3018 PRO CNC Build

Episode 2 - Building the 3018 PRO CNC machine. We see how all the parts fit together and what order you should do things in ahead of some testing which will be in episode 3.

The unboxing was completed in episode 1:

Link to the Sainsmart 3018PRO

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[brucenorton]

Hi James, I just want to thank you for your very inciteful videos.
I assembled my 3018 Pro-Max some 4 years ago after watching this video.
I positioned the side gantry posts as you directed at 48mm from the seating face of the rear frame support. My machine was supplied with the profiled Perspex dust protector plates, that assemble in the same slot as the gantry plates. With these dust protector plates positioned level with the front of the machine, I butted my gantry posts against them, as it is shown in the catalogue.
With the gantry posts positioned as described (>48mm from the seating face), I had a problem that the table couldn't advance far back enough for the spindle to clear the table at the front end of the machine (~10mm short). I have worked around this problem successfully for many years, and have done many jobs, despite the limitation. (I used a full sized waste board mounted to the table with countersunk bolts and nuts, and secured my work pieces to this waste board with double sided tape).
However, I have now made a spoiler

symmetrical, this could not be

[cnjsharp]

Just finished assembling my new 3018, including bed extension to 3036, all while watching this series.
Thanks for a great source of support.
Jerry

[riche]

Thank you sir you have been a lifesaver. I just built mine today. The book that comes with it doesn’t explain anything.

[Zenka]

Thank you! Finally found a tutorial, where everything is explained in detail, not just a crappy speed-up music video. Thank again!!!!

[halaalwadahi]

Great explanation. I build my own 3018 cnc pro. Thanks very much

[dubydew]

Well I just completed my 3018 CNC PRO with lazer build. Your video on this assembly was, as you say. “. Spot on”
I can’t thank you enough for your time and efforts to make this video.
It is my first CNC router. My Sweety. Doing a dry run with no bit nor a project on the table. I had absolute success with the mini controller. Again.
Thank you.
Papa’s Work Shop.
Dennis

[VIVIVI]

I got myself a 3018 PRO yesterday, but have never used a CNC machine before. After watching this I have decided that you, sir, shall be my CNC guru.

[stevejohno]

Thank you so much, Without this video I would never have been able to put the machine together, the paper instructions are completely useless ... now for the next step ...

[mikereslie]

Hey James, I was so happy to find your channel just as I received my 3018Pro. I don't believe that I could have built this machine without following the steps you laid out in this video. The instructions that came with the 3018 were useless. When I searched, your video came up #1. That is really amazing since you posted it two years ago. I think the fact that you made your video from the point of view of a newbie - because you were - was best video that I could have watched to build this machine. Although I couldn't figure out how to download your recommended grbl software I did manage to use Candle and make my first test cut. Everything worked perfectly. I am now working my way through your videos. Thank you. Mike...

[wijayaratnelindara]

Hi. James.I got my 3018 kit today ( not a branded one) I watched this video few times Your way is better than the video comes with kit. Thanks I like the way you teach. 🙏

[thecraymountain]

Do you need anyone to respond on all comments? I know a guy

Thanks for the video. Probably tomorrow I start assembly mine. It's still in th package.
Just finished a short pass of your video and tomorrow we ll go step by step. Appreciate the work putting so we can do it effortlessly. Thank you

[johntodd]

I just got mine today and thanks to your video I have it all together with no issues I just have to do the software install now thanks again...you rock !!!

[eugenesaint]

Thanks, James. To be honest, I think the "some assembly required" bit, coupled with your excellent video, is absolutely the way to go. I feel like I know ALOT more about this machine than I did 39 minutes and 32 seconds ago. Well done, partner!
Just sane>>> :^) Saint

[AlienWacker]

24:35 NO NO NO! Don't let the SPRING ROLL AWAY!!!! 😮
Love the video sir. Thank you for your time, and looking forward to the next 2 vids... You're my savior...

[hectormartin]

Thanks for the video without your video i would not have managed to built it its very much appreciated

[MadMikeAU]

Awesome video. Helped me to get my unit built. The instructions that came with it were as bad as they were tiny (I mean, they had me building the frame first). It was a bit of a head scratcher as it is different to yours: T-shaped uprights instead of dog legs, and the x-motor is on the left. Thankfully the cables a long enough so it doesn't matter.

[chilo]

You legend. Built my CNC Pro using your video. Thank you so much!

[naturewatcher]

Thanks to your excellent instructions the assembly now looks doable to me. Waiting for my machine now and feeling confident enough, that I can assemble it. Thank you.

[peterbossy]

Thanks a lot. It was a pleasure to follow your tutorial. After 2h the assembling was done, even with a design change in the kit. You made my day.

[maryannecantwell]

10/10 no better way to say it! Only thing I would ask is some close-up shots of small things such as nut direction. Could not have built this without this video and it made it a breeze! I will be linking this video to my amazon review it is THE BEST