Middle of January in northern Ohio with an XCP 2x4. I was cutting a proven program in about 15°F weather and all was fine until the 1/4” bit that was interpolating a .687” hole started making small flat cuts adding a strange stepped lobe. The stepper motor was stalling out on the quick circular motions. I figured it was a good opportunity to grease the unit and let it warm up. I have a 220V heater that slowly heats the garage up to around 45° and after running the grease program, the same program ran just fine. So, lesson learned, let the machine heat up a bit before firing it up. Any stories about cold weather operation or tips and tricks?
My stuff is an unheated shed. I worry about condensation. I would only work out there if it were in the mid to high 30’s or higher. I suspect that the computer has an ideal operating range too. I prepare stuff in advance for the winter months and work on it inside.
The X-Carve Pro utilizes stepper motors that have small belt drives on the machine - these belts will tighten in cold weather. I found allowing the workshop to warm up before doing any actual carving helps.
I have garage setup in Michigan. The garage is not insulated, so the 8000 btu diesel heater does not increase the temperature enough for me or the CNC work. I started installing insulated tarps known as cement blankets to enclose a 12‘ x 12‘ area. Unfortunately, I ended up injuring my thumb trying to open up a hole in the tarp with a grommet kit tool that gets pounded by a hammer. Once I get this set up, I will have to let you know whether it works or not. Supposedly the 12‘ x 24‘ tarps are rated at RU-4. The first went without incident so half the area is ready. 
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UPDATE: Weather has been steady single digit on the Fahrenheit scale. I added an electric blanket over the entire machine and heat it on high for about an hour before use along with a 220V garage heater pointed directly at the machine. I also bought and applied some low temp grease, SKF LGLT 2/0.4, range -50°C (-60°F) to 110°C (230°F). With all these measures, I can cut with no issues in cold temps. Of all these I think the grease had the greatest affect.
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