When you connect the CNC 3018 to USB, you have to unplug the "offline controller" hand held thing before it will communicate properly. Great video, thank you!!
I just got into CNC and 3D printing, I had no idea I could use fusion 360 for cnc also. Thank you very much my friend for this very complete instructional video. You saved me and I’m sure a lot of others a lot of frustration. 🤙
I was in the same shoes 2 years ago and I understand how hard it's to get the first cut done. Once that is done, the next one will be a lot easier. I'm very glad that the video is well received for most of community.
You are a superstar, that G28 that Fusion puts in cost me a day. Then I remembered you said something about it and now all is well and working. Thank you you 👍😊😊😊😊
Thank you my friend. I was a beginner 2 years ago so I totally understand. Now I'm just a long time beginner, lol!!! But you can actually make great things with this machine.
The G28 section explains the random issues I've been seeing, thanks for explaining and providing a workaround. Also connecting the z-probe to the spindle motor casing is genius, no more flailing wires when accidentally starting the job when clipped to the drill bit.
Thank you for being patient and watching through the video. I also experienced the G28 code the hard way, cut through my models a few times before I found out what it was.
after seeing some videos that Stepcraft recommends using Proxxon IBS/E spindle for beginners, I 3d printed a holder and upgraded my 3018 cnc with a Proxxon. Now I can cut faster and more clean with 20k rpm.
Being creative and doing things differently is key. Cutting wood at 20k rpm definitely make the edges smoother. But you will need coolant to cut aluminum, high speed will make the chips thin and melt.
Almost 10K views! Your post got momentum! Congrats! It gives a complete "big picture" of what a CNC even the cheap ones, is about. The Fusion360 section is perfect.
No time has been lost, I'm sure all other videos helped you in some way. The length of this video is intimidating but I tried to give as many details as possible. I hope that it helped you to get on the right footstep using this machine.
Great video Minh! I saved this to my list of learning videos. I just received my 3018 pro (same model as yours)and assembled it only using the 'not so great' manual and it seems to be solid and works well. I appreciate your effort to help others to figure this little tool with big possibilities out. I will use this video to work my way through basic operation and further setup. 👍
Yes, the possibilities are endless once you get used to setting up the CAM process. I think that's the part that put many people off from using a milling machine and that's why I tried to give as many details as possible. I'm sure you and many others will be able to make amazing things with this machine in no time.
Thank you for this video. I have had my eyes opened so I can learn this machine. You are very good at teaching. Again Thank you and I wil be following your channel with great happiness.
Thanks very much for thios video ( and the others you have done). This ties it all together very well. It is a great help to get me started with fusion and the 3018.
Excellent video covers everything you need to do once the CNC box arrives until you get finished parts. I didn't realize how well the CAM software works with the tool
great video, i have watched other videos on getting started but yours explains it in better detail, thank you for taking your time to explain everything to detail
This is an awesome video, I will download this video to my PC, and review the settings step by step by slow motion ♥️👍 eventhough I have seen this video before, but it's easier for having this video handy. I have done the project in Cad, than brought it to Fusion 360, I had to resale the drawing because the dxf file loose the size, anyway I brought it to Candle and gave the origin to a corner of the project in Candel software, but the -Z was axis was still too deep I gave just 1mm to be engraved in to the board, machine was digging deeply in to the board, so I scared my machine get damaged, I turned all off 🤔 well I noticed I installed the motor in Z axis too low, I loosened the screws and pulled the motor little more up and tightened, I'm happy now, the engraving is perfect now. All thanks to you, your videos are awesome. 😊🙏🙏🙏
Not sure how you chose your origin in fusion 360 and how you zeroed the Z axis in candle. If you don't have the touch probe, move the tip of the bit down till it touch the surface of the stock then click on zero z axis button.
In Fusion 360 I chose the corner upper point of the stock, and chose my project to be cut to Negative 2.6 mm witch is the thiknis of stock, thanks so much, looks I'm getting close, I will adjust the tool in Z axis per your instructions by placing an aluminum slice, wired to main board to pins on A5 by my next try. Eventhough I haven't finished my first probe, but looks like I'm getting closer. All thanks to your wonderful video uploads. I bet you the entire world are using your awesome instructions and happy for having you on the web. ♥️🙏
Well... I built the tool with "L" shape aluminum attached per wires to both Arduino pins A5, placed it how you did, moved down the tool until touched and stopped, placed my project to be engraved jus 1mm, unfortunately it's same problem as before, tool wanted to dril much deeper than my desire 1mm into the stock, quickly I shot down the machine. Still no success 😌
@@FlightSim2703 Take a look at this video and try to see if your axis are well calibrated, especially the Z axis in your case: ua-cam.com/video/_lKo0N0f5FM/v-deo.html
@@minhsmancave9448 haven't tested this yet, because when I engraved the "iphone" code, which came with machine was done well I thought the Machine calibration should be okay. Thanks so much , yes I will try this measurements to be sure.👍
This video has answered all the questions i have been searching for over the last two weeks i have owned a 3018. my only complaint is all to fast to make notes
It is better to put the clamping support screws head upside down to avoid damaging (scratching) the table. The surface of the support screw head can be sanded smooth.
This video helped me tremendously in using my (non-pro) 3018 with Fusion 360. Thank you! I already had some experience with Fusion for 3D Printing, but for a total CNC newbie like me, the CAM part is quite a different beast. With my design, I ended up with a lot of unnecessary retracts and helical ramp-downs, even with Stay-Down Level set to "Most" and 100mm of maximum stay-down time. But I read that this can happen in designs with a lot of fine details, which my design has. That said, I'm curious whether you have any hints to reduce the number of unnecessary retracts in Fusion's toolpaths. I found the older version of this video first, but fortunately found this version because you linked to it in the comments. I think if you also put the link at the top of the description of the old video, this newer video will get more views.
Yes, there are a few things you can do to reduce retractions and helical ramps. For example, if you are using 3D Adaptive clearing tool path, in passes tab, check "Order by Area". Then, in Linking tab, increase the ramp angle maybe to 5 or 7 degrees, ramp clearance height, reduce it also, may be to 1mm or less. Hopefully that will help. Thank you for your suggestion, I'll change the title of the old video to suggest people to look for the new one.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you very much, this is very helpful! I will try your suggestions. Please do not change the title of the old video to something discouraging -- it still gets recommended a lot while the new video is not -- and it would be a shame if people would not click on the one that currently shows up for them and not find either version of these two videos. I meant to suggest to just put something like "Updated video here: " at the top of the old video's description, so they'll find it quicker. Thank you again, your videos are very useful to many!
Great Video, i just got my 3018 cnc/pro Today. its still in the box. its my first CNC. that Fusion 360 looks really complicated. i will have to look for an alternative. (if there is). Thank You for taking us thru the assembly process and the working side of it as well. cant' wait to get started.
CAM software is more personal preference. There are many to choose from. It also depends on what you wanted to do. 2d engraving (fixed depth) or 2.5D. The hardest part will be to get the first cut done correctly. Once you've done that, everything else is only deviation from that. My advice is to be patient, take thing slow going step by step.
Great video! Explained it all very detailed. I tried to update my grbl, but it didn't work with the Arduino nano selected. Instead I used Arduino Uno and AVR ISP mk II and it worked perfectly. Thnx for the help!
Hi Minh how are you? Great job with video I thank you a lot. I usually follow Roger Webb for CNC but you did an amazing job with this video!! And many thanks 😊😊
This is unbelievably comprehensive and so very well done. I got my 3018 last week and have been intimidated to get started. This was a perfect demonstration to help me. I'll definitely get my first project done this weekend. I would have liked a bit more on the Lightburn tutorial but I can find that elsewhere. One question, how powerful was the laser that you used in this example?
@@minhsmancave9448 As this is an intro for me, engraving will be just fine. I think the biggest challenge for me will be getting comfortable with fusion360. I'm working with an eps of my logo and hope to be able to work up to engraving it in short order. Thanks again.
@@neilpuck If you find fusion 360 is not easy to get used to because of it's 3D nature, try Easel from Inventables. It's a web based software for 2.5D milling, also free for hobbyist, very good with texts and logos. You can find plenty of tutorial about that software and also lightburn (not free, but cheap and very good) on youtube.
Thank this is so nicely explained i am battlingalong with no help but now i find this and will definitely use it and save it got future ref thanks again for this
Hi! Greetings from the Philippines! I recently bought the 3018 promax cnc. I also bought the y-axis upgrade kit. Question: Can i extend the length of the x-axis by changing all the x-axis parts, say 800mm up to one meter using the same all stock electronic controls?
what if after I installed the driver does not show . I checked going to my PC->Properties -> Device manager-> ports- > Does not show the CH-340 , what am i doing wrong?
I bought a 3018, assembled it an it comes on, etc… I have no idea what to do now to make a simple engraved name and date. I need simple, basic beginner’s operating instructions. Help please!
Very good video, i'm about to try to print from the offline controller. Do you know how I program the start point. Do i just set the machine where i want it to start from the press start?
Hi :D did you check how accurate the machine is? if you cut square 10mm x 10mm will it be spot on ? I have simmilar machine but when i'm trying to cut 10x10 it comes closer to 9.5.
Think I just bricked the hand controller. Loaded file on the sim card called UBANTU~1.NC and now loading something which has been 3 hrs and is only 9%.
I've never gone that far to check, but it's very possible since the 775 motor (spindle for 3018) is not a very advanced type of motor. The speed surely can vary a lot from the specs. 8000 RPM is not bad at all, and you will use the machine at the max speed most of the time anyway. With this type of motor, slower speed meaning small torque too.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thaks Minh, if you still need someoe to p[ractice your Engliosh with i can still help, you asked a couple of years ago but then covid happend :/
Thanks for the well explained video. I am a newbie. I purchased a 3018 pro and followed your demo exactly as you explained many times (Fusion 360 & Candle), each time the CNC cut size is reduced to approximately 1/3 of the original size. Please HELP, what I am doing wrong?
Make sure all the unit was set the same in all software: Fusion 360 and Candle. It also might due to the step per millimeter was not set corractly in the firmware of your controller board. You can try this video to check: ua-cam.com/video/_lKo0N0f5FM/v-deo.html
What can I do if the driver wont install? It says successfully pre-installed, but then there is no driver in the device manager. Trying to uninstall says there is no device. My thumb drive came with ch341. Board name is annoy tools... it is annoying 😑👊 lol. Jog controller says ubuntu, but has no program file so it's a blank sheet icon. Thanks in advance for any tips 💜
Thank you so much, I just got a CNC for Christmas I was fallowing your tutorial for Fusion 360 and when It came to the point to make the part It was then that I realized my Z axis is the front and not the top so none of my tool Paths would work out . I have looked for a way to change the orientation of the UCS so that the Z axis is up and down but so far I haven't been able to figure it out . have you or anyone else ran into this problem? I don't think I changed anything in the settings.
@@johncollinson1061 Thanks John , I was talking about the z Axis within the fusion 360 program , not on the CNC , but thank you for the reply . I have since figured out how to make the z Axis up and down in fusion 360.
thanks a lot for this video > i hope you will be fine ::) i buy a 3018 CNC its moves well , but i have a problem with the connect with candle software (port opend ) after select the (com of the usb num) ,please help me , thanks
It might be the firmware version on your controller board is too old compared to Candle version. You can try to upgrade the firmware as I showed at the end of the video
Amazing stuff! Just a suggestion, can you add time stamps to the video for e.g. if I want to watch the bit on "Export to Gcode files" I can just go to a certain time and review that bit.
Hi, Just want to ask that, i am having the problem of the software is keep connect and disconnected on its own frequently, can what know what is the problem causing?
@@minhsmancave9448 hi, thanks for the replied, just checked the problem for awhile and it is the USB cable problem, right now another problem is the motor is not running, as it just got some knocking sound at the beginning but its not moving at all.
Try the motor directly with 12v and see if it run normally. If not, it might be controller board. I cannot really tell if I don't have the machine to check
You should try to turn the leadscrews by hand to see if you can move the axis. If it's hard to turn by hand the it's probably too hard for these small stepper motors. Check if all the rails and leadscrew on each axis are paralleled to each other. Try to disengage the stepper motor from the leadscrew and see if it still run correctly. If not, you might need to change that stepper motor. Sometimes, it also can be that the feed rate or the acceleration settings are to fast for the stepper motors
You can try to make something like this: ua-cam.com/video/PmRQO1XMm-c/v-deo.html or buy this: www.amazon.com/3018Pro-3018pro-M-3018Max-Engraving-Machines/dp/B08YQMVLGW
just bought the CNC 3018 Pro version and it has a constant communication problem, not sure the firmware was correctly installed, so tried to do your GRBL firmware upgrade and it fails every time any suggestions on a good forum to fix this.
I don't really know any forum to help with that but I can try to help you myself. What's the message when the upgrade failed? Few things to make sure is that you have the CH340 driver installed, then when you choose the arduino nano board, remember to choose the old bootloader.
Depending what tool path you are using. If it's adaptive clearing, go fast. If it's 2d contour, go slow, around 800mm per minute. This because 2d contour have more load on the bit compared to 3d contour.
Hello! Can you help me, please? I got my machine. I wanted to use the Easel software but the spindle doesn't want to run? What is the problem? The jog is moving.
In easel, when you export the Gcode, you can choose what type of machine (x carve or Grbl). Make sure to choose grbl because x carve is manual turning on/off spindle
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you for it. Omg. It is solved the problem. I tried many things. And another thing, please. I have just started to use my machine for a day. I will discover it but I don't understand one important thing. I design the form etc. I set up the zero from the corner, and the machine is starting to work not like on the animation for example like at the Christmas tree- up. Instead of it come to a wrong place down towards me, like a reflection. What is the problem? Thank you for it.
You will need to reverse your Y axis. In candle, at the console area (lower right corner), type "$$", look at $3. Tell me what number you have now and I can tell you what number to change to. With the 3018 cnc, when you press arrow button toward you, the bed should move to the back, not toward you (the movement is the spindle compared to the bed), like this, the spindle is moving forward to you. It's a bit confusing for first time user, but if you watch this video, there's a section after assembling of the machine, I explain this problem.
Hello please the 2d contour keep writing safe distance is higher than the feed height .consider reducing the safe distance, otherwise, the feed height will be raised to match the safe distance…. Please how to I fix this ????????
@@minhsmancave9448 thanks , please how can I engrave on acrylic plastic with 2d engraver, because my fusion 360 dose not pop up the cam option for me to engrave
Great video thanks ! Just subscribed. The Jog function on Candle also did not work on my computer like yours in the video (thought it was my computer). Installed older Candle version and works fine and I use that instead. My CNC 3018pro does not have the red handles yours have to move the steppers manually, what are those called for buying ??. Also considering upgrading the motor to the 20.000 rpm at 24v version and the extending the Y axis to 380 mm, all cheap upgrades from Sainsmart, about 90 bucks total.
To install the handwheel, you will need the leadscrew to be long enough (stick out of the bracket). You can always update the firmware of the controller board to use newer version of Candle.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thanks a lot, so it looks like I just need to update the Arduino board firmware. I spent a couple days trying to figure this out until I tried the older Candle (it's my first CNC). Thanks again for the very useful video
For me (on GRBL v1.1f, Candle 1.1.8), jog movements did work before running a job, but not afterwards. When I filled in a value into the feed rate field, it worked.
I hope that you can be patient and follow the instructions in the video. Many people has been successful starting using the machine with things I showed in the video.
If only they would reply back to you when you have questions. You’re pretty much on your own. Unless you’re knowledgeable about the hardware and software which I doubt as it is entry level machines. If you decide to move forward on this do yourself a favor and put it together as soon as you get it. If you’re having support issues return it before the warranty expires. Best of luck
I did too many things to my 3018, both the electrical and mechanical , each upgrade did something good to the machine. But I were to do it again, I would only upgrade the linear rails on the X axis and the spindle. Then all others are additional. Mach3 will improve the user experience with many things you can customize (grbl doesn't let you do much). Upgrading to Mach3 will force you to change stepper motor drivers and why not bigger stepper motors with them? Before building my new CNC machine, nobody recognized my 3018 anymore.
This is the most complete tutorial I have ever seen on the internet! Congratulations
Thank you my friend. Hopefully it helped you to have an easy start with this CNC machine.
with a great pedagogy as well.
I don't comment often (or ever), but this is the most informative video I've seen in years. Many, many thanks!
so true
When you connect the CNC 3018 to USB, you have to unplug the "offline controller" hand held thing before it will communicate properly. Great video, thank you!!
I just got into CNC and 3D printing, I had no idea I could use fusion 360 for cnc also. Thank you very much my friend for this very complete instructional video. You saved me and I’m sure a lot of others a lot of frustration. 🤙
I was in the same shoes 2 years ago and I understand how hard it's to get the first cut done. Once that is done, the next one will be a lot easier. I'm very glad that the video is well received for most of community.
NGL, almost clicked away because I have a hard time understanding. But the best tutorial I have found so far.
You are a superstar, that G28 that Fusion puts in cost me a day. Then I remembered you said something about it and now all is well and working. Thank you you 👍😊😊😊😊
Oh my :O Finally a tutorial actually teaching something without lots "it's easy, do it yourself". It Is Not Easy for a Beginner!!!!
Thank you my friend. I was a beginner 2 years ago so I totally understand. Now I'm just a long time beginner, lol!!! But you can actually make great things with this machine.
The G28 section explains the random issues I've been seeing, thanks for explaining and providing a workaround.
Also connecting the z-probe to the spindle motor casing is genius, no more flailing wires when accidentally starting the job when clipped to the drill bit.
Thank you for being patient and watching through the video. I also experienced the G28 code the hard way, cut through my models a few times before I found out what it was.
This is a very comprehensive video. I wish I watched this one first. good job
I watched so many videos which left me confused. This really helped me. Thank you!
after seeing some videos that Stepcraft recommends using Proxxon IBS/E spindle for beginners, I 3d printed a holder and upgraded my 3018 cnc with a Proxxon. Now I can cut faster and more clean with 20k rpm.
Being creative and doing things differently is key. Cutting wood at 20k rpm definitely make the edges smoother. But you will need coolant to cut aluminum, high speed will make the chips thin and melt.
Almost 10K views! Your post got momentum! Congrats! It gives a complete "big picture" of what a CNC even the cheap ones, is about. The Fusion360 section is perfect.
Thank you for your support my friends. I'm glad that the video actually gave people some basics to get started with their CNC machine.
This helped me so much. Thank you. I’ve watched a bunch of videos trying to figure this out. I wish I found this one first.
No time has been lost, I'm sure all other videos helped you in some way. The length of this video is intimidating but I tried to give as many details as possible. I hope that it helped you to get on the right footstep using this machine.
Great video Minh! I saved this to my list of learning videos. I just received my 3018 pro (same model as yours)and assembled it only using the 'not so great' manual and it seems to be solid and works well. I appreciate your effort to help others to figure this little tool with big possibilities out. I will use this video to work my way through basic operation and further setup. 👍
Yes, the possibilities are endless once you get used to setting up the CAM process. I think that's the part that put many people off from using a milling machine and that's why I tried to give as many details as possible. I'm sure you and many others will be able to make amazing things with this machine in no time.
Thank you for this video. I have had my eyes opened so I can learn this machine. You are very good at teaching. Again Thank you and I wil be following your channel with great happiness.
Thanks very much for thios video ( and the others you have done).
This ties it all together very well.
It is a great help to get me started with fusion and the 3018.
Thank you for the kind words. Getting you started is exactly my goal.
Thank you for the great video. Really appreciate the insights on how to use the CNC mill with Fusion 360.
This is great video! I learned how to do it in ONE video only. Thank you!
Excellent video covers everything you need to do once the CNC box arrives until you get finished parts. I didn't realize how well the CAM software works with the tool
Thank you for watching the video at the right angle. Some people thinks that I covered too many things in one video.
@@minhsmancave9448 I don feel like you covered too much. I save the video so I can re-watch it, this one in my watch later group and Fusion 360 group
Good job, you earned the new machine.
This video is more complete and more details with fusion 360. Hope that it can help you start making things.
@@minhsmancave9448 Yes, thank you. I have started watching it.
Amazing video. I was so lost after I bought my 3018
great video, i have watched other videos on getting started but yours explains it in better detail, thank you for taking your time to explain everything to detail
Very glad to be appreciated. Others might think it's too detailed and didn't have the patience to watch.
@@minhsmancave9448 I'm glad you're detailed thank you
This is an awesome video, I will download this video to my PC, and review the settings step by step by slow motion ♥️👍 eventhough I have seen this video before, but it's easier for having this video handy. I have done the project in Cad, than brought it to Fusion 360, I had to resale the drawing because the dxf file loose the size, anyway I brought it to Candle and gave the origin to a corner of the project in Candel software, but the -Z was axis was still too deep I gave just 1mm to be engraved in to the board, machine was digging deeply in to the board, so I scared my machine get damaged, I turned all off 🤔 well I noticed I installed the motor in Z axis too low, I loosened the screws and pulled the motor little more up and tightened, I'm happy now, the engraving is perfect now. All thanks to you, your videos are awesome. 😊🙏🙏🙏
Not sure how you chose your origin in fusion 360 and how you zeroed the Z axis in candle. If you don't have the touch probe, move the tip of the bit down till it touch the surface of the stock then click on zero z axis button.
In Fusion 360 I chose the corner upper point of the stock, and chose my project to be cut to Negative 2.6 mm witch is the thiknis of stock, thanks so much, looks I'm getting close, I will adjust the tool in Z axis per your instructions by placing an aluminum slice, wired to main board to pins on A5 by my next try. Eventhough I haven't finished my first probe, but looks like I'm getting closer. All thanks to your wonderful video uploads. I bet you the entire world are using your awesome instructions and happy for having you on the web. ♥️🙏
Well... I built the tool with "L" shape aluminum attached per wires to both Arduino pins A5, placed it how you did, moved down the tool until touched and stopped, placed my project to be engraved jus 1mm, unfortunately it's same problem as before, tool wanted to dril much deeper than my desire 1mm into the stock, quickly I shot down the machine. Still no success 😌
@@FlightSim2703 Take a look at this video and try to see if your axis are well calibrated, especially the Z axis in your case: ua-cam.com/video/_lKo0N0f5FM/v-deo.html
@@minhsmancave9448 haven't tested this yet, because when I engraved the "iphone" code, which came with machine was done well I thought the Machine calibration should be okay. Thanks so much , yes I will try this measurements to be sure.👍
This video has answered all the questions i have been searching for over the last two weeks i have owned a 3018. my only complaint is all to fast to make notes
Thanks for the detailed video! I have one of the Pro machines coming soon and this video is very helpful!
It is better to put the clamping support screws head upside down to avoid damaging (scratching) the table. The surface of the support screw head can be sanded smooth.
Harder to adjust the high but yes, less damage to the bed.
Very concise! many many thanks!!
Thank You Very Much For Such A Great Video. Helpful Beyond Anything Else. Really, Much Appreciated.
What a wonderful, detailed, well explained tutorial. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the hard work. Excellent Video, very helpful!
All that really needs to be said is... Thank you.
This video helped me tremendously in using my (non-pro) 3018 with Fusion 360. Thank you! I already had some experience with Fusion for 3D Printing, but for a total CNC newbie like me, the CAM part is quite a different beast.
With my design, I ended up with a lot of unnecessary retracts and helical ramp-downs, even with Stay-Down Level set to "Most" and 100mm of maximum stay-down time. But I read that this can happen in designs with a lot of fine details, which my design has. That said, I'm curious whether you have any hints to reduce the number of unnecessary retracts in Fusion's toolpaths.
I found the older version of this video first, but fortunately found this version because you linked to it in the comments. I think if you also put the link at the top of the description of the old video, this newer video will get more views.
Yes, there are a few things you can do to reduce retractions and helical ramps. For example, if you are using 3D Adaptive clearing tool path, in passes tab, check "Order by Area". Then, in Linking tab, increase the ramp angle maybe to 5 or 7 degrees, ramp clearance height, reduce it also, may be to 1mm or less. Hopefully that will help.
Thank you for your suggestion, I'll change the title of the old video to suggest people to look for the new one.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you very much, this is very helpful! I will try your suggestions. Please do not change the title of the old video to something discouraging -- it still gets recommended a lot while the new video is not -- and it would be a shame if people would not click on the one that currently shows up for them and not find either version of these two videos. I meant to suggest to just put something like "Updated video here: " at the top of the old video's description, so they'll find it quicker. Thank you again, your videos are very useful to many!
I did exactly what you said, lol. We think alike.
Great Video, i just got my 3018 cnc/pro Today. its still in the box. its my first CNC. that Fusion 360 looks really complicated. i will have to look for an alternative. (if there is). Thank You for taking us thru the assembly process and the working side of it as well. cant' wait to get started.
CAM software is more personal preference. There are many to choose from. It also depends on what you wanted to do. 2d engraving (fixed depth) or 2.5D. The hardest part will be to get the first cut done correctly. Once you've done that, everything else is only deviation from that. My advice is to be patient, take thing slow going step by step.
You have definitely earned my subscribe and a like .Thank you !
Great video! Explained it all very detailed. I tried to update my grbl, but it didn't work with the Arduino nano selected. Instead I used Arduino Uno and AVR ISP mk II and it worked perfectly. Thnx for the help!
Excellent updated video, some great advice
Hi Minh how are you? Great job with video I thank you a lot. I usually follow Roger Webb for CNC but you did an amazing job with this video!! And many thanks 😊😊
Thank you my friend. I only summarized how I actually learned to use this type of machine. Luckily, it fits many hobbyists like us.
This was so helpful. Thank you!
This is unbelievably comprehensive and so very well done. I got my 3018 last week and have been intimidated to get started. This was a perfect demonstration to help me. I'll definitely get my first project done this weekend. I would have liked a bit more on the Lightburn tutorial but I can find that elsewhere. One question, how powerful was the laser that you used in this example?
It was a 5.5W laser that came with the kit. not too bad for engraving pictures, but not great for cutting.
@@minhsmancave9448 As this is an intro for me, engraving will be just fine. I think the biggest challenge for me will be getting comfortable with fusion360. I'm working with an eps of my logo and hope to be able to work up to engraving it in short order. Thanks again.
@@neilpuck If you find fusion 360 is not easy to get used to because of it's 3D nature, try Easel from Inventables. It's a web based software for 2.5D milling, also free for hobbyist, very good with texts and logos. You can find plenty of tutorial about that software and also lightburn (not free, but cheap and very good) on youtube.
Thank this is so nicely explained i am battlingalong with no help but now i find this and will definitely use it and save it got future ref thanks again for this
Great video. I would love to get my hands on one of those.
Tuto super bien fait et complet......Merci
De rien! J'espère que ça vous a aidé à démarrer avec cette machine. N'hésitez pas si vous auriez des questions.
Great job explaining. I just bought a very similar machine and look forward to machining on it.
Absolutely informative video Minh. Great job on this and the delivery. I just got mine for Christmas 🎄 and now I know what to do. Thank you.
I'm glad that the video gave you a start. let's make great things for the new year!!!
Amazing. Many thanks!!!
great thank you for the instructions
Hi! Greetings from the Philippines!
I recently bought the 3018 promax cnc. I also bought the y-axis upgrade kit. Question: Can i extend the length of the x-axis by changing all the x-axis parts, say 800mm up to one meter using the same all stock electronic controls?
Where should I put the laser from the surface I engrave?
what if after I installed the driver does not show . I checked going to my PC->Properties -> Device manager-> ports- > Does not show the CH-340 , what am i doing wrong?
Good stuff as usual. I hope you had a good thanksgiving as I was away and got back earlier.
I bought a 3018, assembled it an it comes on, etc… I have no idea what to do now to make a simple engraved name and date. I need simple, basic beginner’s operating instructions. Help please!
Thank you so much! Very helpful.
Very informative thank you
very good tutorial well explained
Great explanation, thank you.
Always grateful for the nice feedbacks. Thank you for watching
Fantastic video!
Very good video, i'm about to try to print from the offline controller. Do you know how I program the start point. Do i just set the machine where i want it to start from the press start?
Thanks for sharing that
Thanks, Minh! Fantastic video!
Hi :D did you check how accurate the machine is? if you cut square 10mm x 10mm will it be spot on ? I have simmilar machine but when i'm trying to cut 10x10 it comes closer to 9.5.
Think I just bricked the hand controller. Loaded file on the sim card called UBANTU~1.NC and now loading something which has been 3 hrs and is only 9%.
Great video. Please could you export and upload machine settings for Fusion 360? Thank you in advance!
Where can I download drivers for this control board.
Hi Minh, i checked my spindle with a tachometer and it goes to 8,000 RPM max, i wonder if its the same for all 3018 CNC.
I've never gone that far to check, but it's very possible since the 775 motor (spindle for 3018) is not a very advanced type of motor. The speed surely can vary a lot from the specs. 8000 RPM is not bad at all, and you will use the machine at the max speed most of the time anyway. With this type of motor, slower speed meaning small torque too.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thaks Minh, if you still need someoe to p[ractice your Engliosh with i can still help, you asked a couple of years ago but then covid happend :/
the problem i have is not being able to see the print camera needs to be closer
I’m trying to get this to work with catia
Thanks for the well explained video. I am a newbie. I purchased a 3018 pro and followed your demo exactly as you explained many times (Fusion 360 & Candle), each time the CNC cut size is reduced to approximately 1/3 of the original size. Please HELP, what I am doing wrong?
Make sure all the unit was set the same in all software: Fusion 360 and Candle. It also might due to the step per millimeter was not set corractly in the firmware of your controller board. You can try this video to check: ua-cam.com/video/_lKo0N0f5FM/v-deo.html
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you very much my dear mate, I watched the video and changed the initial settings and it worked. Really appreciate it.
I have promblem with post processor 🤔🤔 can anyone help me ?
What can I do if the driver wont install? It says successfully pre-installed, but then there is no driver in the device manager. Trying to uninstall says there is no device. My thumb drive came with ch341. Board name is annoy tools... it is annoying 😑👊 lol. Jog controller says ubuntu, but has no program file so it's a blank sheet icon.
Thanks in advance for any tips 💜
need to plug-in the machine first for the driver to show up
Can I use my machine with what it comes with or do I need to download some software first - to engrave letters etc?
Use Easel from inventables
Thank you so much, I just got a CNC for Christmas I was fallowing your tutorial for Fusion 360 and when It came to the point to make the part It was then that I realized my Z axis is the front and not the top so none of my tool Paths would work out . I have looked for a way to change the orientation of the UCS so that the Z axis is up and down but so far I haven't been able to figure it out . have you or anyone else ran into this problem? I don't think I changed anything in the settings.
Are you sure your cable are plugged in the right way around?
@@johncollinson1061 Thanks John , I was talking about the z Axis within the fusion 360 program , not on the CNC , but thank you for the reply . I have since figured out how to make the z Axis up and down in fusion 360.
thanks a lot for this video > i hope you will be fine ::) i buy a 3018 CNC its moves well , but i have a problem with the connect with
candle software (port opend ) after select the (com of the usb num) ,please help me , thanks
It might be the firmware version on your controller board is too old compared to Candle version. You can try to upgrade the firmware as I showed at the end of the video
Thank alot for your video.
Amazing stuff! Just a suggestion, can you add time stamps to the video for e.g. if I want to watch the bit on "Export to Gcode files" I can just go to a certain time and review that bit.
Absolutely, thank you, I'll learn how to do that
@@minhsmancave9448 just used your tutorial to carve out a mug coaster, lovely tutorial, thank you so much again!
@@shabbirabdulhussein8748 Awesome! I'm very happy that the video actually helped
Nice Video
Where to connect the wires for z probe make a video please.
I think there's a part in this video and also I have another video only about Z probe. Please check the channel
arduino grbl library upload process for laser feature. Because after install $32=1
Not sure about that but you can just change it to 0 for milling if needed
Hi, Just want to ask that, i am having the problem of the software is keep connect and disconnected on its own frequently, can what know what is the problem causing?
Have you tried with another computer to see if the problem is the machine or the computer?
@@minhsmancave9448 hi, thanks for the replied, just checked the problem for awhile and it is the USB cable problem, right now another problem is the motor is not running, as it just got some knocking sound at the beginning but its not moving at all.
Try the motor directly with 12v and see if it run normally. If not, it might be controller board. I cannot really tell if I don't have the machine to check
Can you suggest a similar machine that is suitable for slightly bigger (50cm long)objects
My suggestion would be a 6040 CNC from eBay.
Excelent videos! I would like to know if you take works. Thank you.
Of course, depending what type of works,😁
@@minhsmancave9448 Great, thanks for your response. How can I contact you?
our motor sounds like it is slipping could you help with that?
You should try to turn the leadscrews by hand to see if you can move the axis. If it's hard to turn by hand the it's probably too hard for these small stepper motors. Check if all the rails and leadscrew on each axis are paralleled to each other. Try to disengage the stepper motor from the leadscrew and see if it still run correctly. If not, you might need to change that stepper motor. Sometimes, it also can be that the feed rate or the acceleration settings are to fast for the stepper motors
Hi Minh, get video; I'm just getting started so this was a big help. Do you have a link on how you made your Z probe? Thanks
You can try to make something like this:
ua-cam.com/video/PmRQO1XMm-c/v-deo.html
or buy this: www.amazon.com/3018Pro-3018pro-M-3018Max-Engraving-Machines/dp/B08YQMVLGW
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you so much
just bought the CNC 3018 Pro version and it has a constant communication problem, not sure the firmware was correctly installed, so tried to do your GRBL firmware upgrade and it fails every time any suggestions on a good forum to fix this.
I don't really know any forum to help with that but I can try to help you myself. What's the message when the upgrade failed? Few things to make sure is that you have the CH340 driver installed, then when you choose the arduino nano board, remember to choose the old bootloader.
Thank you for the video and useful information! What speed do you think is better for a 6 mm plywood to mill? (4x-pass cutter, 3.175mm)
Depending what tool path you are using. If it's adaptive clearing, go fast. If it's 2d contour, go slow, around 800mm per minute. This because 2d contour have more load on the bit compared to 3d contour.
Hello! Can you help me, please? I got my machine. I wanted to use the Easel software but the spindle doesn't want to run? What is the problem? The jog is moving.
In easel, when you export the Gcode, you can choose what type of machine (x carve or Grbl). Make sure to choose grbl because x carve is manual turning on/off spindle
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you for it. Omg.
It is solved the problem. I tried many things.
And another thing, please.
I have just started to use my machine for a day. I will discover it but I don't understand one important thing.
I design the form etc. I set up the zero from the corner, and the machine is starting to work not like on the animation for example like at the Christmas tree- up.
Instead of it come to a wrong place down towards me, like a reflection. What is the problem?
Thank you for it.
You will need to reverse your Y axis. In candle, at the console area (lower right corner), type "$$", look at $3. Tell me what number you have now and I can tell you what number to change to. With the 3018 cnc, when you press arrow button toward you, the bed should move to the back, not toward you (the movement is the spindle compared to the bed), like this, the spindle is moving forward to you. It's a bit confusing for first time user, but if you watch this video, there's a section after assembling of the machine, I explain this problem.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you for your kindness.
I can see this: $3=0 (dir port invert mask:00000000)
Then type "$3=2" and the Y axis should be reversed
Thank you
You didn't show installation of limit switches.
Hello please the 2d contour keep writing safe distance is higher than the feed height .consider reducing the safe distance, otherwise, the feed height will be raised to match the safe distance….
Please how to I fix this ????????
reduce the safe distance in when setting up the 2D contour in the last tab: Safe distance have to be smaller than feed height.
@@minhsmancave9448 thanks , please how can I engrave on acrylic plastic with 2d engraver, because my fusion 360 dose not pop up the cam option for me to engrave
@@minhsmancave9448 please can you make a video on how to engrave sign and designs on acrylic with fusion
Could you find a picture of the type of signs you wanted to make, I can use something similar as example in the video
@@minhsmancave9448 okay thanks 🙏 God bless you
Thanks for the Video, my CNC do still not run, Status show me :Port Opened
Go to settings and try to change the port
Great video thanks ! Just subscribed. The Jog function on Candle also did not work on my computer like yours in the video (thought it was my computer). Installed older Candle version and works fine and I use that instead. My CNC 3018pro does not have the red handles yours have to move the steppers manually, what are those called for buying ??.
Also considering upgrading the motor to the 20.000 rpm at 24v version and the extending the Y axis to 380 mm, all cheap upgrades from Sainsmart, about 90 bucks total.
To install the handwheel, you will need the leadscrew to be long enough (stick out of the bracket). You can always update the firmware of the controller board to use newer version of Candle.
@@minhsmancave9448 Thanks a lot, so it looks like I just need to update the Arduino board firmware. I spent a couple days trying to figure this out until I tried the older Candle (it's my first CNC). Thanks again for the very useful video
I'm glad it was helpful. I showed how to upgrade the firmware at the end of the video if you needed instructions.it's not too hard
For me (on GRBL v1.1f, Candle 1.1.8), jog movements did work before running a job, but not afterwards. When I filled in a value into the feed rate field, it worked.
How much does it cost for the CNC router in your video?😊
Not sure the price now, maybe $250
thank you!!!!!!!!
my controller doesn't move, what's wrong?
Check if you chose the right port in Candle for the controller. Or did you installed the driver for the controller?
i got the same cnc 3018 pro and i can't even achieve a single line, absolutely so difficult to create a simple file
I hope that you can be patient and follow the instructions in the video. Many people has been successful starting using the machine with things I showed in the video.
That plywood is no good tbh too many voids in it so you want get clean sharp cuts..best to use iether MDF or birch plywood. .great explanation yes
Can you help me woht my machine
Can't help without knowing the problem
Danach kann man Waren Produktzieren.....
If only they would reply back to you when you have questions. You’re pretty much on your own. Unless you’re knowledgeable about the hardware and software which I doubt as it is entry level machines. If you decide to move forward on this do yourself a favor and put it together as soon as you get it. If you’re having support issues return it before the warranty expires. Best of luck
wearing a ring when machining is an accident waiting to happen!.
Ich lerne Schritt zu Schritte.....Ohne Sprüng brauche....
lead screw= pronounced like leed , and for the metal like led: lead battery)
I'm in no position to argue about English here. But I hope you will have time to correct all the American guys on UA-cam.
@@minhsmancave9448 no american myself, just wanted to let you know how to improve.
Will try next time. Many viewers have been letting it slide for so many videos that I thought I was correct,lol.
@@minhsmancave9448 btw, did you change the electronics on your 3018 , or just beef up the mechanics?
I did too many things to my 3018, both the electrical and mechanical , each upgrade did something good to the machine. But I were to do it again, I would only upgrade the linear rails on the X axis and the spindle. Then all others are additional. Mach3 will improve the user experience with many things you can customize (grbl doesn't let you do much). Upgrading to Mach3 will force you to change stepper motor drivers and why not bigger stepper motors with them? Before building my new CNC machine, nobody recognized my 3018 anymore.