ACMER ASCARVA 4S CNC Review

Current Black Friday Price On Amazon Is $479.

ACMER recommends the following software:

• UGS – Better known as Universal G-Code Sender. (Free) (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
• Candle – (Free) (Windows Only)
• Easel – (Free) (Windows, MacOS). Easel Pro $16.33 per month

I’ll be using Vectric VCarve Desktop ($349) (Windows) because I already own it and use it with my current CNC machine. And Vectric is superior to these other software solutions. That being said, this is a starter CNC machine and it is kind of silly to spend nearly the cost of the machine on additional software. New users should probably just use one of the 3 recommended free software choices listed above.

What Is A CNC?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. Technically, a laser engraver or any plotter or 3D printer is a CNC machine. But the term CNC is most usually aligned with wood or metal carving from a machine that is computer controlled. In this instance the ACMER Ascarva 4S runs Open Source GRBL code. GRBL is simply code commands that control the firmware for the CNC machine.

ACMER ASCARVA 4S Features

This is a pretty capable machine for a beginner CNC. Key features are:

• 400 mm x 400 mm working area
• 3.5″ Touch Screen
• 24 volt, 70 watt spindle @ 8000 RPM
• Upgradeable to 500 watt spindle @12,000 RPM
• 0.01 mm accuracy
• Lead Screw for Z axis
• Can attach laser module
• Adjustable Spotlight
• Upgraded Clamp Design
• ER11 Collet with clamping range: 0.5–7 mm (0.020–0.276 inches)

The ER11 Collet should take a 1/4″ bit, however while using a larger bit on materials like wood the user should keep the plunge and feed rates low to prevent stressing the 70 watt spindle. I’ll test this later. Below is the difference in size between the 1/8th collet and the 1/4″ collet.

1/8″ On Left, 1/4″ On Right (click pic to enlarge)

Assembly

Assembly took me about 2 hours but I probably wasted 30 minutes talking to my wife. Putting it together was EASY however, I recommend using a good set of T handle allen wrenches. Tools are provided with the Ascarva but some T handle wrenches will make your life a lot easier. I should state that the manual has pretty clear assembly instructions.

Screws are placed in individual bags and are well marked. Good job, ACMER. There are no spare screws left over so be careful not to lose any during assembly.

Hardware Is Well Marked (click pic to enlarge)

Unboxed Included Parts (click pic to enlarge)

Because of where I built the machine I only took one short video after I put the Left and Right Y axis modules on the frame.

Finished Assembly (click pic to enlarge)

Assembly Gotchas

Just one that I found. On page 10 of the manual (V1.2) it states to:

1. Install the isolation column to the profile with M3-12 screws.

Subsequently, it tells you to remove it in step 6. I found the hardware but never figured out where it went or why. My guess is it has to do with mounting the X Axis Module and keeping it from falling or moving while installing the fasteners. Consequently, I skipped this step and it was easy enough to mount the X Axis Module without it.

Isolation Column? (click pic to enlarge)

A better pic or explanation is recommended. At least for me.

ACMER Ascarva 4S Testing

I can confirm that the ER11 collet supports a 1/4″ CNC bit. I purchased a couple of 1/4″ collets from Amazon. Conversely, I do recommend operating carefully when bumping up sizes due to the fact that the spindle max speed is 8000 rpm’s. As a general rule, the bigger the bit or the more dense the substrate you are carving the more powerful of a spindle that you need.

On my first couple of tests on soft woods such as pine and spruce the lines I was cutting were not straight and you could see the X axis module moving and flexing. After bumping up the feed rate I began to see really straight lines and more precise carvings.

Here is an example. My file was made in Vectric VCarve Desktop and passed to Universal G-Code Sender (UGS).

Dirty Computers And Stuff

I don’t like having a computer near a CNC machine for obvious reasons. I once tried to vacuum wood chips from a keyboard on a brand new laptop and sucked up several keys into the shop vac. Whoops. So I prefer to transfer my files by USB stick to my machine. The ACMER Ascarva 4S does not have a USB slot but does have a TF card slot.

Sadly, the 2nd time I inserted a card into the slot it broke. No longer will a card stay retained in the slot. ACMER has confirmed that firmware upgrades are done over the USB data cable. So, not having a TF card slot, while not ideal, doesn’t really affect too much regarding how I use a CNC.

What Can The ACMER Ascarva 4S Do?

ACMER describes the 4S as a beginner CNC. The provided ER11 collet and bits are small and work best on SOFT materials such as ABS plastics, basswood, balsa wood, and other extremely soft substrates. Throwing a larger bit, with deep plunges pushes the machine way too hard and causes irregular lines and also causes the X, and Y axis to shift. Here is an example of how to operate the Ascarva 4S.

What Can’t The ACMER Ascarva 4S Do?

As mentioned earlier the 8000 RMP, 70 watt spindle simply isn’t designed to push through harder materials. It simply will not give you a deep, beautiful carving on hard woods.

I have found that by playing with materials, bits, speeds, and feeds that I can kinda get decent results with a ball nose bit on pine or spruce as long at the pass depth is MINIMAL. My experience is that font lines will not be straight, and the wood will tend to tear instead of cut when trying to push the machine too hard.

Can you coerce it into doing a little more advanced stuff? Sure you can. But only if you have lots of CNC experience and lots of patience, lots of different bits, and expensive software such as Vectric VCarve Desktop or better. I should add……and lots of scrap wood.

Does this make it a bad machine? Absolutely not. It is exactly what they say it is. A beginner CNC. And ACMER offers an upgrade path to bring it more fully into the maker space.

Soon there will be an upgrade path to a 500 watt, 12,000 RPM spindle. Then you can carve on some harder substrates.

What Is Best About This Machine?

I can answer this easily. My big boy CNC machine that I use cost me $3000. That is a substantial investment. And when I got it I had NO CLUE what I was doing. Getting an ACMER Ascarva 4S for less than $500 (Black Friday price) allows you hone some basic skills and create some fun widgets. Using an inexpensive machine with free software is a great jumping off point for learning the skillset of being a CNC operator.

And if you have no desire to carve into 100 year old oak that is nearly petrified, and just want to make small signage or nameplates on soft materials for your 25 kids, grandkids, and great grandkids the 4S is ALL YOU NEED.

Once you obtain a good working knowledge of CNC operations upgrading to that 500 watt spindle is a whole new experience. The 4S with an upgraded spindle really may be all you need.

Going Forward

ACMER has indicated that they will send me an upgraded spindle kit when they are available and at that time I’ll make a review for installation and usage.

Final Thoughts And Recommendations

I was a tiny bit disappointed that the TF card slot broke, however it isn’t really needed. It is also kind of hard to get to. Just hook your Ascarva 4S to a computer. My $3000 CNC uses a USB thumb drive to get the Gcode to the machine although you can connect it via computer as well. That machine makes a way bigger mess and pile of wood chips than this does. And I think you’ll find using a Gcode sender makes your work flow easier with a couple less steps involved.

This is the machine I WISH I had owned before buying my big CNC machine.

If you have minimal knowledge of CNC operations I strongly recommend this is where you get your start. With the ACMER Ascarva 4S.