Question 1

What is the difference between your 7-axis robot and my standard 5-axis mill?

Accepted Answer

A standard 5-axis CNC machine is highly effective for surface routing and basic dimensional shapes, but the spindle head is physically blocked from reaching underneath overlapping features. Our 7-axis robotic arms possess two additional degrees of articulation, allowing the cutting tool to reach deep undercuts, intricate floral drapery, and complex human forms exactly like a manual sculptor's chisel. This eliminates the need for extensive hand-finishing and allows for true 3D sculptural reproduction. Submit a sketch to see the difference.

Question 2

How does the 48-Hour Rush Lane actually work?

Accepted Answer

When you activate the Rush Lane, your project skips the standard engineering queue. Upon receiving your 3D scan or 2D concept, our digital bureau commits an engineer to your file immediately. We guarantee that within 48 hours, you will receive a fully reconstructed, AI-refined digital model and verified toolpaths. Once you approve the digital proof, the project is loaded into the very next available shift in our robotic cell, drastically reducing the industry-standard 42-day wait.

Question 3

Do I have to ship my stone all the way to Elberton, Georgia?

Accepted Answer

If you are one of the 29 local firms in the Elberton cluster, we provide zero-freight local drop-off. For our national partners, shipping heavy granite inbound can be cost-prohibitive. To solve this, CarveWorks leverages our proximity to major suppliers like Planet Granite. We can source the exact specified material locally, execute the carving, and ship the finished piece directly to your facility, saving you the inbound freight cost entirely.

Question 4

What happens if the digital file you create doesn't work on my machine?

Accepted Answer

If you are purchasing files from our Digital Sculpting Bureau to run on your own equipment, we do not just send a generic STL and walk away. Our engineers consult with your shop to understand your specific post-processor, machine limits, and tooling setup. We tailor the G-code and paths to your exact hardware. If an issue arises at the controller, our technical team provides direct remote support to ensure the file executes flawlessly.

Question 5

Who is this service NOT for?

Accepted Answer

CarveWorks is strictly a business-to-business industrial partner. We are not a retail monument company, and we do not sell directly to families or consumers. Furthermore, we are not a budget provider for simple 2D sandblasting stencils. Our infrastructure is designed for high-end architectural fabricators and monument shops that require complex 3D sculptural milling, deep undercuts, and precision replication that their internal teams cannot currently support.

Question 6

What if the carved stone breaks during the robotic milling process?

Accepted Answer

Stone is a natural material, and hidden fissures can occasionally cause fractures during heavy milling. If CarveWorks sourced the material locally on your behalf, we bear the risk and will source a replacement block and remill the file at no cost to you. If you supplied a rare or custom block, our liability is limited to the cost of the milling service, though our engineers utilize highly conservative plunge rates to mitigate this risk.

Question 7

How do you price the toll-carving service?

Accepted Answer

Toll-carving is priced based on machine time rather than a flat fee, because every sculptural design requires different toolpaths and pass counts. We charge a standard day rate of $1,095 for our 7-axis robotic cell. When you submit a project request, our engineers simulate the toolpath to determine the exact hours required, and we provide a fixed, binding quote before any work begins, ensuring your project margins remain completely predictable.

Question 8

Can you reconstruct a file from a badly weathered physical artifact?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a primary function of our Digital Sculpting Bureau. Standard AI tools fail when presented with heavily eroded stone, often generating smooth blobs instead of sharp details. Our proprietary process combines high-resolution photogrammetry with manual digital sculpting by our engineering team to intelligently rebuild missing features, returning the design to its original, unweathered state before generating the milling paths.

Question 9

Do the finished pieces require manual hand-polishing after milling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CarveWorks delivers a “machine-finished” product. Our specialized diamond bits leave a clean, precise, and highly detailed surface, but it retains a slight tooled texture. Your in-house artisans will need to perform the final hand-polishing, honing, or texturing to match your client's exact aesthetic requirements. We provide the heavy lifting and precise geometry, leaving the final artistic finish to your team.

Question 10

How do we initiate a project with CarveWorks today?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way to begin is to use our secure online portal. Click “Submit Project Request” and upload your 2D sketches, 3D scans, or architectural blueprints, along with the material specifications and your required delivery date. Our engineering team will review the parameters and return a technical feasibility report and a fixed-price quote within 24 hours. Once approved, we begin digital reconstruction immediately.

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