Beginners guide to designing in Easel - 3018 PRO

In this episode we go through all the steps to get you designing for your desktop CNC machine.
Easel - easel.inventables.com/
Bits used - amzn.to/3jdwsxA
Introduction 00:00
Explanation of Easel 02:30
Start designing 18:45
Exporting code 28:55
Sainsmart 3018 PRO : shrsl.com/2i8nz
Sainsmart 3018 PROVer: shrsl.com/2qm7b
Extension kit for both models: shrsl.com/2qm7j
Sainsmart 3018 PRO with laser: shrsl.com/2qm7y
Sainsmart 3018 Prover with laser: shrsl.com/2qm87
I have recently set up a Patreon page to help keep making tutorials and keep my KZbin channel moving forward.
/ jamesdeandesigns
If you want to help but do not want to become a Patreon, you con contribute directly:
www.paypal.me/jamesdeandesigns
Some product links I use are affiliate links. This means they do not cost you any more but I might make a small commission in return which helps towards making these videos.

[@Habu71]

This is very helpful. Thanks for a no-nonsense, clear, and concise video.

[@RO16]

This is the best 3018 tutorial I have seen for using Easel. I was able to design my first sign to cut using this lesson. Thank You! Please keep these tutorials coming.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Good to hear. Thank you

[@jeffwalker7185]

Waiting for my 3018 pro to arrive - I am learning so much from your tutorials. Thank you.

[@hansdegroot8549]

I'm thinking of buying a 3018 mini cnc. I found a supplier "just around the corner" but they don't have them in stock now. This tutorial is fantastic. A lot of thumbs up for you. Thanks a lot for putting so much effort into it. I'm going to subscribe right now.

[@dadsteralan]

I found this really instructive James. Many thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of the world .

[@MarkPrimavera]

Another fantastic video! I was glad to see that you did two cuts in this tutorial, I was wondering how this was done.

[@jamesgravel7755]

Dude!! Easel for the win. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I had carve co for the past two months and haven’t successfully made a good useable design. I was getting so frustrated. I’m definitely switching to this it looks so much more user friendly. Thanks for that one. Your the best at calmly showing us how it’s done.

[@jeromehess9956]

WOW, you really should write a book, its taken me 3 weeks to find how to use Easel like this. Thanks fr all your work!

[@stevepritchard7957]

Thanks James, I’ve just purchased a 3018 and in the process of teaching myself to use it using KZbin tutorials. Your collection of videos are the best and clearest I’ve found so far. I will definitely be following your channel as I move forward 👍

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you for the kind words. Glad you're finding them useful

[@Kolynskij1]

Excellent tutorial, you saved me so much trouble and time. Good job JD

[@user-fr4ef7dr7l]

Hi James, Just wanted to say "What a Brilliant tutorial" for beginners on the Easel software. I've watched plenty of other videos but none of them come even close to the amount of detail and explanations you provide. No words can describe how grateful I am for now finally understanding the Easel software. Thank You so much for putting this video together - You Rock!🎸

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad its helped 😁

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad its helped 😁

[@briceparent593]

What's also done for the color/contrast of the finished product, is to paint the engraved parts after the engraving but without taking too much care about the exterior, and once dry, to sand the paint that shouldn't be there.

[@chrisscofield4944]

Answered alot of my questions concerning G codes and how to import them. Great video as i have ordered the Fox Alien 4040 XE and am brand new to the CNC world. Actually haven't received the machine yet, but looking forward to getting started. Also ordered the 20 watt laser with rotary attachment.

[@user-fr4ef7dr7l]

Baxter's Bed signage looks Awesome, I like it a lot!🐶 Great design work.

[@radamus210]

Excellent! Free community college class!!! Thank you so much!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Happy to help!

[@bruceranke2659]

Thanks for this video. This explained some of the issues I was having. Thanks

[@foxalien_official]

Thanks for sharing!!! This is the best tutorial I have seen!

[@SamsWoodCreations]

This was one of the easiest to follow I have seen so far

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you :)

[@bernym4047]

A way to use extra typefaces without the pro version is to draw in Inkscape and import SVG file. Excellent tutorial to get going in Easel. Thanks.

[@johnnovak9402]

hi james just bought 3018 pro . you are saving me a college course what a star

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad they are helping 👍

[@LostCloudx4]

You're a legend dude. I just keep having issues with my 3018 but ill get there one day lol

[@KingofHearts300]

Yeah same

[@dbk124]

Thank you bought a S3018 pro from Vevor months ago to assist with my model plane build and hit a wall with lack of knowledge after watching your video I'm keen to try again

[@choochoo3985]

Thank you. I will have to watch this several times to really get it, but it really helped. At 80 My speed is 12.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad it helped!

[@stusummers4397]

Another great video James. Thank you 😊

[@cnjsharp2]

Another very useful video. Definitely saving this one for the future.

[@canadian.scrollworks]

Thanks for the excellent video James. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wowfactsnow]

Great video. It helped me a lot starting out with my 3018 pro

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you :)

[@GregPaxson]

Wow. Really informative video. Thank you for all the help.

[@arenputnam4454]

I'm so glad I found your videos. Im a wood worker and wanted to get into cnc for some design work. I purchased a gemitsu 4040 thinking how hard could it be to figure out the cad/cam software. Was I wrong. I literally was about to give up trying to figure out freecad. But your easel videos made it so much easier for me to pick up. Thank you so much for getting me back on track.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

That is awesome! This video is a bit out of date now but glad to see people are still finding it useful

[@johngrubbs9494]

Thanks again James. Just did a refresher!

[@ckworton]

Just found you. This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad it helped 👍

[@toymakersofeltham864]

Hi James, love your work and I am an avid viewer from here in Australia. Perhaps one thing you might mention in your tutorial (although I may have missed it) is that the non-pro version of easel only permits 10 projects whereas the pro version is basically unlimited with heaps more features.

[@quimblyjones9767]

That's why I have 5 different accounts 😅

[@72ZANDRO]

Very easy to follow tutorial. Thanks 😊

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Pony-Corral]

James, you just saved my marriage. OK, not really, but after a week of the 3018 and laptop sitting on the kitchen counter, I can move everything to the garage because you showed me how to use it. Great video! Thank you!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you. I am often told I m nearly the reason people break up because they spend so much time on theit machines :)

[@ianknight2053]

Great, thank you James.

[@ThomasYates916]

Great instructions. Thank you.

[@frankjames4573]

Brilliant tutorial vid... Thanks... Frank...

[@ronalddobbelare5575]

If not for these lessons on you tube my this gentleman there would most likely be a 3018 in the dumpster right now. Thank you very much.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad they have helped 😁

[@johnkitchin1519]

Learnt so much in a short time thanks

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Glad to help

[@michaeldiaz5760]

Thank you I learned so much

[@richardsandford1607]

Excellent!! Thank you!!

[@williamhanna5224]

Excellent !

[@lor3npingpong371]

thankkkkkkkkkkkkk you :). brings me a smile

[@chevystewart2333]

Great tutorial!

[@brianc9431]

Another great tutorial - thank you. With the latest version of Easel, some things have changed but this video is a great place to start. Is there any way to add / use engraving bits (like the ones that came with the machine) in the free version? I like the program, but it seems like the free version is massively restrictive.

[@SamsWoodCreations]

this was very good

[@BoxOfShims]

How do you get the spindle to turn on in UGS? I have a FoxAlien 4040xe . You explain that so well. Thanks

[@jerryyang2202]

awesome , thanks

[@Joshua-ju5uc]

Any chance you could show us how to engrave and cut out cast acrylic? I find they are great for decor but having trouble with finding the right settings

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Definitely one of the video I want to get around to making

[@omsingharjit]

does easel has same feature as aspire vectric has? Like 2.5D Text cad cam?

[@diongriffith6104]

Thank you for sharing

[@warrenking1815]

Great video, just wish I could use ugs.

[@labmug]

Thank you sir!

[@DreamstoRealityAutomotiveTV]

To ensure a perfect origin Shouldn’t the user use the smaller bit first, make a small plunge into the material showing the origin, then when changing bits you can check orientation? Great videos, I am planning on getting a cnc machine and these tutorials are fantastic, thanks

[@BasPos1]

Thank you!

[@3dsolidmodel]

Awesome dude..

[@richards6452]

Excellent

[@tajz1]

great tutorial thank you

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

You are welcome!

[@twoputt5]

Thanks great lesson! I haven't used my router for about 2 yrs because it drives my dogs crazy. Unfortunately Easel won't allow me to download Gcode w/o subscription. Fusion 360 doesn't work on my computer. Anyone have other suggestions for Gcode generator that's free or at least reasonably priced?

[@hankyknot]

Now that you've got a 3D printer and a bigger CNC are you at all tempted to use them together to build an even bigger CNC?

[@MLampner]

Hi folks I went to setup easel to work with my Sainsmart 3018 pro. It appears in the current version the process is different it immediately wants to install a driver. This wouldn't be a problem but I was planning to use easel on my Mac laptop which is not the machine I planned to use with the CNC. I can not find a work around to set the dimensions of the work area. I'm not sure I'll be sticking with Easel but as I had the 30 day free trial it seemed like a good place to start. I had some experience with autocad so assume I can pick up Fusion 360 fairly easily but it has been some while.

[@josephpadilla2835]

When using easil when setting up for the machine what are the settings to use

[@paigebenson9896]

messaged on the off chance that you could help after 8 hours of smashing my head against the wall trying to set up my newly purchased 3018prover cnc. you immediately rose to the challenge and talked me through a complete reset of my cnc settings even as far as videos for me. without you I am sure this machine would of ended up in the bin. all I can say is thank you but that is not enough. you really are knowledgeable and happy to help. again I can't do anything other than thank you but trust me I feel more than thanks!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Those are some really nice words, thats very kind of you. Thank you and it was a pleasure to help

[@tigertran01]

Great video!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thanks!

[@phattube81]

Hi James, I hope you could help me. I followed the settings on this video but each time the machine tries to carve a design it's 3 times wide. For example I put a cup which is 20 mm wide but it comes out it's 60mm. The carving is streched out. I have no clue why. I'm using cnc 3018 pro as well with easel and your manual settings

[@sparks-tech]

Fantastic video and detail, thank you. Do you ever use the offline controller vs the PC and if so can you do a quick tutorial on how to use it and run jobs from it.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you, thats really appreciated. Whilst there are some advantages to the offline controllers, they are generally quite limited in terms of what you can do with them, as a result I've never used one on my 3018. I've got one on my FoxAlien 4040-XE but again it has its limitations so I always use a PC. Some people buy Raspberry Pi as a mid way between a PC and an offline controller as it gives you a lot more options but still quite cheap

[@rperriella]

How do you account for a round piece of material your working with. I’m working with an epoxy wood 12 inch round piece of material

[@jkotsche7035]

James thank you for producing your videos, they are very informative. Regarding the Drill point tool, why is it that the hole diameter cannot be changed? I have used them to set center to center measurements with the circle tool. I use the Line tool for measuring. When I import a svg from Easel having a line into Carbide Create, CC indicates the the svg has open vectors. What am I missing? Thanks

[@user-qi7td3wy9r]

Your videos are really helping me get started. Thank you so much. Now I'm looking to buy a CNC 3018, do you know if there is any software that will run on a mac?

[@mattivirta]

second can this select material etc, aluminium and change this automatic feed and speed right ewery materials, if test cutting MDF and then if code working good or need change something then can i only change material then feed and speed have different etc, test cut MDF and then cut aluminium have all right bit, speed,feed, etch, or need make all porject new different material. (lot work)

[@dwaynejohnson7499]

Like your tutorial do you do one on one training for this software?

[@mikemcguckian6968]

Hi James, brilliant videos. I see you have a 2000 spindle and you set your spindle speed to 1800 rpm. On my 3018 my spindle parameters are listed as 775 spindle motor (12-24v) : 7000r/min, 9000r/min. Im wondering if you'd advise me what to set my spindle speed at please as that info appears to me to quote 2 different speeds!! Oh i think ive worked out the speed thing ..7000 for 12v and 9000 for 24v !! But should i drop that 9000 r/min down a bit? My drill bits info says Diameter 3.175, tip 0.1mm, length 30mm. So it looks to me like i could never use a 1/4" bit for example, or would that be possible? I presume i cud however use a 1/16" bit. Im gonna try to do the baxters bed carve after I hear from you 😀

[@laurabrooks6986]

Can i ask what is the biggest bit you can use on this machine? The v shape bit i mean

[@andrewmurray9912]

Hi James fantastic video was using to do my first project however theres a problem the latest version of easel is different from the one you showed, you can now select other machines in my case Sainsmart 3018 Prover, so some things you said dont match up anymore such as exporting the g code code in machine avance its no longer there so cant get the detail cut and the roughing cut separently, so im stuck, any chance you could do an update with the later easel, im on the easel trial version as i cant see how can only get the free version.Thanks

[@gunnigoogooo]

i have same problem but when free trial runs out i assume it goes to free version

[@DraganaJeremic-tx4zd]

Please help me. I need to engrave on polished stainless metal zippo, can he do that?

[@pethuds]

Hi James Can I transfer the g code to SD card to to run on offline controller

[@johngrubbs9494]

Thanks!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@billlester3088]

James, I have a 3018 pro but have upgraded the work area to x 300, y360 but when choosing machine in easel it shows the 3018 and thus work area is set at 180x300, the machine drop down does to offer an opportunity to change to the new dimensions, btw the easel software is newer than your version in the video's. HELP!

[@arnojones8566]

I got my machine about 2 weeks ago and have been trying to use Fusion 360 with it. After a week of that I was really starting to feel defeated because I didn't succeed with a single test carve. Here I am, now, with your vid and at the end of a single evening I actually produced and carved something. Finally, some satisfaction. Now I know that I should just follow your tutorials, wherever they may lead. I'll get back to Fusion 360 some other day. Thank you :-)

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Fusion is very powerful but as a result can be more difficult to use. I tried fusion my self at one point and gave up so don't feel too disheartened about it but glad you got on with this 👍

[@peterchampion1494]

Hi James. I have followed your video for beginners step by step (excuse the pun). I design in Easel, try to carve in Easel or UGS and even though the simulate and UGS screen show the tool path as correct, the machine carves something entirely different and random! I took a video but can't see how to attach it here. I'm thinking the GCode generated by Easel is flawed as I have tried four different carves now, simple letters and words but all do the same thing. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I've had this 3018 machine for months now and still can't make it work. If only there was a simple reliable way to generate a GCode file and use UGS to carve it, my life would be complete! :) Peter C.

[@andrewdok3595]

Hi there. I mostly use my cnc for electronics plates. So I use laser mostly, a bit of drilling and engraving for panels. I use GRBLGru or GRBL-Plotter to generate G-code. It's free software and I realy dont see difference in functionality. Using Easel for monthly rent and free GRBL softwares. In 2D and 2.5D - machining what is the difference? May be Easel have awerome features? Or it can generate code for real 3d milling? Use some textures features for flat areas, or for Surfaces?

[@omsingharjit]

G code generation free?

[@markhaynes7976]

Sir, do you ever have trouble with the router moving while doing the bit change to the detail bit? When loosening the collet my router is moving and I thought it would be locked in place. Thanks

[@hayscountybeekeepersassoci8970]

On my computer screen, I do not have the + sign at the bottom left so I can change bits in the same design . What do you recommend?

[@karlbuckles7192]

James, thanks for this! I have a 4040 Genmitsu that I am really wanting to use for my small woodcraft start-up. I haven't used a PC in over a decade so I need to ask; is UGS Mac compatible? What is your biggest reason for not wanting Easel to control your machine? Just want to make sure I'm not going to detonate my investment and I trust your knowledge in this. Many thanks from a meteor bowl in Kentucky, USA.

[@dominicjaramillo3369]

In regards to speeds and feeds, have you had a chance to look at the Machinery's Handbooks, AKA Machinist's Bible.

[@jameslockwood5113]

I’ve never used a cnc so very much just starting

[@gwharton68]

Great video. At the beginning and end of your video, you are standing in front of your machines and there is a light fixture secured to the ceiling. Can you tell what brand or name of that fixture? And also the control attached to it. Thanks

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you. They were these, V-Tac 40w 4ft led lights. There wire straight into the mains like a normal lights, no controller needed for them other than a light switch amzn.to/39OlIVx

[@iamassyl]

how can we engarve round objects if the preset is always square?

[@Clausentum1]

Hi James, yet another great video, You mention the blue tape/ superglue method of securing the material to the bed, would double sided tape do the same job?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Yes, a lot of people use it or carpet tape. The main difference is blue tape is designed to be peeled off after use, whereas double sided tape can be a little more difficult to remove

[@wkduff]

i do not how the corolation to the software to the machine is, front and back and what is tilieng?>

[@HearGear]

Is that G code platform available for Mac ? if not, is there any other software for us mac users ? Thanks for a great video :D

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Both Easel and UGS are available for Mac 👍

[@brucenorton3864]

Hi James, Love your videos. Very clear and easy to follow. I have a question regarding upgrade of the spindle motor. Which one should I choose and will it interface straight off with my current 3018 controller?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Hi Bruce. Thank you for the kind words. The 20k spindle should in theory be a straight swap but some people have had issues with it ruining the board because it draws more power at the startup. As a result, Sainsmart also released a power pack that is mean to stop this from happeneing.

[@brucenorton3864]

@@JamesDeanDesigns Good morning James, Thanks for this input. I'll certainly check both options out. Something that I haven't found a way in around in carving is to use your roughing bit to cut out the final shape. When you use 2 bits, a roughing and detailing bit, it uses the detail bit to cut out the frame. This is a problem as one often used a 1mm or 20 degree bit for the detailed work, which is not ideal if you cut the final shape out. What work around is there to address this? I would typically like to revert to the roughing bit for my cut-out.

[@brucenorton3864]

@@JamesDeanDesigns Hi James, If you upgrade to the 20k spindle with an independent power pack, will that resolve the problem of frying your controller? I watched the Techydiy video on the 20k spindle. He did all sorts of mods to handle the weight of the larger spindle. I have found that the spindle that was supplied with my 3018 Pro-Max (100 watt 6 amp) runs terribly rough. I ordered a Hanpose 80 Watt 6 amp double bearing spindle from Banggood. What a difference. They offer a 150 and 288 Watt 12 amp spindle. Will this fry my controller?

[@Rhin0Neil]

Hi. Is there a way of changing the bit size to mm rather than trying to convert what is listed?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

No. You can create your own tool library in mm with the pro subscription but if you're doing that then you may as well sign upto Carveco instead which has then already

[@noisy_boi_fpv_3920]

When I import a dxf file for a carbon fibre drone part (flat plate) easel seems to not reference some of the holes correctly it this a limitation or is there further hole commands to allow correct function. Cheers

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

It may depend on the softwood exported the DXF file from. Different software can interpret the files differently. Possibly try exporting as another files type to see if that makes a difference

[@Bren39]

When you home the spindle between bit changes, do you have to do it manually or is there a way to go to last set home. Because if you're doing it manually, even if off by a mm, your whole job could be trashed.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

You don't home between bit changes. When the job finishes it returns back to Zero, the start position. You then raise up the head, change the bit over (carefully), lower the head back down until the bit touches your material and reset the Zero. Ideally you would do this with a Z probe but not everyone has one.

[@thomasmclellan6985]

I haven't used my 3018 Pro for a couple of weeks but had no issues before, what I'm getting is in the cut settings I'm not getting the option to set my spindle speed.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Is this within Easel? I can still see Spindle Speed RPM below Depth Per Pass. Is that not showing for you?

[@michaelwass7813]

Hi James Which Gcode platform are you using please Regards Mike

[@Ing_Yordi_Delgado]

easel is generating weird g-code on candle i can see it says the z axis goes from -10 to 400 mm, when i press send to start the job the machine hits z limit switch for obvious reasons and stop. Im new to CNC i dont know what to do

[@ryankatigbak4926]

Hello Sir, The Easel Software is Compatible or can use to any brand of Cnc laser machine?