I have a 3018 pro cnc and bought to to learn the software. Best purchase ever. I use BobCad software to make my CAD drawings and the Candle for my CAM to run the cnc. My cnc is all solid aluminum frame with stops on all 3 axis. I highly recommend these machines to learn cnc programming and if used within the limits of the machine these units will last a very long time.
I got a really good deal on the Version 1 a few weeks ago. I bought the upgraded spindle motor, Y-axis extension kit and the extended bed kit. I've only cut a few things out with mine. When I installed the Y-axis kit I spaced out the lead screw and motor about 10mm and it allowed me to put a knob on the end of the Y-axis.
Thinking about getting one of these but, I would want to put the 300 watt spindle on it. Looked on Sainsmarts site but couldn't find this answer. Will the motor "mount" accept a 52mm diameter spindle. It looks like there is a sleeve on the stock motor that could make it to fit a 52mm diameter hole. Any chance you could measure the OD of that spacer to see if it is 52mm diameter? Would appreciate it. TIA
V1 uses an 8 bit control board. V2 uses a 32 bit control board. Both use 8 bit grbl but the 32 can do more. Found this as mine is a year 2020 Master Jiang CNC 3018 MAX that has a first gen 1.1 grbl control board but I want an emergency stop. Still tossed between the improved 1.1 and the twice the price 32 bit board. I chose my CNC for the all aluminum build with built in 52mm spindle mount.
Thanks for the review. I received the V1.3 for Christmas. Is it worth $80 more to get V2 instead? (I look at the table change to be a negative too.) I want a laser head. You mentioned something about fixed vs manual focus. I'm new to this so could you elaborate on this? Can the newer laser be applied to V1.3? I also notice a 10w laser. Is this compatible with V2 and V1.3? Also, does laser require air assist? - Thanks
If you already have the V1.3, I don't think spending the extra really gets you much "extra". The newer laser heads might now be fixed focus and will fit on either model. I haven't looked into them since I have several larger format lasers. Air assist is mostly used with cutting operations and is not required, but does reduce scorching and increase cut speed slightly.
I have a 3018 pro cnc and bought to to learn the software. Best purchase ever. I use BobCad software to make my CAD drawings and the Candle for my CAM to run the cnc. My cnc is all solid aluminum frame with stops on all 3 axis. I highly recommend these machines to learn cnc programming and if used within the limits of the machine these units will last a very long time.
Great video, thanks for taking the time to post the differences between the two!
I got a really good deal on the Version 1 a few weeks ago. I bought the upgraded spindle motor, Y-axis extension kit and the extended bed kit. I've only cut a few things out with mine. When I installed the Y-axis kit I spaced out the lead screw and motor about 10mm and it allowed me to put a knob on the end of the Y-axis.
Great review. Thanks.
Thank you
I need a cnc with about 4in up and down travel. Any suggestions?
Thinking about getting one of these but, I would want to put the 300 watt spindle on it. Looked on Sainsmarts site but couldn't find this answer. Will the motor "mount" accept a 52mm diameter spindle. It looks like there is a sleeve on the stock motor that could make it to fit a 52mm diameter hole. Any chance you could measure the OD of that spacer to see if it is 52mm diameter? Would appreciate it. TIA
44mm. You need a custom mount for a 52mm. The sleeve on the stock motor is not removable.
@@rogersshop Thanks much.
There is an aluminum Z axis that is a direct fit to the brushless 300w and it’s way more ridged
V1 uses an 8 bit control board. V2 uses a 32 bit control board. Both use 8 bit grbl but the 32 can do more. Found this as mine is a year 2020 Master Jiang CNC 3018 MAX that has a first gen 1.1 grbl control board but I want an emergency stop. Still tossed between the improved 1.1 and the twice the price 32 bit board. I chose my CNC for the all aluminum build with built in 52mm spindle mount.
Very useful, thanks! Just a quick Q - does the V1 Laser fit the V2? SainSmart cannot answer that at present! Thanks again!
Should. Mounts are identical.
Thanks for the review. I received the V1.3 for Christmas. Is it worth $80 more to get V2 instead? (I look at the table change to be a negative too.)
I want a laser head. You mentioned something about fixed vs manual focus. I'm new to this so could you elaborate on this? Can the newer laser be applied to V1.3? I also notice a 10w laser. Is this compatible with V2 and V1.3?
Also, does laser require air assist?
- Thanks
If you already have the V1.3, I don't think spending the extra really gets you much "extra".
The newer laser heads might now be fixed focus and will fit on either model. I haven't looked into them since I have several larger format lasers. Air assist is mostly used with cutting operations and is not required, but does reduce scorching and increase cut speed slightly.
Mpg manual pulse generator.
Or handwheel, handcontrol etc.
Stupid move on their part for the bed. Seems like the original would be much more flexible and doesn't have the Z-axis issue.