CNC router for $200 - Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro review and tutorial
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2019
- 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.
UPDATE: I have a follow up video upgrading this machine. • Genmitsu 3018 CNC upgr...
Purchase the Genmitsu 3018 CNC router:
Amazon (machine): amzn.to/2LANGFQ
Amazon (offline controller): amzn.to/2XINLOq
Amazon (laser add on, untested by me): amzn.to/2xqTIAv
If you can’t get shipping from Amazon, you can buy it direct from Sainsmart (unfortunately more expensive): www.sainsmart.com/collections...
3018 Pro wiki: wiki.sainsmart.com/index.php/1...
Carbide Create: carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/
Pic to SVG converter: picsvg.com/
Kiri:Moto: grid.space/kiri
Lithophane creator: 3dp.rocks/lithophane/
Easel Inventables: easel.inventables.com/
Tinkercad: www.tinkercad.com/
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#3018pro #cncrouter #review
UPDATE: I have a follow up video upgrading this machine. ua-cam.com/video/Q4TrzshXV10/v-deo.html
Amazing, I was just going to head over to the discourse to see if you'd replaced/upgraded this. Lovely timing.
The control software is excellent. It is similar to kind of softwate you'd get in commercial CNC machines.
it is not possible to have an unhealthy obsession with Chuck Norris. Did you know that Chuck Norris's tears cure cancer... too bad he never cries
Condolences on your loss. And thank you for the great video.
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 . :)
Do you have a link of your cnc6040?
Thts cool I'm glad u finally got the nudge to start!!!!!!!!
Really cool to hear this man
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.
Thanks so much for this! I've been looking for one of these a price that doesn't worry me to get into and it looks like you found it for me.
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
Hello Michael, Thank you for the great video! I have been looking at getting one of those CNCs.
Sorry for your family's loss!
The video was very informative thank you very much and my condolences to the loss in the family.
That was really good. I’d love too see more projects with this machine in the future. Thank you!! 🇦🇺🤜🏼🤛🏼🍀
Thank you so much for your videos, your details help a lot of newbies like me!! Sorry for your loss.
Wow, answered so many questions I had. Great vid!
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.
We live in such a cool time...endless opportunity to bring ideas to life!
Thank you, great information
I wanted to buy something similar for initial learning before going for open builds, big CNC
I watched this video last week , and because of it.....I 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.
:)
Thank you for the video and your review. I've been thinking about purchasing the 3018 Pro, and this helps. Sorry for your loss of Webber. I recently had to say goodbye to my lab as well. They were the same age.
amazing video !!! spent 2 days looking for software to create Gcode and you made it sooooo very easy. thanks
Superb video. I just purchased a 3018 Pro and look forward to putting to use your excellent content as I learn to use it.
Excellent video. I have never worked on CNC before but I was able to follow along and understand (I think) everything.
Great review, thanks. Sorry for your loss
Thank you for sharing this information , I hope will see more use on your channel.
That thing looks very interesting. Awesome video. Thank you. You have my condolence for your loss. Feels like a family member dies too early.
Very interesting video. Well done. I'm very sorry for you loss. It's heartbreaking for sure.
I would like to see a follow up video on the laser engraving part of this CNC machine.
Love my lab mix, Baxter. Labs are the bomb! I'm sorry for your loss. Great video!
Hi Michael. Sorry for your loss. All the best for you and the family. Nice review. I think this CNC router will still fit in my mancave ;-)
Thank you so much for this, been looking into Cnc machines to make the trophies for a contest and I run and this one looks perfect
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.
Thanks for the great review, I am going to get one and want to see what options I might have to turn this into a dual function machine and make it both a CNC and a laser engraver/cutter tool.
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.
That person has significant psychological issues which in itself wouldn't be the end of the world but he also happens to be more than a bit of a dick, and that's a tragic combination, unlikeable. What really annoys me about his piteous whining is the fact that its a thin veneer for what is simply ugly base envy. He envies Michaels channel success and has the gall to attribute it to the theft of his ideas, that is absurd but the real wrongness of it is that it seeks to diminish the credit Michael is actually due, of working bloody hard at making his channel succesful by producing quality content, a lot of quality content, hard work. Work which that inane lightweight wants to put his feeble stamp on, to ironically try to steal credit for, he wants to try to ring-fence a submission to the public good for himself and claim ownership. The entire conception of sharing, open-source and discourse are totally lost on him, he's too thick, it's all about him. This channel (Michael) produces and puts out vastly more and better researched content, that's why this channel is doing well, he does the damn work and..key ingredient, he listens to his audience.
Great video like always, Sorry for the loss of your buddy Webber.
Oh sad, Love goes out to Webber, sorry for your loss. I hope you get a new pup and show it a great life =)
$200 CNC, very interesting, glad I stumbled onto this vid, nice work!
R.I.P Webber - My condolences go out to you :(
Just got this model for X-mas, excited to find this detailed review/instructions.
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.
My condolences on your loss. I came here looking to get some CNC info, and left mourning a beloved companion.
Thank you, this video, like all of yours, has been very instructional and helpful. Definitely helped me make my decision on a CNC Router.
Excellent and very exhaustive video! Congratulations!!
RIP Webber, Thank you for all of the awesome content and valuable information!
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.
Sorry for the loss of your four footed friend. The video was very helpful, thanks
Thank you for the great videos you have helped me a lot....So sorry for the loss of Webber.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my buddy Dugan (Black Lab as well) after 16 years of growing up together. Couldn't ask for a better friend. I'm sure he is showing Webber all of his favorite spots up there!!!
thank you so much for this video, explain exactly what i want to know about the machine things related with aluminum,, muchas gracias, bendiciones
Sincere condolences :( Hope you're doing well now.
Great video. I was thinking about getting a laser cutter machine, yet... considering pros and cons, a classic CNC router like this one will perfectly do the job for me.
Very detailed video, I appreciate it a lot !
Great job on this video. It was very detailed and honest. Looks like im going to have to like and sub. Thanks man!
Just came to this channel. Interesting content and then I see a corolla so now I have to subscribe. I am a cnc machinist and have an ae86.
Thank you for taking your time with this. I got one of these as a birthday present and am having a bugger of a time with the software. Going to try the ones you used. Any chance of a more in-depth analysis of the software? Sorry about the pup. Always hurts when they leave us.
Sainsmart has some great documentation
Wonderful piece. Keep up the good work..
explained very well. I am sold.
Thanks for the video, I needed something primarily to automate drilling PCBs, my cnc arrived today (same thing, different branding) took an hour to assemble and works very well.
Sorry about your dog, I have an aged companion (Gerty Firedog), I'll be lost when she goes.
Awesome! Been thinking about making custom brackets for mounting the speedometer and non-structural items to motorcycle.
Great video, could you also do a video on different router bits and when to use them?
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.
Im glad someone did a good review. I see these people so it wrong..then say the machines to blame. I grabbed one of these. My friends a machinist and hes making me a base for a better one. This machine as you said is great for practice.
Great video. Very informative. Big thanks!
Nice review
Thanks for sharing👍😀
Been lurking on your channel for a while but had to comment on this video. As an avid dog lover I feel your loss and hope you and yours are coping well. Webber was a handsome boy and obviously well loved.
This machine totally seems worth it! Thanks for your review. I'm sure you bud Webber is running around in doggie heaven somewhere grateful for such a loving owner
If it costs 200 dollars stay away from it.
@@Yatukih_001 Why? Because it can't mill steel? Or takes 10 times longer to get through the same amount of Aluminium than a professional CNC? Or because it's not accurate by a long shot? Not everyone has the same use cases. Small decorative work on wood or plastic, or especially that PCB carving for which you don't need a big area, when you're not pressed for time and are willing to put in considerable cleanup effort in post seems to be fine.
If the choice is "get started with some carving for 200$ and accept it won't be the best work" or "don't get into CNCing at all because you can't afford to spend 2000$ right now", I think it's obvious. Though it's also important to understand that this is not something that will improve your business. This is a hobby machine, and priced as one. And probably, just like 3d-printers in that price range, you'll spend more time working on your CNC than the CNC producing products for you 😂
If I saw only the price tag I would agree with you, but here we have an experienced Maker and teacher (whose reputation depends on providing good information) showing us exactly the quality we can expect from it, and that even he doesn't get it right the first time, so some fiddling will have to be expected.
@@sourcererseven3858 Yes that's exactly why.
Idk why this popped up in my recommended but glad it did. I am a aerospace machinist but want a desktop little thing for at home.
Fantastic video. I'm giving one of these a try. I found one on AliExpress with an all-aluminum frame. So sorry about Webber's passing. He looks like he was an amazing pupper.
Fusion360 is phenomenal cad/cam FREE software. I use it daily, rarely using my very expensive solid works/ powermill seats unless I’m programming 4/5 axis machining. Machine seems cool for the price. I hope no one expects to machine aluminum with any sort of accuracy/ surface finish with a machine like this, just not rigid enough to handle metal. I’ll buy one to do some cool wood plaques land to fuck around with!
Also, superglue and bluetape makes for great solid work holding, without the need for clamps taking up work envelope, so you can do full machining around all areas off a wasteboard.
The tool paths in g-code are made for specific tools. The engraving bits you are using are good for engraving but to cut the example 3d relief, you need other bits. Unless there are notes in the g-code telling you which bits it's using it's mighty hard to tell. It is probably something like a small ball nose end mill to get the detailed carving. Larger square nose end mills are often used to rough out a lot of material before carving the detail.
I'm sorry to see you've lost Webber. I know he was a good dog and well taken care of while in your care. Be blessed my friend.
Sorry about your dog mate! Thanks for a great video, calm voice in a perfect pace without any of the "youtuberisms" that plagues some content here on YT. No interfering background music is also what I like in this category of content. That you also have an Aussie accent makes my decision easy - SUBSCRIBE :)
Best regards from Sweden, hope your loss of Webber hasn't prevented you to get a new friend. We have had lots of dogs over the years, all with their own personality. Now 4 Great Danes makes our life better (with less space inside...). I'm gonna watch through all your videos as "extra material" just starting a CNC course to start my new work-life career.
Best video of this machine on the internet! I just purchased this cnc machine and wanted to know how to convert .stl to cnc gcode as well as its capabilities in cutting aluminum. You answered every question I had perfectly. Thanks so much for doing this video!
How is it holding up to aluminum
@@ogtwo6626 Funny you should ask. I ordered one about a year ago and its still in the box 😅. I ended up pushing off the ptoject I wanted to cnc aluminum for. Its still on the backlog to do eventually. We'll see then.
@@SECTOR07 all goodan I was just looking into it seeing if it could be upgraded
More CNC router vids please
Cool stuff I enjoyed watching definitely want to get one to play around with ! Take care! Peace ☮️ from Welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
This is amazing! I was going to build a Dremel CNC machine (actually already started printing out the parts) but now I see no need. This is going to be cheaper and as far as I can see be just as good.
same here lol
Dremel anything sucks
Great video I just purchased this sainsmart sain smart cnc router Had trouble getting started. your suggestions on software made it all happen. really enjoying this machine now. they should attach your video to there web sight or put you on there cd. thank you
This was just what I needed!
Did you get this machine? Is it worth it?
Very good. With a machine like that, it's worth scaling back the complexity of the image to achieve good quality.
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
Cool vid, very informative indeed....sorry to hear about your best bud....I have a pit-lab Carl, he's getting to about 10 years now n I dread the day because they become a part of you as they are ALWAYS there n then not......take care man
14:44....... Please create a bund (leeway) using modelling clay to retain any type of cooling/lubricating fluid ! Thanks for the detailed video.
I had the same issue with a similar CNC where it stopped half way. This happened every time I got out of my chair. It was caused by static discharge which caused a fatal usb disconnect / lockup on the CNC controller board. The solution is to loop the usb wire through a (clip on) ferrite choke near the end that connects the CNC. Never had that issue since.
Maybe adding a ground wire to the chassis ie connecting the USB case to the chassis would help too.
Aww man! Webber looked like a real sweetheart! I had my ratbag named Samuel for 13+ years, and as me was a mongrel, I was not expecting him to have kidney failure that young. Feed your dogs some raw meat and lightly cooked fish, veg and rice as part of their regular diet people!
The CNC looks interesting enough, I think I'll grab one. Ironic because I set and run commercial CNC mills every day.
Couple this with Mathias Wandel's gear cutting program and you would have great fun making interesting things.
Getting a small, cheap CNC before throwing serious cash at a large machine is very sensible. I bought one of the Gearbest T8 machines (nowhere near as well sorted as this unit) and it was just perfect for learning how to drive the software, learn to write a little gcode and generally operate a CNC before throwing £1500 into a WorkBee.
BTW - for machining plastic parts I built a water tray so that the job was done completely under about 2mm of water. Made a big difference to the finish and no sign of melting even when cutting HIPs sheet which has a fairly low melting point.
Love the content man!!
We love you Webber!
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.
I read a letter to the editor in Marvin Shanken's Cigar magazine from a reader who criticized the magazine for always doing reviews and stories on high end products and lifestyles. Shanken responded by saying people enjoy reading about things they won't or never will experience, especially from people who are enjoying themselves in a non flaunting manner.
I have to agree, I would like to see higher end stuff from people that make use of those items and can give a critical assessment.
Sorry for your loss, RIP Webber, It's not easy losing a companion...my condolences.
I have 2 variations of the one you have. They are very cool worth the money. For the most part I make lithophans on them and they come out great
I know you'll upgrade this machine cause it's what you do. I recommend setting it up up with a probe
Terrific video, thank you!
Sorry for your loss man, RIP Webber.
Thanks for the excellent video, I just bought one now I have some idea about what to do. I need to cut carbon fibre sheet but first I need learn the basics.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Webber. Great review Michael. The last shot shows you on a disability scooter, I did not know you had mobility issues, I'm stunned at everything you achieve.
Thanks Spike. I should clarify, no mobility issues, it was a project on this channel.
@@TeachingTech Ah sorry. I thought I'd seen you on it before, but wasn't certain. Will look back. Glad your fit and well 👍
300mm x 180mm equates to 11.8" x 7" … not very large … however, one gets what they pay for … and, at $200 … nobody should complain.
your review 'n tutorial were spot-on and invaluable, *michael* … you touched on a lot of content. i speculate this product would be only a stepping stone for the hobbyist who wishes to become indoctrinated within the world of cnc machining. notably, the absence of multiple prerequisite software is particularly disconcerting … appreciated you sharing websites for the free software. once the newbie has gotten their feet wet … they might invest in something larger and with more accessibility 'n functionality.
btw … reflections going out to your companion *webber* … r.i.p.
Really educational. God bless man
For 200 bucks you can't beat it as a hobby grade cnc, I'll take deburring all the parts and making my own steal brackets. As an experienced machinist, I'll be using it to learn cnc programming from a cad/cam perspective.
Great video. I really appreciate the clarity and concise explanations. (Are you in a wheelchair? I am, and I had a wonderful dog, Whiskey, who used to pull me around. An amazing animal who is also sadly missed and irreplaceable. I feel your pain).
to hold yourself doing a few video on your other CNC machine, even though not as affordable, there is still something to learn.
Peace and healing unto you for your loss this year. I said goodbye to my friend Jujube who came into our family the Fall of 2001, a year and a half ago. ...Truly family members. :)
I have it. Not too hard to assemble and use. I like it.
Would you try something? Put the bolt in the plate with the head on the bed!
Adjust the height to close to where you need it,
tighten the wingnuts to about level and this should spread out the load under the head of the bolts.
I would even use the green plastic to protect the aluminum bed from being damaged.
You may consider 3D printing a plate the bolt pressed into.
If you need it tighter loosen the wing nut adjust the height and tighten the wingnuts.
Good luck, keep posting.
Lee
I ran into one major issue with this machine. If the spindle draws more amps because of a tough piece of wood (say a knot) the amp draw can cause the USB to disconnect (and ruin your project). Its likely due to the CPU doing a brown out from the amp draw. Quite a number of posts around the net regarding it. It is an easy fix with a dedicated power supply and a mosfet or even just a simple manual control on the spindle. That fixed mine despite Sainsmart shipping me a replacement power supply (which did not resolve the issue). I have also run into vibration issues with the machine and the bearings popping lose when machining aluminium. Overall I agree this is a good starter machine but there are some fundamental issues with it that will take some troubleshooting and require some more advanced maker skills. As always thanks so much for the video, love your content.
the guide rails on this machine would be suitable for an inkjet printer. If you really want to use this to cut harder materials you need supported guide rails. Something like Hiwin bearing blocks. Plus some kind of framework to attach the rails to, of course. That spindle is a bit how you doing too. There's no cheap easy solution there that I am aware of. A 2.2kW water cooled spindle might be nice.
I had similar issues with an other CNC router losing it’s connection with the pc and just stopping. It happens when you stand up from your chair and build up a static charge. Solution is to loop the usb cable through a clip on ferrite choke near the side of the machine. Never have had this issue again.
Great video. It would be great if you use the omio as well and do some projects on it but i understand why you dont want to.