3020 CNC Router Converted to Arduino / gShield, GRBL. Universal Gcode Sender

In this video I'm going to swap out the controller for a 3020 CNC Router and convert it to Arduino / gShield. I run a test on it using an engraving Toolpath created in Fusion 360. The Toolpath is not very optimized.

[@romanroad483]

For my conversion I mounted an Arduino nano, running GRBL, onto a pcb with a parallel "d" connector and plugged it into the d socket at the back of the control box. Simple cheap solution as it uses the stepper drivers etc. in the control box and requires no mods to the control box.

[@madebynathandotcom]

Hi @romanroad483, would you be able to share some more details about how this works? I'm planning to pick up a used 3020 CNC Router and would like to know more about the firmware that you're running on the Arduino nano. What protocol does it use to communicate via the "d" connector? Is it something that you had to reverse engineer? Would be grateful for any tips or links you could share, cheers!

[@MrZikiBe]

Thank you for this video. Can you share your mounting plate design?

[@generalreject]

Awesome video. Thank you!

[@mezzyano5999]

Can you help me plz i have same machine i can’t run it

[@madebynathandotcom]

Thanks so much for posting this detailed video! I have also found a second-hand 3020 CNC Router in New Zealand, and I'm going to follow all of the same steps. This will be a lot easier than I expected! I was worried about the proprietary software and would prefer to use LinuxCNC or cncjs, so I was about to give up on this and get a much more expensive desktop CNC mill, but they cost thousands of dollars. I'm able to pick up this used one for about $400, plus the arduino and gshield. I also have a 3D printer so I can print a new mounting plate as well. Your video has probably saved me thousands of dollars, so thanks a lot!

[@jigsey.]

Hi great video.. I have a bigger version of that cnc the 6040 and it uses nema23 motors.. I have been wanting to change the board to gerbil... Could this board also work

[@WilliamFrawley]

It will work but if it heats up too much you might want to add a cooling fan

[@jigsey.]

@@WilliamFrawley thank you Jay.. You have a new sub..

[@hootey66]

I want to convert my chinese 3040 cnc router to Arduano and Grbl. Could you advise me on what two boards I need to purchase.

[@WilliamFrawley]

There are probably several different boards you could use. The two I used are: Arduino Uno Microcontroller (approx. $23) with a gShield V5 from Synthetos (approx. $50)

[@hootey66]

@@WilliamFrawley Thank You will try.