3018 PRO CNC - Beginner CNC First Look

Thoughts and opinions on the 3018 PRO after doing some initial tests and toying around with the machine for a bit. While definitely an entry level machine, it is an attractive option for those looking to start learning how to operate and run a CNC machine.
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[@AlexanderEresov]

I started designing my own too, but I think I also get one of these to play with. Thanks for thorough sum up. And I must note, thanks for putting effort into making your narrative so clear and well spoken. It's a pleasure to listen, especially for those of us who are not English native speakers.

[@mururoa7024]

Tip for milling acrylic panels: regularly spray a mist of water to cool the part (larger CNCs have that built in). You'll get cleaner cuts and the plastic won't gum up on the bit.

[@andreschwarzkopf1994]

just put on enought ?

[@Blamm83]

Really interesting starter tool! Looks almost like en Ender3 of the CNC world, affordable to start with, pretty easy to modify and improve, and still gets results if you are patient

[@anthonyrich1592]

For people considering the 3018 Pro route take a look at the SainSmart "Genmitsu" 3018-PROVer. It replaces all of the acrylic parts with aluminium, comes with an E-stop switch, a z-probe, handcontroller and chip shields. It is a lot more expensive than the "standard" 3018 Pros but has done a lot of the common upgrades for you already.

[@chriskwakernaat2328]

i found a full aluminium version on amazon for like 230 euro's.. with a "300" watt spindle.

[@PaulDominguez]

Been fascinated with CNCs and Lathes. I had the privilege of speaking with a man that during WWII used giant lathes to bore giant ship cannons. He told how they used the lathes to build bigger lathes. I remember him saying the lathe was the only machine that could build a better version of itself. Of course, they did not have 3D printers back than.

[@hash46176]

I have one just got it put together today

[@fredriklarsen5968]

YES!

[@benjamin_f_gates]

AHHHHH, I can't decide whether or not this was intentionally an April Fools joke

[@Biz350]

Nice job with the build. Thank you for the videos 👍

[@Beanpapac15]

Great video, if you or anyone else in the comments end up using this machine for printer components make sure that you are adequately compensating for backlash otherwise your accuracy will be pretty poor, especially when it comes to bores. If you aren't already, consider using conventional toolpaths to compensate for lower rigidity and lack of ballscrews.

[@SarmadAlraed]

thank you for sharing information , what software yoi advise to use with 3018 cnc? Candle is some hard, and other software easier please ? thanks

[@oct42]

Strange I've been watching tons of cnc videos lately. The rigidity needed is insane. Less than 2K usually junk or only good for wood

[@oct42]

@@joel_mckay I'll check them out. I've been disappointed by what I've been finding so far.

[@gryzman]

you should get 4030 v2, and try it!

[@michaelhagan394]

Just bought same machine .curious about the control xzy axis hook up my instructions don't clarify the y1 y2 plug in it only has three mottors the y1 would be the correct connection? Also instructions don't clarify how to mount lazer and wich port on the board the lazer wire hooks up to on the board .I have pictures any help would be appreciated.

[@mertcapkin7263]

Which extra spindle do you have? Is it the 500W spindle?

[@ciderhat2760]

Its worth mentioning that there's a decently sized modding community for this machine. I'm curious to see how you got fusion 360 tool paths to work on this machine because mine doesn't seem to like it

[@CanuckCreator]

Not too sure, someone else generated it for me. Need to learn it myself still

[@MrKhmara]

Hi. I have same machine. Can you help me? What speed how many passes and what bits good to cut acrylic 1/4? Thanks

[@1512pasquale]

Hi, I follow your channel with a lot of interest. I have had a cnc 3018 pro for some time, but lately I can't solve a problem with the axes. When I give the command to make the plane move forward, the plane moves backward. The Z axis I give it the command to go up, instead it goes down. I believe the axes are reversed. You can help me put the axes back. Waiting for an answer, best regards. Paschal

[@felipenavas]

You should think about increase your x ridigity on project AVRO. Like Add a thick a plate screwed on that extrusions. Or use some square steel tubing.

[@CanuckCreator]

There will be back bracing in the final design. Just havent added it to tge cad is its a simple thing and other design choices keep shifting

[@neur303]

You think this would be nice for simple one/double sided pcb engraving?

[@jimmynoname4089]

Works great

[@gailjohnson3544]

I own the 3018 pro cnc machine but never finished connecting it. Life threw me a curve ball and now I really need to learn everything about setting it up and mastering sing making or nice things. Noone believe I can can learn this machine and that's ok with me, I am a 54 year old female that is starting over in life from a 10 yrs old work injury and I justvwant to prove to myself that I can learn this and make beautiful art. Do do have any videos starting from the beginning. What is the largest project, size sign can I make with this 3018 pro cnc machine 🤔

[@Duraltia]

Personal advice regarding toolpaths would be to contour cut with multiple & equal depth cuts with like 0.1-0.2mm of stock left and then do a full depth clean-up cut _with_ a spring pass. Just so happened to have a finished project at hand that required a CNC Milled Cover made out of, I believe, 3mm _extruded_ Plexi imgur.com/gallery/ZYpHEk9

[@Berghiker]

I want to make accurate PCB's with perfect aligning holes. Not sure if an end ball mill or flat end mill is better for drilling 0.8mm holes.

[@chriskwakernaat2328]

pcb drill would be best.

[@rontz]

It‘s been a while, so I guess you may not interested in this machine much more, since I didn‘t find any other video talking about it, BUT I would like to mention, that I‘d still find a very basic and beginner friendly video talking about speeds and feeds and creating the first toolpaths using fusion360 very interesting. The other videos that are around, simply don‘t cut it :-/

[@girrisgod]

So ill ask you since you respond alittle more then others. Nothing to do with cnc but I likes it. I accidentally bridged my thermistor and heater cartridge trying to do a nozzle change and got sparks. Now I cant get the printer to boot. Would that mean the board fried. Im just trying to narrow it down. Thank you in advance will be subbing to your only benchys

[@CanuckCreator]

Ya. Letting out the blue smoke ghost usually means a dead component on the board or the whole board itself

[@girrisgod]

@@CanuckCreator no ghost smoke just bridged the heater cartage and thermister so killed the board and thermistor waiting on new thermisters to show uo

[@photomaxdigital]

Can it make rubber stamp?

[@notsonominal]

Fitting to put this up April first, as its a joke of a cnc :P

[@CanuckCreator]

It definitely is a budget entry level machine. But a decent learning tool as all the basics are there. Costing down cnc machines doesnt work quite as well as 3d printers

[@NicksStuff]

There's something I never get about machining: if you want to machine tough materials, why can't you just do a zillion passes with a really small depth (if you're not in a hurry)?

[@efnick96]

Wouldn't a resin 3d printer be included in subtractive manufacturing category since it removes resin from a vat. . . . Alright I'll see myself out 😂

[@Adam-my8qx]

3d printing is subtractive from the spools perspective I guess LOL

[@joesephrodrigues]

Isnt a cnc mill additive, since builds a mound of chips?

[@Blamm83]

"Is resin a bit too messy?" .. builds a CNC

[@MichaelHulme]

Aloha, Nero 3dp I've recently sent a couple of emails (& Patreon Chat) you way... ...Is your Gmail not the best one to utilize?

[@helgemoller5158]

I have no CNC, but i would t prefer Printnc to Mcpnc.

[@CanuckCreator]

The PrintNC and MPcnc were both options i looked at, however I wanted something easily moveable, and more desktop sized to start with.

[@Cyalaterr]

@@CanuckCreator keep an eye out for Joe Spanier’s Milkcr8 CNC, which should be released in the near future. It’s like a small, moving bed cousin to the PrintNC.

[@jimmynoname4089]

Before cooties-19 bs, i picked up this machine for $105 shipped to the states. Handy little thing.

[@ryanthorp9016]

i feel like you are trying to seduce me with your intro