3018 CNC/PRO - Limit/homing switches

[@flypic1098]

Just read through the comments below. From my personal view. I'm glad it was so cheap and came without limit switches. I've had mine 3 weeks now and not really cut anything. But I've learned loads from people like you. Thank you.

[@strojarskastrukastolac416]

Great video, very instructive and clear for anyone who needs to install limit switches and return the machine to the home position. As the machine shrinks (especially the Z-axis offset of 45mm), collisions and damage to the machine can easily occur. I watched all your videos and learned something from each one. Keep it up in the future, you have a lot to show others, I look forward to your next project. Thank you very much, all the best, best regards!

[@minhsmancave9448]

Thank you my friend for your support. Will try to have more creative projects to show. 👍

[@saltymax1829]

Man.... you are a lifesaver!! I was about to throw the thing out of the window because of the switch between the x and z axis. Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@minhsmancave9448]

Dude, I'm with you. I was at that point too. Lucky I decided to calm myself down and look into other angles. I'm glad that it made your life a bit easier.

[@JeffsTravels]

Thanks! You saved me a lot of time and frustration as I have the same board and was just going to add limit switches to my 3018.

[@richardmaguire-symonds6956]

Great video. Shows how you can get switches up & running quickly without drilling into the machine or dismantling it. Thank you for doing this & sharing it. Richard

[@chrisnightingale5529]

You saved me a lot of head scratching as didn't realised that just installing the limit switches wasn't enough - you need to configure that $21 option too

[@davidhowden3718]

Just have to say thank you once again minh was banging my head as to why my limit switches weren't working but thanks to you figuring out that the board is labeled wrong I finally got it all working many thanks my friend!!!! once again another well done video coming from minh's man cave.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Glad that the video helped. I loss many hair figuring out that little labeling problem, lol

[@incubatork]

A very helpful video as not all machines come with limit switches for all they should, only thing I would say is its better to use normally closed rather than normally open, the reason being with normally open if a wire comes of or is cut somehow you will not know till you crash the machine, with normally closed there is current going through all the wires, if one comes off or is cut the machine will sense and stop and give you a warning but if everything is ok. will also work as normal.

[@savrtuthd]

Thank you, this tutorial made my upgrade so much easier

[@hywelthomas7797]

Just a simple FYI this worked well for me I made a small perf board and added the components to it wired it and stuck it with vellcro to motherboard case thank you.

[@pkf4124]

Great guide and very well presented.

[@Chico_Lima]

Congratulations on the video, very well explained. My CNC3018 doesn't turn on the normal spindle using gcode, I need to turn it on manually before running gcode otherwise it keeps turning the spindle on and off, do you know what could cause this?

[@postiemania]

Hi Minh, once again I see you doing magic, great job. You can upgrade the limit switches to inductive proximity sensors, so much better.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Thank you friend, nothing really magic here, I'm sure so many people did this on their machines. I'm sure the inductive ones are better but I already have intention to peel them off since I was about to give away this machine. Just something quick and cheap. The ones I used cost about $2 for 10.

[@thebeststooge]

This will come in handy to know shortly. I can't believe this didn't have them but there is a model above it that is pretty expensive that does so they know it really should have. Luckily they are easy to add as you show. edit: Your issue with the homing is easily fixed in software via the header file (could be in a pins file just depends on which version is being changed), but it takes recompiling GRBL (easy). We had to do this with Marlin as well.

[@minhsmancave9448]

It will be your issue soon. Changing wires placements is lot easier, lol! Once you found out what was the problem, the solution is easy to find.

[@thebeststooge]

@@minhsmancave9448 For me I am a software type but a lot of people say the same for Marlin. Marlin started as a branch off of GRBL but made just for 3D Printers so the similarities are the same. btw, what version of GRBL was on that originally since you downgraded it to 1.1f before you figured out what the problem was?

[@minhsmancave9448]

It was 1.1f when it first came, I upgrade it to 1.1h as I showed in the previous video.

[@thebeststooge]

@@minhsmancave9448 Just making sure you hadn't changed it off camera before the downgrade. :) That laser seems interesting.

[@flypic1098]

Thanks. Got some useful info there. Just setting up limit switches. Hoping to use 3 switches and then set soft limits. Thanks. Jim

[@minhsmancave9448]

Yes, that's another solution and a good one.

[@pparadigm]

Very good, a like your style of presenting.

[@codebeat4192]

Clear video but please don't use hotglue. Hotglue doesn't work very well on smooth surfaces and when it gets older it is easy to kick off/break.

[@janpolak5354]

Thank you very much for this tutorial, it made the homing work and I had the limit switches reversed. now everything works 100%. You are great! :))

[@SithaSek]

Thanks man. you save my daysssss!!!!

[@joetkeshub]

instructive. What kind of cables do you use? 22awg? Eventually should we get rid of those resistor-capacitor couples? you've already answered at the end ;)

[@minhsmancave9448]

24awg, i don't think the cable size matters much. Thank you for being patient and watched till the end 👍

[@frankfedel225]

This might be a silly question, but how did you attach those jog knobs onto your stepper motors? They look like a useful addition. Great video, by the way. Clear, comprehensive and easy to follow!

[@minhsmancave9448]

Those knobs are not for all of 3018 cnc pro. The machine I got has long leadscrews on the x and Y axis to attach the knobs at one end. On the Z axis, the stepper motor has dual shaft, one side to attach to the leadscrew and the other to the knob. If you want those knobs on your machine, you will have to change to longer leadscrews for the x and Y axis and also dual shaft stepper motor for the Z axis.

[@frankfedel225]

@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you; it didn't seem obvious and I'm glad it wasn't. I think your clarifications are very useful. Keep up the great work!

[@jeanyves5380]

I Mr and thank you for your video, how are switches plugged? Each in // ??? Thank's!

[@thebeststooge]

I just finished adding three homing switches and Z was the trickiest. I almost ran out of wire. I saw a contraption I would love to make that you use UGS and it has a module/plugin that will use the Z probe but does it for X and Y as well so your WCS is set up precisely. Was made out of aluminium that you plop on a corner of a square, or rectangle piece of stock then attach the probes and hit the plugin. edit: btw, I hate those 2.54 connectors as I have to do them so many times to get it done right. Must be my ratcheting tool that cost me 25 dollars from Amazon about 6-7 years back.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Get a new crimping tool man, mine cost me about $15 and the connector came out perfect everytime. Look like I bought the cable from the store.

[@thebeststooge]

@@minhsmancave9448 Which one do you have?

[@minhsmancave9448]

@@thebeststooge This one, model SNA-2 or SNA-58B: www.aliexpress.com/item/4000406778464.html

[@thebeststooge]

@@minhsmancave9448 Well, it appears YT just deleted my comment reply to you. I will email you.

[@SkyHAWK052179]

Thanks you!, i have same problem, it save me a lot of time, luckily we have same control board, Thanks and God Bless!

[@minhsmancave9448]

very glad that it helped. Seemed that many people got the same problem with the same board. The manufacturer should fix it by now.

[@bernym4047]

thank you. A very useful video.

[@DaWinter69]

Thanks Minh, very helpful.

[@minhsmancave9448]

I'm glad my friend!

[@Coolmaaaaaan]

My machine has a probe but no Z axis limit switches, When I probe the material and run a project the z axis will lift up and just keep moving forward. Is this because it doesn't have limit switches?

[@pmsilvei]

Great explanation! Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@bigcountryvet5984]

Minh you are a character. Great videos.

[@GeorgeZaharia]

the new 3018 pro has a red controller board with the limit switches slots installed, problem is mine doesnt have the limitswitches just the slots... now im confused cause i dont know which pin goes where since i have to build my own limit switches and the diagrams online dont say what each pin does.. i guess wire and test hope nothing burns ...

[@karipenttila2655]

Hi dude, nice videos, but Normally closed setup is better, it will not home the machine if cable or connection is broken.

[@minhsmancave9448]

You're right. Minor change, only need to change the wiring a bit and $5 to 1.

[@lyesakkouche8285]

Hi, great job , do you know if we cut cut glass with this machine?

[@minhsmancave9448]

Possible but very difficult I think. I've never tried so I won't say yes. My suggestion will be using abrasive bit (sanding bit) and go very slowly with water coolant.

[@lyesakkouche8285]

@@minhsmancave9448 thank you very much !!!

[@pablogeilert5780]

thanks!

[@zoltanmeszaros580]

Boss! The video is very good! But I want to ask for a wiring diagram of where and how to connect the RCs! Thanks

[@minhsmancave9448]

Right here my friend: github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki/Wiring-Limit-Switches

[@zoltanmeszaros580]

@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you very much for your help! If I use RAMP 1.4, do I still need a noise filter?

[@minhsmancave9448]

I have no idea because I don't have any experience with the kit. You can skip the filters first, only install them when you find out that the limit switches don't work. Usually you will see it right away.

[@orsu2001]

Great job man as usual 😍💪 can you recommend a link to Aliexpress where i can buy a set of limit switches for my 3018 cnc? Thanks.

[@minhsmancave9448]

get the cheapest ones: www.aliexpress.com/item/32966619156.html

[@johngreci9140]

What are your g code settings for limit switch configuration? I enjoy all of your videos and I have applied some of your projects.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Nothing to do in the Gcode. Only configure those switches in grbl settings.

[@johngreci9140]

@@minhsmancave9448 my bad; what are the grill settings?

[@minhsmancave9448]

Once installed, you can just activated them with $21=1 for limit switches. If you wanted homing, put $22=1. After that $23 is for where you wanted to home. Then $24 to 27 are the parameters. I showed all the details in the video. Not much else you can configure.

[@David-cd2ye]

Hi Minh Very good video! Do you have a link to buy the 2 pin wire connectors that connect to the grbl board? Thank you David

[@minhsmancave9448]

www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001489545874.html

[@jerryselinger5197]

@@minhsmancave9448 Thanks for the link. I've installed limit switches just like yours, but could not figure out how to connect to the control board.

[@tekanova7480]

Do the step motors have a clutch? When at end of travel is met and motor stalls a loud click is heard.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Yes, it’s like a brake, but it’s not mechanical. It’s normal hear the sound when the stepper motor tried to push but couldn’t and lose steps. It’s doesn’t break the motor for short term but if it happens for long period of time, the motor will over heat and burns

[@tekanova7480]

@@minhsmancave9448 Thanks Are you familiar with the controller 1.1f board? My question is can it use Normally closed limit switches? It's the board that is clear plastic case with small cooling fan.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Yes, you can use either normally open or normally closed limit switches. You can google “grbl limit switches” and find the website showing connecting schematics and configurations

[@liptop3998]

Very good video. You save me... You're the best? Thx

[@scienceandtechnologyst8134]

Help me I have to install Max switch in ramp 1.4 grbl Please tell me wiring and codes to enable Everything

[@ahmet-balci]

how do you make the spindle manuel turning jogs?

[@minhsmancave9448]

They came with my cnc set. But you can make your own if you buy longer leadscrews for x and Y axis. For the Z axis, you will need a dual shaft stepper motor

[@svabodafreesvaboda3404]

Hi, can you write where is possible buy a set for the RC filter ? Thanks.

[@minhsmancave9448]

You should get this: www.tindie.com/products/eccentricwkshp/cnc-optical-limit-switch-isolator-grbl/

[@svabodafreesvaboda3404]

@@minhsmancave9448 Thx very much. Excuse me some questions : The controller work on 24 V , or I'm wrong ? Where I have 5 v ? I need 3 CNC Optical Limit Switch where i connect both X on one, both Y on one, etc.. is it correct ?

[@minhsmancave9448]

There's a 5V output on the controller board, you should be able to see it. Both of limit switch for one axis will be connected parallelly into one port on the filter board

[@svabodafreesvaboda3404]

@@minhsmancave9448 again Tx. You're Great !

[@spacewalker33]

hello sir , can i get the circuit diagram of the connections BTW limit switches and the controller board . because i am also facing the same problem with my cnc machine . so please sir , and the grbl filmware also sir please ,..........

[@minhsmancave9448]

You can just Google "grbl limit switches" and you should find their website with diagram for connection. Follow my video at the end where I check if the limit switches on the X and Z are swapped. Then just swap the pins connection on the controller board

[@Meobeo88]

Anh Minh cho e xin kích thước cụm z của máy này được không? E cũng đang dùng, mà cụm z nó yếu quá. Siết chặt sẽ bị tét ốc. E tính phay lại bằng acylic, nhưng chưa có kích thước chuẩn. A có mail không ạ?

[@minhsmancave9448]

Không rõ bạn định làm lại phần nào của trục Z? Minhf không có thiết kế CAD của bản gốc. Bạn có thể vào grabcad.com tìm sẽ thấy khá nhiều.

[@kevinprince7773]

Where can you buy this kit in the UK?

[@minhsmancave9448]

Amazon is my first choice.

[@kevinprince7773]

@@minhsmancave9448 HI, Yes that was my thought, but can't find an available kit like that shown.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Which kit do you mean? 3018 cnc kit?

[@kevinprince7773]

@@minhsmancave9448 I am looking at an end stop kit, the whole lot is prewired. Possibly 'Makers Solution' is possibly the original seller but that is USA not UK and out of stock. Can't find it anywhere else. Too old to do much soldering etc.

[@minhsmancave9448]

I'm not in the UK so I'm not sure how to search for things that are available over there. I'm sure you can find anything on AliExpress but it will take long time to arrive.

[@krikrio818]

Hey man i cant get my switches to work i wired them like you did minus the noise filtering so in parallel. Now the problem is they light up physically as in the led on them lights up when triggered but the software doesnt recognize it could my board be faulty? or did i mess something up someone pls help this is driving me crazy.

[@minhsmancave9448]

Did you enable them in in grbl?

[@krikrio818]

@@minhsmancave9448 i did by typing in the 21 code and doing the UGS setup

[@minhsmancave9448]

What type of switch did you use? NO or NC

[@krikrio818]

@@minhsmancave9448 NO

[@minhsmancave9448]

Check and make sure $5=0

[@jeanyves5380]

Ohh that flying wires : it's not good at all. As an electronician i never do that. This should have to be integrated to the board with smd components.

[@LA2user]

Hello friend. Can i have your $$ settings list please?

[@minhsmancave9448]

I showed all the $ settings you needed in the video. I don't have the machine anymore so cannot really get the $ setting from it

[@hywelthomas7797]

Hi Minh I would be pleased to send you a copy of my vero board for your filter it is quite small and simple makes building the filter quite easy. You can pass it on to others if you wish. I would need an email address to do so. I have a feeling you reside in Canada?

[@decoracionesnuna780]

Please not do this on yours machines. Is a garbage work. hot glue gun to fix the sw.????? ...rubbish

[@chriskwakernaat2328]

he already said it was to show how to wire it up and he will redo later. right at the start of the video..