CNC router for $200 - Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro review and tutorial

3D printing has become much cheaper and accessible, but there has been a lack of decent CNC routers at the same price point. Now the 3018 CNC Pro from Sainsmart aims to fill that void.

Featuring a working volume of 300 x 180 x 45mm, this CNC router goes together well and is capable of machining timber, acrylic and aluminium. It can also engrave copper to make custom PCBs. This machine largely succeeded with everything I threw at it. For this low price plus a one year warranty, I am very impressed and recommend this for beginners looking to get into the hobby.

I have done a fair bit of CNC machining over the years by am by no means a professional machinist. I look forward to the great tips knowledgeable viewers will post in the comments to assist others.
For any cutters you buy, ensure they are 1/8 inch or 3.175mm in shank diameter.

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#3018pro #cncrouter #review

[sauletto]

I had posted several months ago that this video inspired me to buy this machine. As many have mentioned, it is very light duty and a beginner machine at best. It does require a few modifications to correct mechanical issues that do arise, but completely worth the price you pay. I added a 5.5w (output) laser to this and a diamond drag engraver tool, both which substantially increased it's ability to do more things. Since this got me comfortable with cnc engraving and laser engraving ....I then purchased a larger machine, a cnc6040 with a rotary axis included. I again want to thank you for your clear, unbiased information that helped me embark on a new path that I've been planning on for the past 15+ years. It all started with this video being the "nudge" I was waiting for . :)

[dancinbojangles]

I just want to say how appreciative I am of your detailed and calm instructions. I've spoken with professionals who actually complain about your videos being too detailed! So often, there are little elements that experts think are obvious, but which an amateur would never know. Thanks for understanding that detailing every click is important, unlike a lot of pros. RIP Webber, so sorry for your loss.

[twismfamily]

Spindle speed is your RPM's. When you are doing a screw hole, you'll need the proper drill size with a high spiral cut tap or roll tap depending the material. The formula for the threaded hole is RPM (spindle speed) / Pitch (tap) = Feed rate OR if metric it is RPM's (spindle speed) x Pitch (tap) / 25.4 = Feed rate

A tip instead of using water, go to your local hardware store and get some oil. You'll be able to spray it on as the tool moves.
Also, those are not called V bits. They are called Engraving tools. Sorry for the corrections, I'm really glad you did a review on this product. I'm a cnc machinist and i will definitely be picking this up to help further my programming skills at home since i already have mastercam software to make myself little toys such as transformers and legos.

[Kevin-tcob]

R.I.P Webber - My condolences go out to you :(

[vng]

Condolences on your loss. And thank you for the great video.

[samueldennis]

I've watched this through twice now along with the video that Design Prototype Tests claims you stole from him (and his revenue 😂). And I cannot for the life of me see how you stole anything from him. Don't ever stop creating good, informative and inviting content for the community. I cannot thank you enough for the content you create. If I hadn't of watched your Ender 3 video I wouldn't of purchased one, if I hadn't of purchased one I wouldn't be working as a support engineer for the UKs largest 3D printer reseller. Thank you so much for everything. You gave me the chance to follow my dream.

[sauletto]

I watched this video last week, and because of now own a 3018 pro(with newer board).
I am really happy with my purchase, and just wanted to say, "Thank you" for your review of it.
:)

[rodsnyder]

That thing looks very interesting. Awesome video. Thank you. You have my condolence for your loss. Feels like a family member dies too early.

[SPQRxUSAxNUSA]

Excellent video. I have never worked on CNC before but I was able to follow along and understand (I think) everything.

[sidneyking]

I would like to see a follow up video on the laser engraving part of this CNC machine.

[spudnickuk]

As an old video I thought to ad my imput
This little machine is what I started with. And like you it works great for the type of material that it can handle
As you have shown
Since then I have sold it off to another beginner and now he has learnt the concepts of cnc
For which is great
And now I have a bigger and more powerful cnc that can do deeper cuts and more harder materials
At a deeper depth
Anyway. The video that you produce is great and inspires people like me to use free or payed software to suite one's budget
I wish you could do more videos on slightly bigger machines to give novice users how to produce bigger content without going or using machines that cost thousands
Love your contents and the way you describe on how to do things
Keep it up.

[fredbloggs]

For the melted perspex, you will find WD40 will act as a really good coolant/lubricant and will definitely help and probably get rid of the melted perspex for those speeds and feeds.

[brianconley]

Sorry for your loss because I have a 14 year old golden retriever so I’m getting myself ready for the sad day but I love the old guy as much as he let’s me love him....great video though and take care and stay safe

[pete]

Another great video Mike. I've been thinking of expending into the world of CNC but the cost has been stopping me. This one might just push me over the edge. You have my sympathy for the loss of your best mate.

[mrArivera]

I’m so used to watching multiple videos to learn something new. This video was extremely well thought out and I’m confident in pursuing CNC now! Thanks

[FreedumbHS]

Sorry for the loss of your four footed friend. The video was very helpful, thanks

[jc-pjnh]

Good video. Mentioned a few things not mentioned elsewhere. Will reset up my 3018 I boxed up do to frustration. You gave some helpful hints. Going to try again. Thanks.

[alabaska]

I think you would be fine doing videos on more expensive CNC routers/milling machines, I'm sure some people would be interested (I definitely would be). I picked up a Shapeoko XL, but always looking for alternative CNC's that can actually make 3D parts out of wood/plastic/aluminum etc.

[willc]

Thank you so much for your videos, your details help a lot of newbies like me!! Sorry for your loss.

[ryanmacewen]

Love my lab mix, Baxter. Labs are the bomb! I'm sorry for your loss. Great video!