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.

[mururoa]

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.

[anthonyrich]

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.

[Blamm]

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

[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.

[Biz]

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

[Beanpapac]

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.

[benjamin_f_gates]

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

[hash]

I have one just got it put together today

[gailjohnson]

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 🤔

[oct]

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

[ciderhat]

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

[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.

[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.

[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

[michaelhagan]

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.

[pasquale]

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

[notsonominal]

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

[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

[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.