Any reviews on the DIY Smart Saw? Pros? Cons?
Speyerer
A thread was posted a few days ago regarding this "Smart Saw". It was meet with justifiable skepticism. The saw's website is ad based. Absolutely no pictures of the actual saw could be found. Quite a lot of unsupported claims and you end up having to take their word for it, spend 30 bucks and hope for the best. Absolutely nothing in the way of projected costs to build, expectations of the unit once built or any clue as to what you end up with after spending 30 bucks.
Think I'll just save the 30 bucks and take the grandkids to Dairy Queen
Think I'll just save the 30 bucks and take the grandkids to Dairy Queen
Any REAL Reviews?
Are there any actual reviews in the threads on this site, or are they all just kvetch sessions by people who have obviously never even bothered to watch the full video or read a full AD, let alone buy the plans under discussion, or use a screwdriver for anything other than picking their nose?
From the Q&A section, both in the video & in the transcription: "A: The Smart Saw you'll see in the video cost only $500. That's because all the parts were brand new. You can actually put one together for under $160. It all depends on how much you want to spend on your parts. You can even make it from scraps using printer motors and old car parts."
Are there any actual reviews in the threads on this site, or are they all just kvetch sessions by people who have obviously never even bothered to watch the full video or read a full AD, let alone buy the plans under discussion, or use a screwdriver for anything other than picking their nose?
I tried via Google to investigate but all I found were so called "reviews" all sounding basically the same. If there were examples of paying the $29 and this is the outcome I could not find them. This leads me to view this as an internet "campaign". In a year or sooner it should all shake out as such.
Alex uses this mailbox as an example (DIY Mailbox - Album on Imgur) although it seems to have been built by someone else. I suspect that had Alex really made this mailbox and really had a magic cnc wood carving machine, he would have used the machine to "flush" the numbers into the wood for a very cool appearance. What further evidence is required?! Sadly, the machine is a great idea and technically -- for hobby grade accuracy -- well within reality. It's just too bad someone hasn't taken the time to do one for real.
TwoSkies57, can I go too? I'm a big fan of the Five Buck Lunch special. You can upgrade the sundae to a mini Blizzard for a buck.
Surprising what you can find on the Internet- good and bad.
Surprising what you can find on the Internet- good and bad.
The SmartSaw video is a SCAM!!!!
The smart saw video is just a scam. He shows himself building one but never shows it running or actually making anything.
I am sure all the pictures in the video are things he has never made and are definitely not made with the "Smart Saw".
One picture shows what looks like lamps that are definitely make with a Laser Cutter.
Save Your Money!
The smart saw video is just a scam. He shows himself building one but never shows it running or actually making anything.
I am sure all the pictures in the video are things he has never made and are definitely not made with the "Smart Saw".
One picture shows what looks like lamps that are definitely make with a Laser Cutter.
Save Your Money!
How is the saw controlled? The video said that you connect "it" to an internet connected computer using a USB connector. There has to be at least 3 reversible, variable speed drives plus the router. You need controllers for each of the drives. How do you calibrate the drives controllers? If the saw can be controlled by a single USB cable then the saw must include a controller that can be controlled by a program on the computer. The instructions needed to create your project (birdhouse or bookends, etc.) will have to be created by the DIYer (YOU) or downloaded from the internet for a price. If you want a custom design and can't generate the instructions yourself, you will have to pay someone (like Alex at DIYsmartsaw.com) to do it.
DIY Smart Saw reviews ...
Precisely JoeNavy65 !!! Your comments are spot on !!
Yes this is an item that I could truly use with the upcoming retirement. I am an artist not really a wood worker but will learn it as I reinvent my profession. I do NEED a CNC router. Think I will just purchase one rather than waste my $40 !!! God Bless folks as they continue to journey through this life and thank God for peeps who actually still use cognizant thinking instead of believing everything they read !!
Precisely JoeNavy65 !!! Your comments are spot on !!
Yes this is an item that I could truly use with the upcoming retirement. I am an artist not really a wood worker but will learn it as I reinvent my profession. I do NEED a CNC router. Think I will just purchase one rather than waste my $40 !!! God Bless folks as they continue to journey through this life and thank God for peeps who actually still use cognizant thinking instead of believing everything they read !!
It is a SCAM. A lot of the parts are no longer available at the sights listed for said parts. Don't waste your $39. Save it and buy yourself a hamburger with fries and a shake. Just out of curiosity I ordered thru PayPal so I knew I could get my money back.
I have read a lot about this topic in different forums, but no one has provided concrete details. So for the sake of the community I decided to buy it since it's only $40. I asked for a refund after a week, which I can more than guarantee my money is gone, but's it's only $40 and I've learned a ton about CNC mills in the process. Balls in their court, so let's see if they can produce a video. If not this will be the final word on this solution being a Scam IMHO. Time to just get the xCarve.
I have been in contact with the support group, who has been very responsive so far. Here is a breakdown of our conversation:
Me: "Do you know of any pre-made kits containing the step motors, threaded rods, precision steel rods, bearings, etc....?"
DIY CNC:
"Hi Andrew,
Unfortunately I'm not sure if you can purchase kits containing all the parts.
In the PDF file you will find a master list of materials and links for suggested suppliers from where to purchase the parts. The parts which you will find at the local hardware store are the assembly parts, but the electrical parts can only be found only on sites like ebay or aliexpress
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you,
Jane Jones
Customer Support"
Me: "Can you also share a video of the unit in action? I've read through all the supporting information, but have never seen it in action? Being honest I can't start the build until I see what I am building working. I hope you understand. "
DIY CNC: "Hi Andrew,
Several customers that have purchased the designs built the machine but unfortunately we do not have pictures or tutorials available at this time.
We are working on a video tutorial but is going to take while
Thank you,
Jane Jones
Customer Support"
Me: "
It doesn't take more than a few minutes to run a working machine and take a video on your iphone. Unfortunately, this is all I needed to see, I don't believe you have a working machine now...
I was going to ignore the fact that the parts required to build the DIY CNC Smart Saw are WELL over $500 to build using the links you provided.
I would like my money back unless you can produce a video of a working machine this week."
I have been in contact with the support group, who has been very responsive so far. Here is a breakdown of our conversation:
Me: "Do you know of any pre-made kits containing the step motors, threaded rods, precision steel rods, bearings, etc....?"
DIY CNC:
"Hi Andrew,
Unfortunately I'm not sure if you can purchase kits containing all the parts.
In the PDF file you will find a master list of materials and links for suggested suppliers from where to purchase the parts. The parts which you will find at the local hardware store are the assembly parts, but the electrical parts can only be found only on sites like ebay or aliexpress
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you,
Jane Jones
Customer Support"
Me: "Can you also share a video of the unit in action? I've read through all the supporting information, but have never seen it in action? Being honest I can't start the build until I see what I am building working. I hope you understand. "
DIY CNC: "Hi Andrew,
Several customers that have purchased the designs built the machine but unfortunately we do not have pictures or tutorials available at this time.
We are working on a video tutorial but is going to take while
Thank you,
Jane Jones
Customer Support"
Me: "
It doesn't take more than a few minutes to run a working machine and take a video on your iphone. Unfortunately, this is all I needed to see, I don't believe you have a working machine now...
I was going to ignore the fact that the parts required to build the DIY CNC Smart Saw are WELL over $500 to build using the links you provided.
I would like my money back unless you can produce a video of a working machine this week."
All, I am happy to report that I do NOT believe the DIY Smart CNC product to be a hoax or scam. I believe the product to be in its infancy and may not have been ready to release. The marketing campaign is great, but there are obviously a few issues. One being no actual video of the unit in action. Also, during the setup videos, there are parts of the CNC machine that are not called out in the parts list or instructions. And finally, if you purchased the parts al a carte it would cost roughly $700 using the links they provided. Of course heading to a science surplus store might work to drive cost down.
While I am sure this unit does work I am not willing to invest money into building it until I can see the one being built in the video working. Jane from DIY Smart CNC refunded my money at my first request. If this were a Scam I doubt they would refund my money.
I am researching other kits like this one (won't let me post a link yet since I am new to the forum, so Amazon it): "BobsCNC E3 CNC Router Engraver Kit with DeWalt DW660 Router"
If anyone else has recommendations please let me know!
While I am sure this unit does work I am not willing to invest money into building it until I can see the one being built in the video working. Jane from DIY Smart CNC refunded my money at my first request. If this were a Scam I doubt they would refund my money.
I am researching other kits like this one (won't let me post a link yet since I am new to the forum, so Amazon it): "BobsCNC E3 CNC Router Engraver Kit with DeWalt DW660 Router"
If anyone else has recommendations please let me know!
Hmmm...
Be cautious reading reviews posted online, video or blog posts about it, or posts here with only a cpl prior posts ESPECIALLY if they add a link to the item in their own post. I know NOTHING about woodworking, but run an internet marketing company and this caught my eye as I browsed because my son-in-law is a woodworker and I thought of buying it for him and it led me to come here for info.
I'm not saying it's legit or not... it may be for all I know. However, I posted this because the offer comes through a site called "Clickbank". Clickbank is an affiliate marketing company. Anyone can become a member there and get a "link" to their products, then if someone sees your post online and buys through youor link, you get 50% of the sale. So when you Google it and see "review" videos and blog posts, 95% of them are affiliates who don't care about the quality or know anything about the product, they just say it's good and load up the page using proper keywords and page structure to get it to show on Google so you buy it... and make the 50%.
Again, it might be legit, I'm just posting to explain where these review videos and such come from because I HATE the lack of integrity in this business I'm in. Why else would someone create an entire blog or video about it?
Nick
Be cautious reading reviews posted online, video or blog posts about it, or posts here with only a cpl prior posts ESPECIALLY if they add a link to the item in their own post. I know NOTHING about woodworking, but run an internet marketing company and this caught my eye as I browsed because my son-in-law is a woodworker and I thought of buying it for him and it led me to come here for info.
I'm not saying it's legit or not... it may be for all I know. However, I posted this because the offer comes through a site called "Clickbank". Clickbank is an affiliate marketing company. Anyone can become a member there and get a "link" to their products, then if someone sees your post online and buys through youor link, you get 50% of the sale. So when you Google it and see "review" videos and blog posts, 95% of them are affiliates who don't care about the quality or know anything about the product, they just say it's good and load up the page using proper keywords and page structure to get it to show on Google so you buy it... and make the 50%.
Again, it might be legit, I'm just posting to explain where these review videos and such come from because I HATE the lack of integrity in this business I'm in. Why else would someone create an entire blog or video about it?
Nick
New here, but thought I would put my two cents worth in. I bought the Smart Saw plans. I suspect they would work, however, all is not well. In looking up prices using the links given in the plans--ouch! I could not find a supplier for the rods or the threaded rods except in China. The links are for companies in China, and I have never gotten the prices. Here are some prices I did get. Linear guide rails: $292.31; Linear guide flange blocks: $340.96; combined kit with stepper driver motor and power supply, $228.00; and the Bosch spindle motor, $179.99. Those alone are $1,041.26. Amazon has one for $650.09 including shipping. Buy these plans if you really like doing it yourself even if the price is much higher, or you need to buy a few items at a time as your budget allows. Otherwise, forget it. BTW. I have sent an email asking for my money back. His initial reply was to try to talk me out of the refund, but I refused. Waiting to see the results.
I don't think I have ever read a thread with so many first time posters. And some of which, never came back.
I'm calling BS on this one. Just another 15 minutes I won't get back.
I'm calling BS on this one. Just another 15 minutes I won't get back.
Because this topic keeps rearing its ugly head I took the time to watch the promotional video and it screams scam. The actual working version of the machine is never shown nor is it shown making the examples presented. The video is quite professionally done but claims not to be. Everything about it seems off.
But then so does Dairy Queens commercial showing a disembodied pair of lips telling me what I should eat. It's all part of a conspiracy to keep Bill and me fat.
But then so does Dairy Queens commercial showing a disembodied pair of lips telling me what I should eat. It's all part of a conspiracy to keep Bill and me fat.
People are first time posters because we are NEW to CNC routing and are researching products. Stop speculating, my posts are legitimate and I was only trying to add substance to a thread.
As I said this product seems legit, but I don't agree on the price, thorough instructions and the fact that they aren't posting a video of the unit in action. they refunded my money without asking. They also mentioned they are working on a video of the unit in action. All this was enough for the first timer to back out.
I am buying an X-Carve.
As I said this product seems legit, but I don't agree on the price, thorough instructions and the fact that they aren't posting a video of the unit in action. they refunded my money without asking. They also mentioned they are working on a video of the unit in action. All this was enough for the first timer to back out.
I am buying an X-Carve.
Hello Everyone,
I bought the plans for the DIY Smart Saw. It is very extensively thought out. If this is a "scam" then it is one hellava involved one! Everything, and I mean everything, is detailed. There is nothing left to chance. So yes, I am impressed. And since I'm not trying to make a buck here I can give you my honest review.
I haven't built the saw yet. I don't think I can put it together in an afternoon! In fact, I will spend some time gathering up all the necessary components.. which are extensive as well. For me I'm making this my "Winter Project". Maybe after you've built a few of these things you can do it in an afternoon.
There's the cost of the wood, the metal legs, various machined components and stuff such as a power pack, CNC board, motors, die grinder and the software.. ah, the software.. you're looking at around $800 in software IF I read everything right. So you have to throw some money into this thing. I understand there is also an aluminium version, and a "desk top" version.. should be more like a "bench top". But once you've been through it I think you can build this thing to suite your needs pretty much however you wish. The developer recommends using a dedicated PC to run it. So there's that cost as well. Maybe the only time I can think buying a used PC makes sense.
The real question, and one that I have not investigated at this point, is how this all compares to just buying a wood CNC machine out right. Although I do like the idea of building it myself just for the knowledge of how it's done and the fact that if anything goes wrong later I can fix it myself.
There's just too much information in the package to cover it here. I would also add that you really have nothing to lose in buying the plans. It's being sold through Clickbank and they are really good at giving refunds.. no questions asked. So you''re not risking anything at all.
Just my two cents.
I bought the plans for the DIY Smart Saw. It is very extensively thought out. If this is a "scam" then it is one hellava involved one! Everything, and I mean everything, is detailed. There is nothing left to chance. So yes, I am impressed. And since I'm not trying to make a buck here I can give you my honest review.
I haven't built the saw yet. I don't think I can put it together in an afternoon! In fact, I will spend some time gathering up all the necessary components.. which are extensive as well. For me I'm making this my "Winter Project". Maybe after you've built a few of these things you can do it in an afternoon.
There's the cost of the wood, the metal legs, various machined components and stuff such as a power pack, CNC board, motors, die grinder and the software.. ah, the software.. you're looking at around $800 in software IF I read everything right. So you have to throw some money into this thing. I understand there is also an aluminium version, and a "desk top" version.. should be more like a "bench top". But once you've been through it I think you can build this thing to suite your needs pretty much however you wish. The developer recommends using a dedicated PC to run it. So there's that cost as well. Maybe the only time I can think buying a used PC makes sense.
The real question, and one that I have not investigated at this point, is how this all compares to just buying a wood CNC machine out right. Although I do like the idea of building it myself just for the knowledge of how it's done and the fact that if anything goes wrong later I can fix it myself.
There's just too much information in the package to cover it here. I would also add that you really have nothing to lose in buying the plans. It's being sold through Clickbank and they are really good at giving refunds.. no questions asked. So you''re not risking anything at all.
Just my two cents.
If things seem too good to be true, then they probably are. Too many of us have been scammed by the plans guy to believe claims with no backing from people we don't know. However, if someone believes this thing, I'd like to talk to them about a perpetual motion machine I designed last week, but have not yet been able to finish building. You can build your own from my plans, mail your check or send your credit card info to...
The thread is old, but I recently purchased the plans for the DIY Smart Saw, and I have to say, they exceeded my expectations.
The level of detail is impressive—every step is clearly outlined, leaving nothing to guesswork. While I haven't assembled it yet, I can tell it will require some time and effort, especially to gather all the components. This isn’t a quick afternoon project, but for me, it’s a perfect winter challenge.
Building this saw is an investment, not just in materials like wood, metal legs, and various machined parts, but also in software that could run around $800. The instructions even suggest using a dedicated PC, which adds to the cost. Despite this, the satisfaction of building something from scratch and knowing how it works inside out makes it worthwhile.
The alternative to buying a ready-made CNC machine is tempting, but the knowledge gained from building it yourself is invaluable. Plus, if anything goes wrong later, you’re equipped to fix it. And with Clickbank’s hassle-free refund policy, there’s really no risk in giving it a try.
If you’re considering the DIY Smart Saw, I’d say it’s worth the time and money—especially if you enjoy hands-on projects and learning the mechanics behind your tools.
The level of detail is impressive—every step is clearly outlined, leaving nothing to guesswork. While I haven't assembled it yet, I can tell it will require some time and effort, especially to gather all the components. This isn’t a quick afternoon project, but for me, it’s a perfect winter challenge.
Building this saw is an investment, not just in materials like wood, metal legs, and various machined parts, but also in software that could run around $800. The instructions even suggest using a dedicated PC, which adds to the cost. Despite this, the satisfaction of building something from scratch and knowing how it works inside out makes it worthwhile.
The alternative to buying a ready-made CNC machine is tempting, but the knowledge gained from building it yourself is invaluable. Plus, if anything goes wrong later, you’re equipped to fix it. And with Clickbank’s hassle-free refund policy, there’s really no risk in giving it a try.
If you’re considering the DIY Smart Saw, I’d say it’s worth the time and money—especially if you enjoy hands-on projects and learning the mechanics behind your tools.
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