-05-19T15:29:06Z")
Hey, guys. I just assembled my new X-Carve, however I seem to have hit a problem. I can't get the stepper motors to respond. When I turn on the power, the fan whirls to life, the gShield and Arduino light up, and Easel o… --- ## [About the Troubleshooting category](https://community.inventables.com/t/about-the-troubleshooting-category/1271)
**Author:** [@JohnHayes](https://community.inventables.com/u/JohnHayes)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2023, 3:00am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/about-the-troubleshooting-category/1271 "2023-01-31T03:00:15Z")
This subcategory is for troubleshooting assembly and calibration issues with X-Carve. For questions you can’t get answered by the community, please reach out to our Customer Success team directly here. Keep it specific … --- ## [Weird preview in Easel - can't resolve](https://community.inventables.com/t/weird-preview-in-easel-cant-resolve/161623)
**Author:** [@SusanHalla](https://community.inventables.com/u/SusanHalla)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/weird-preview-in-easel-cant-resolve/161623 "2026-09-17T16:45:14Z")
I thought I had a pretty simple carve. It’s a segment of a simple circular window stop. There are three parts to the carve - a pocket clearing at height one, a pocket clearing at height 2, and then a cut along the outsid… --- ## [Upgraded Kit Z Axis sounds like its cutting out when lowering](https://community.inventables.com/t/upgraded-kit-z-axis-sounds-like-its-cutting-out-when-lowering/161621)
**Author:** [@TrevorR](https://community.inventables.com/u/TrevorR)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 3:00pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/upgraded-kit-z-axis-sounds-like-its-cutting-out-when-lowering/161621 "2026-09-13T15:00:58Z")
Hey, been running the upgrade kit on my 1000mm XCarve for well over a year or so and everything was running great. I have noticed that the Z axis sounds like its cutting out and struggling when moving up and down when u… --- ## [Z-axis keeps moving slightly up during long carves](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-axis-keeps-moving-slightly-up-during-long-carves/161286)
**Author:** [@Testaccount](https://community.inventables.com/u/Testaccount)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-axis-keeps-moving-slightly-up-during-long-carves/161286 "2026-09-06T14:33:31Z")
I do have the upgraded X-Carve. During longer carves the Z-axis keeps moving upwards. I starts losing details in v-carves until the bit doesn’t touches the wood at fine details anymore. Before starting the job, I plain… --- ## [Z axis changes mid carve](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-axis-changes-mid-carve/150434)
**Author:** [@KevinKeim](https://community.inventables.com/u/KevinKeim)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-axis-changes-mid-carve/150434 "2026-09-04T20:13:12Z")
I purchased the 1000x1000 x carve in 2019, and recently purchased the upgrade kit for the z axis, motors, and stiffeners. Since then I’ve been noticing that, specifically on the detail pass, the z axis thinks it’s either… --- ## [Z-upgrade - new problem](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-upgrade-new-problem/161224)
**Author:** [@ChristianTynch](https://community.inventables.com/u/ChristianTynch)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-upgrade-new-problem/161224 "2026-08-28T18:54:48Z")
I have had an X-carve since 2019. It has worked well in my classroom. I recently upgraded it with the whole kit. New Z and 9mm belts. I have trammed and squared it, and made sure the GRBL settings are correct. I ha… --- ## [Carves diagonally rather than on straight line](https://community.inventables.com/t/carves-diagonally-rather-than-on-straight-line/161591)
**Author:** [@CyralGbunblee](https://community.inventables.com/u/CyralGbunblee)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/carves-diagonally-rather-than-on-straight-line/161591 "2026-07-21T22:22:49Z")
My X-carve is carving diagonally rather than on a straight line. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas how to resolve this? Please see picture below. --- ## [Paste "in place" feature gone - possible bug with "cut/paste"?](https://community.inventables.com/t/paste-in-place-feature-gone-possible-bug-with-cut-paste/85128)
**Author:** [@ChristianWZagarskas](https://community.inventables.com/u/ChristianWZagarskas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/paste-in-place-feature-gone-possible-bug-with-cut-paste/85128 "2026-06-26T13:33:18Z")
The Cut/Copy Paste (ctrl+X/C/V) feature has changed it’s behavior. Previously “cut and paste” would put things back where they were, in the exact position. I could hit CTRL-X and then CTRL-V into another board and “som… --- ## [Think I burned out my control board](https://community.inventables.com/t/think-i-burned-out-my-control-board/161503)
**Author:** [@Azhic13](https://community.inventables.com/u/Azhic13)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 6:51am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/think-i-burned-out-my-control-board/161503 "2026-01-03T06:51:15Z")
So new user to the X-carve, bought it second hand and for the most part everything is going well. (tool was doing well, i’m still learning the basics). I was cutting last night and finished up and wasn’t thinking and mo… --- ## [Help w/ Diagnosis!](https://community.inventables.com/t/help-w-diagnosis/161498)
**Author:** [@bnoel](https://community.inventables.com/u/bnoel)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2025, 1:31pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/help-w-diagnosis/161498 "2025-12-23T13:31:31Z")
Howdy! I have lots of noise and vibration in my y axis movement. Can i please get some help diagnosing? Notes: OG model x-carve with dewalt 611. Noise is a recent phenomenon. It is localized to the near… --- ## [Y-Axis noise/grinding](https://community.inventables.com/t/y-axis-noise-grinding/161494)
**Author:** [@bnoel](https://community.inventables.com/u/bnoel)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/y-axis-noise-grinding/161494 "2025-12-15T02:41:17Z")
Greetings! Long time lurker and learner. New to cnc and recently bought a used x-carve (i think its the oldest version with the dewalt 611). Works great! Learned a lot and am finally making lots of fun stuff. Well, ri… --- ## [Inlays with vcarve toolpath](https://community.inventables.com/t/inlays-with-vcarve-toolpath/161491)
**Author:** [@ptmag](https://community.inventables.com/u/ptmag)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/inlays-with-vcarve-toolpath/161491 "2025-12-12T15:15:11Z")
I recently acquired a X-Carve machine. 750x750 w/ belts. Most of my projects are fairly small inlays. I did a recent piece using the advanced vcarve for inlays using Carbide create. It looks like the machine is not rea… --- ## [My computer is not picking up the x-carve](https://community.inventables.com/t/my-computer-is-not-picking-up-the-x-carve/33123)
**Author:** [@JimGross](https://community.inventables.com/u/JimGross)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/my-computer-is-not-picking-up-the-x-carve/33123 "2025-12-11T17:05:27Z")
I have read much of the discussions on the forum. I have tried many of the suggestions and still am unsuccessful. I reloaded EaselLocal (3.2) and the arduino (1.8) software, reattached the gshield to the arduino, check… --- ## [Z Probe failing setup](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-probe-failing-setup/161040)
**Author:** [@JeffDavis1](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeffDavis1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 5:38pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/z-probe-failing-setup/161040 "2025-11-11T17:38:33Z")
I have been using my x-carve since 2018 without any issues. Just recently the z probe stopped working. When I go into machine setup in easel the z probe checkbox is unchecked. If I check it and go through the setup at… --- ## [Is Z-axis perfectly vertical?](https://community.inventables.com/t/is-z-axis-perfectly-vertical/35229)
**Author:** [@DavidBurger](https://community.inventables.com/u/DavidBurger)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2025, 7:24am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/is-z-axis-perfectly-vertical/35229 "2025-10-20T07:24:16Z")
I just finished a milling project with aluminum that required fairly deep milling (about 1-1/2"). The project looks OK, but I'm not sure my Z-Axis is perfectly vertical in relation to my starting material. How do I go … --- ## [Homing x-carve causes alarm 8](https://community.inventables.com/t/homing-x-carve-causes-alarm-8/58715)
**Author:** [@JasonC](https://community.inventables.com/u/JasonC)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 3:33pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/homing-x-carve-causes-alarm-8/58715 "2025-10-17T15:33:45Z")
The x-carve was working normally yesterday, but on startup today, any attempt to home the machine causes the Z axis to drop slightly (rather than move up to contact the limit switch), then an Alarm:8. If I unlock the mac… --- ## [\[Guide\] Offset cutting, Lost steps, Positioning errors, etc](https://community.inventables.com/t/guide-offset-cutting-lost-steps-positioning-errors-etc/16084)
**Author:** [@LarryM](https://community.inventables.com/u/LarryM)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 3:33pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/guide-offset-cutting-lost-steps-positioning-errors-etc/16084 "2025-10-17T15:33:39Z")
Positioning Errors One of the most asked about troubleshooting problems with a new X-carve is positioning errors. Almost all positioning errors are corrected by adjusting the various parts of the machine. Very few of th… --- ## [X Carve for sale. Upgradeable?](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-carve-for-sale-upgradeable/161392)
**Author:** [@JeffEggleston](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeffEggleston)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 11:43am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-carve-for-sale-upgradeable/161392 "2025-09-29T11:43:04Z")
I’m looking at purchasing an older model from marketplace. Only one photo on line and owner doesn’t know what model. He wants $600. Anyone know if this can be upgraded or if it’s worth the price? Thanks!!! --- ## [X-carve keeps randomly stopping mid carve](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-carve-keeps-randomly-stopping-mid-carve/110438)
**Author:** [@KevinMangus](https://community.inventables.com/u/KevinMangus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2025, 6:48am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-carve-keeps-randomly-stopping-mid-carve/110438 "2025-07-28T06:48:30Z")
I am having a weird issue where my x-carve will begin to run and seem to be working and operating fine but them randomly throughout the process it will just randomly stop and give me a screen that I’d assume is telling m… --- ## [Twitching while making rounds](https://community.inventables.com/t/twitching-while-making-rounds/161296)
**Author:** [@Petro206](https://community.inventables.com/u/Petro206)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2025, 3:06am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/twitching-while-making-rounds/161296 "2025-07-19T03:06:10Z")
Hello carvers, I’ve had my X-carve for a few years now, and aside from a few learning curves with feed rates, and carving into my clamps (haha), I’ve had little problems with it. I’ve actually only broken 2 bits in all … --- ## [Y axis jump](https://community.inventables.com/t/y-axis-jump/152451)
**Author:** [@PattyCiampi](https://community.inventables.com/u/PattyCiampi)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/y-axis-jump/152451 "2025-06-25T18:51:32Z")
Hello- I can not get my x-carve to correctly carve. It starts carving and then the y axis seems to jump, moving the carve off course. I think belts are the correct tension, v wheels move with 2 fingers, wiring is righ… --- ## [X-CONTROLLER not responding](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-controller-not-responding/161248)
**Author:** [@keithB](https://community.inventables.com/u/keithB)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2025, 4:21pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-controller-not-responding/161248 "2025-05-23T16:21:11Z")
Hey I have a new to me X-carve with the X-controller. i was cutting at work went home came back and the cnc is dead in the water… I have able to upload new firm ware both on Ardruio IDE and via Easel. I have tried both m… --- ## [Uneven Y Axis movement](https://community.inventables.com/t/uneven-y-axis-movement/161116)
**Author:** [@NikFrampton](https://community.inventables.com/u/NikFrampton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/uneven-y-axis-movement/161116 "2025-03-15T16:19:30Z")
I’ve had my XCarve for several years, but not used for about six months and just moved to a different workshop. To check it out I did a simple carve of a number of holes on a grid, and noticed that some were off o… --- ## [linuxCNC setup help](https://community.inventables.com/t/linuxcnc-setup-help/154024)
**Author:** [@JHtheMaker](https://community.inventables.com/u/JHtheMaker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2025, 10:23am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linuxcnc-setup-help/154024 "2025-02-25T10:23:56Z")
Was using CNCjs to run my older x-carve, but am switching over to linuxCNC. In the setup wizard it’s asking for Pin numbers for Parallel Port 1 but I’m using a Raspberry Pi 4. Does anyone have experience with this? I mi… --- ## [Totally frustrated - why?](https://community.inventables.com/t/totally-frustrated-why/157072)
**Author:** [@Steve29](https://community.inventables.com/u/Steve29)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 11:34pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/totally-frustrated-why/157072 "2025-02-19T23:34:32Z")
I have a xCarve 1000x1000 machine. See the images - but my description of the issue is that it cuts fine for most of it, then I go to do the inside lip, it’s off a bit (you can see in images) and then the outside profi… --- ## [Shaking/vibrating/jumpy movements on x-axis](https://community.inventables.com/t/shaking-vibrating-jumpy-movements-on-x-axis/160607)
**Author:** [@Ldale2006](https://community.inventables.com/u/Ldale2006)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2025, 5:48pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/shaking-vibrating-jumpy-movements-on-x-axis/160607 "2025-02-07T17:48:50Z")
About 2 months ago my x-carve started shaking / rattling when moving on the x-axis. It occurs more when moving from right to left. If you have any additional troubleshooting steps, please advise. machine: 2016 model co… --- ## [Roughing pass taking off too much material, toolpath makes machine cut more than needed on material](https://community.inventables.com/t/roughing-pass-taking-off-too-much-material-toolpath-makes-machine-cut-more-than-needed-on-material/160546)
**Author:** [@ChrisCole](https://community.inventables.com/u/ChrisCole)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2025, 10:02pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/roughing-pass-taking-off-too-much-material-toolpath-makes-machine-cut-more-than-needed-on-material/160546 "2025-02-05T22:02:55Z")
Our roughing pass tends to cut more than the toolpath shows it should, we are carving an american flag and 2 of the stars are being cut more than they should be. The toolpath preview shows that the stars will be cut corr… --- ## [Any help troubleshooting why the Z axis belt slips?](https://community.inventables.com/t/any-help-troubleshooting-why-the-z-axis-belt-slips/160437)
**Author:** [@ScottCorey](https://community.inventables.com/u/ScottCorey)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2025, 1:44am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/any-help-troubleshooting-why-the-z-axis-belt-slips/160437 "2025-02-02T01:44:55Z")
I’m having an issue where my Z axis belt slips as shown in the attached video. It typically happens when the spindle is raised to the top of the Z axis when running the homing sequence. Today I had a similar issue… --- ## [Anyone having the z axis go all the way up from boot up?](https://community.inventables.com/t/anyone-having-the-z-axis-go-all-the-way-up-from-boot-up/160172)
**Author:** [@RickMurray](https://community.inventables.com/u/RickMurray)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2025, 12:29am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/anyone-having-the-z-axis-go-all-the-way-up-from-boot-up/160172 "2025-01-23T00:29:43Z")
Been using the 1000mmx1000mm x carve for about a year without a z axis limit sensor, (just never got around to replacing it) broke long ago in a bump. Anyways I installed the new 4.3 driver and now on boot up it drives … [Next page](https://community.inventables.com/c/x-carve/troubleshooting/26.md?page=1)