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Makera is back on Kickstarter, this time touting a more affordable version of its popular desktop Carvera CNC machine.

Makera says the Carvera Air is the “little brother” of the original, which we called a worthy beginner machine in our CNC router guide. True to its description, the Carvera Air is smaller and cheaper, with a work area of 300 x 200 x 130 mm and a $2,199 MSRP.

If delivered, it will arrive with a host of similar-yet-slimmed-down features to the more “premium” Carvera, Makera says. There’s a quick tool changer, for example, as opposed to an automatic one, an external (rather than built-in) vacuum system to which users will need to connect their own shop vac, and an optional 5W laser module (the Carvera’s is integrated).

Like the Carvera, the Carvera Air will be fully enclosed, have auto probing and leveling, and be able to be used with a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, aluminum, brass, and composites like carbon fiber. It can also be fitted with an optional “4th-axis module” for machining “cylindrical items, double-sided objects, and 3D shapes”.

The Carvera Air uses dedicated controller software – which users operate via tablet, PC, or smartphone – and arrives with Makera CAM, although it is compatible with a range of other CAM software, such as Fusion and SolidWorks.

If all goes to plan, the Carvera Air would start shipping in November of this year. Be warned, however, shipping charges may be hefty: Markera estimates $350, taxes and duties paid.

In the meantime, there’s plenty to see on the Carvera Air’s Kickstarter page, where a detailed FAQ section – as well as a lively comment section, where Makera is responsive to user questions and concerns – should provide those interested with a wealth of information.

Editor's Note – This article highlights a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Kickstarter is not a shop; campaigns are under no legal obligation to deliver on crowdfunding promises, nor offer refunds on unfulfilled campaign rewards.

For more insight, read our article 8 Things to Watch for When Backing a 3D Printing Kickstarter.

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License: The text of "Makera Kickstarter Touts ‘Affordable’ Carvera Air CNC Machine" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.