Hey 3DSage, ... after watching your video & rewinding multiple times ( while *my* assembly) there was *NO* need to look in the instructions :-) .... THANKS A LOT !!!!!
A much easier means of inserting those rectangular nuts into the aluminum rails - instead of using tweezers, put the all the bolts needed through the piece you are attaching, then start the nuts. Align the nuts with the slot in the aluminum rails, push them straight in. As you begin tightening the bolts, the nuts will make a 1/4 turn and lock into place. Continue tightening as needed.
Brilliantly clear visual instruction on what you're doing, great music that isn't the usual samey generic eurotrance, and I love putting the safety glasses on the camera :D This is what build videos should be like
Thank you so much.... i bought a cnc similar to this one and with your video tutorial i was able to make my first cuts after 2 weeks of struggling. Thank you so much again!!!!
Wow thank you for the complement! Much appreciated. And yes I spend several days trying out many different software and I felt the easiest for myself to understand and use was gcam.
Dear 3DSage, after trouble trying to download GrblControl from manufactures's pCloud, finally this amazing tutorial. THANKS to you my 3018 machine today moves!! Totally agree with MrDebug 65 , no need other instructions!
Thanks for the video. I bought the same machine and the assembly was easy thanks to your video! Haven't yet made any real work with the machine but it seems to work as intended. Hope to see more videos from you with this machine!
Wow you made it look so easy. Mine didn't come with any washers and I had to order more of those t-nuts. The 3d printed struts had to be drilled out for the screws to fit. I'm going to use some blue lock tight for those grub screws so the vibrations don't shake them out.
Can I ask a question please, its a really expertly made video and i guess you could throw the instructions away but is the machine any good, can you mill plastic with it? do you have any examples of work made? I know its not very expensive but i would like to see what sort of jobs it can do please.... Tx
recently, I have been milling PCBs. I cut out the traces of a circuit board and then solder on the components. I don't know about cutting plastic. The tip might create too much friction and heat and could melt the plastic. anyways, I still like and use this machine!
Starting at 8:47 you zero out your machine. Oh and great vid btw. All i needed to assemble. anyways I zero mine out to the exact same corner. I dont get the option to actually "zero" the machine like you did at 8:58. All my options are greyed out. Any help in that department? It's the only thing stopping me now from a test cut.
OK NM I got it to work. Now my issue is that its cutting in the air. Whats weird is that I already did a test cut with just a straight line. Now that same file, "line.nc" has the machine cutting in the air. I dont understand what the hell is going on lol. Any help is much appreciated. Im using exactly everything you are, right down to software versions
hope you see this soon lol. this machine is driving me nuts. Especially since I was able to cut, and now it just cuts in the air. the y-axis should plunge down, but instead it goes up. Sucks cause im so damn close i can taste the Atari sign. Thanks in advance! I wouldnt bomb like this normally but there is hardly any documentation on these machines, and a google search for "cnc cutting in air" shows me nothing
Hi, glad you got it partially working. So if your bit goes up when it should go down, sounds like the motor is reversed? Or you added a inverted cut in the software. Try watching the video again closely. I hope you get it working!
Thanks for the response dude. Motor was reversed actually, so I did a rewire from another video i found. After that I made a test cut and it worked perfectly. I did think it had to be something with the software. After all I did do that test cut and it was brilliant. Ill snoop around there. Thanks again!
@@sheilarice6717 I'm confused. I thought my video would help from assembly to first cut. What problem are you having? GBRL control is the software to control the machine and it reads a gcode or .nc file. I show this in the second half of the video
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I bot the same mill with laser. Did you find a database with 3D Milling .nc files somewhere ? I can draw easy stuff, but would like to engrave beautyfull 3 D Pics like those Buddha, Pegasus and Eagle Engravings you can see in the advertisement.
There are lots of file and cam software out there. I just like GCAM. If that is what you want to use, it accepts several file formats including svg. And you can even bring in a black and white image and it will create a 3d file to export.
This is a good machine, Very capable. Even can Etch PCB. I also use Laser module on the machine, Just remember to buy one with TTL / PWM 12v driver board. No extra power supply needed in this case, The Laser port supply's 12v, Rapid on/off support,
So I was excited and rushed the ending of the video. So it would be clean if I chose a stronger wood than bass wood and drilled at a slower pace. It would be clean then.
Thank you so much for this brilliant video! Perfectly edited and easy to follow. TH-cam tutorial at its best. I got everything working directly thanks to you! Now, I wonder if anyone knows where you can buy sockets for the bits that are a little bigger? The sockets (I dont know if that's the right word, that's partly why I can't google it myself) I got with the machine are only for 1/8" shanks, and I'd like to be able to use 4 and 6 mm ones too.
Thank you! I'm glad to hear my time making this was worth it and is helping people. I think there are drill bit adapters that allow you to use larger bit diameters. Try searching for "cnc machine 6mm shank adapter."
Thank you for the tip! I also wonder another thing: have you tried to install limit switches and/or probing to the machine? I'm about to do that right now, and I think it's pin A5 for probing, which should be recognised by GBRL Control. But I'm more unsure about limit switches.
I haven't tried limit switches but that might be a good video to make. I will have to learn about that. Let me know if you get it working and what you had to do. Thank you.
3DSage Already did :). It's perfectly simple. You just glue on micro switches at the end points and wire them to the rows of jumpers on the pcb. You connect the low row (all pins are GND) through the switches to the ones labelled "Zen", "Xen" and "Yen" respectively. Then, in GBRLControl, you write $21=1 in the command module to activate the switches. They stay activated even if you turn off the machine. These are the configuration codes if you wish to do more tweaking: github.com/grbl/grbl/wiki/Configuring-Grbl-v0.9 With the switches hooked up like that you can also activate "Homing cycle", which makes the machine search for the end switches when you turn it on. This makes it able to map the workspace and determine its ACTUAL position at every given time. Next tweak will be the height probing. This makes a topographic map of the stock face and adjusts Z- height at runtime accordingly. Perfect for pcb milling!
Hey 3DSage, great video, certainly aided in the assembly of my new toy, one question however, base frame measurements show 220 x 240.... mine are 360 x 300.... i also have an additional lateral support bar .... have i somehow managed to get sent a bigger mill than i ordered? cheers again
There are lots of variations of these cnc machines. The link I provided should be the same I show in this video. You might want to see if they did send you the wrong machine but it could be pretty much the same but with a larger milling area so I dont't know if that is what you want to have or not.
Great video! I was interested in buying this cnc engraver for serial numbers, but it seems to be more useful to program once and repeat the engrave several times. Would you think I can find a fast way to engrave serial numbers? (I just need to change one or two letters, the rest will keep the same)
Yes it can. Maybe not as small as a coin. There is better cam software out there better suited for 3d reliefs. And you may have to change out different bits to smooth the piece but it can do it.
The machine I got was labeled "3-Axis Mini Engraver Carving Machine CNC PCB PVC Milling Wood Router DIY Set Kit" on ebay. The price varies but the one I got was $196. The links to the software are in the description.
Great Video :-) Thank you so much. I got my machine yesterday. Very similar and got mine with a 2000mW laser. Would you know what software to use so I could write words into wood like peoples names etc? Thank you
Thank you! I'm glad you like the video. I am interested in learning more about the laser attachment. I don't currently know anything about that or different software to use. Hopefully someone else who sees this can leave a comment to help you out. Good luck and let us know how you get it to work!
Thank you. I certainly will do! I feel a bit Braindead at the moment with this new piece of kit. I built it yesterday! Now got to try and make it all work!!! Thank you once again
so can we give it a draw from solidworks or any other cam software like art cam ? ! or only supports this software u used ? and if I used a Drill Bit made for aluminium, can it cut aluminium ?
That would be awesome but i would say no since I dont think there is enough space between the bed and drill bit. And milling a curved surface would be difficult and have to match the curve of the bat. But i like the idea
It is a very good video, the assembly is really nice, but the program you downloaded to make the gcode does not work on my computer. Any other recommendations
My second option would have been Easel. It's free and runs in your browser and looks very easy to use. I kind of liked gsimple but its not user friendly. I saw some people use illustrator or Inkscape and export with plugins. There are many options out there I haven't tried or don't know about so If anyone reading this can add recommendation that would be great. Thank you!
I'm looking at getting one. I am curious how loud it is when turned on and running? Would I be able to create something in Autocad, then open that drawing into one of the provided programs to router it out ? Thanks
it is a little loud like any high speed drill would be but its not too bad. You would need to convert your drawing to gcode which stores the xyz movements and speed. I show gcam but there are lots of gcode converting software out there.
@@3DSage Thank you for the quick reply! We use ASPAN software to create the GCode at work for our 12ftx6ft Biesse suction CNC. I was thinking of making an acrylic enclosure for this unit (looking at getting), that way I am able to keep the dust/chips under control
Very well done! I built an MP-CNC machine but this looks intriguing just for engraving use. Have you ever tried Vectric Cut2D software? It's one of the easiest (and powerful) CAD/CAM program. It does have GRBL in the list of post processors. Although the software you used seems easy enough for light engraving work. Again, well done!
Yes but you would want to lay the thin sheet on top of some scrap material so it cuts all the way through the thin steel and a little into the scraps but not into the cnc bed.
i believe the software is precise enough, you just need to install a cutting/carving tool pointy enough for a finer detail. and you have to substantially lower the feed rate if possible. the slower the movements, the better.
3DSage Yep. I was checking out machines and found a kit. Reviewers stated that it came without instructions. Really nice to have a general visual guide, especially one so very well made. Appreciate the effort. ✌
Thanks for uploading such informative video, when we change bits while carving in wood, do we have to change some setting in mac3 software, and can we change bits in mid of carving, if yes then what precautions we should take for such changes. reply as soon as possible. Thanks
This is a really nice video. I saw this mill after a little googling but couldn't believe how cheap it was. Is it any good at more complex designs? I know the bed is limited to about 3cm but have you tried doing some 3d work with it? Possibly another video showing off the kind of things it can do?
Thank you! I think it's a good deal. It can cut several different materials. I am working on a video on how I use it to draw electronic traces with a sharpie on a circuit board, then drill the component holes, and cut out the board. You could also use it to draw with a pen. I'm finding several uses for it and I'll make videos when I have something worth showing.
If you can export gcode or .nc code then I believe so. Do a small test and check that the controller software loads it in correctly at the same dimensions. If you do try it then let us know your results! Thank you.
I too must thank you so much for this excellent tutorial video! Was stuck seemingly forever incapable of being able to utilize the Link Sprite CNC Engraver as I was unable to find/figure out what program would properly convert Fritzing Gerber files into G Code that could then be sent over to engraver, thanks once again! Very easy to follow tutorial. However, I do have one question... it seems Fritzing converts trace paths into usable RS274X files which can then be converted for engraver/router but fails to produce a usable drill pattern file!! The drill file is a .txt extension file!!?! Please help, as I am so close to finally achieving what I set out to do so many hours ago... So I guess my question here is if there is any way to produce or import from Fritzing a drill file to punch holes in the trace patterns that the engraver can then cut out of PCB??! With more thanks once again and in advance, DC.
I ran into the same problem. Drill holes seem to be a real pain. I switched to expresspcb and wrote my own software to read position data and save it in the format gcam likes but its not the best solution. I hear Eagle can export the drill holes but its not user friendly. You could also search for better cad and cam software instead of the ones I show that are free and easy to use but limited in options. Good luck and feel free to post your solution to help others on here.
Fantastic tutorial! Thank you! And I now see what I missed from the poor instructions that I originally received from the company where I bought mine, and that mine is missing two parts -_-
can I use different software for it ? and can it cut throw the wood or only it can draw ? like I want to make wooden toys .. can it make it ? can it cut throw 2cm thick ? thank you
Very well done video. I've ordered one of these for small PCB prototying, and other small jobs. I have a larger CNC machine that I built that runs using GRBL and I have some other CAM tools that I have used with that. But I thought GCAM looked interesting, but it looks like it is a bit of a dead project. I haven't been able to get it to configure under Linux Mint 18 and the build instructions are a bit sketchy and it appears that the last changes were done about 3 years ago. I suppose I could hold my nose and try to run the Windoze binary on my rarely used Windows machine, but I would prefer to run it on Linux. Has anyone had any success building GCAM on newer versions of Linux, and if so how did you do it?
I think I found the issue, at least it now configures and is building. I thought everything was installed but I was missing the open gl library, which wasn't immediately clear from the autoreconf error message. So it has finished building and runs under Linux Mint 18.x
I'm glad you got it working. That's good to know for anyone else with the same issue. Correct, gcam has not been updated in a few years but there are many other cam options out there. I still like and use gcam but if you find a better one please let us know. Thank you!
Double check that the machine is plugged in and all cables are plugged in too. In the GRBL software, switch the usb port like i show. Let me know if you get it working. Thank you!
That would be awesome! But I think this milling area is too small but maybe you could carve a small piece to attach to the main body. Or it will definitely make custom guitar picks.
I've seen videos of luthiers where they use such CNC machines where almost 80% of the job gets done and that too flawlessly with the utmost digital perfection impossible for manual human hands within that time frame. So, could you kindly suggest me a CNC Machine ideal for guitar body and fretboard carving? One that can take the pressure of carving....let's say 15-20 guitars a month max.
Awesome vid, helped me a lot! One quick question tho.. how do you set the machine soft limits? So if you go to far on any axis, the grbl control does not let the machine crash
YES! Me too. I got this to make my own circuit boards. I will upload a tutorial once I get my settings right. I am interested to see a video of what you make.
Kayak Fan I have yet to mill any pcbs... software is hard for me to understand and I have yet had the time to devote to dive deeper into using it more than it's test print...
Thanks for the video. I'm putting my together right now and that was helpful. I'm waiting to get my 123 blocks to get my frames nice and true and finish it up. I'll definitely be checking for more content from you! Are there any forums you've found that would be good to scout?
Good Morning my Friend. Great Video - i´ve tried gcam like you´ve explaned. I use the same machine like you, but i get lots of errors sending the fole to the CNC. Feedrate for example and lots of more. Any Idea ?
@@Kikki59755 Good morning. Step by step i try g Codes die the Machine. IT IS a heavy way. Tool Diameter can only compenswd by using a orher Radius ( + half Tool Diameter) is really difficult to program. At the Moment i try to find a new Firmware for the arduino
Great video. I have this same milling machine that I purchased from Amazon. I created the same file in GCAM following your video with the same settings and exported it as an NC file When I opened in GRBL and told it to begin, my Y axis will travel too far to the left. where I have to pull the power cord. I've tried resetting all of my axis and it will affect another axis. Is there any special trick to calibrating the axis? I've tried printing the NC demo files and my Z axis doesn't want to touch my foam core that I'm using. Thanks
Oh sorry to hear that. Sounds like it could be a unit problem. Make sure you are using millimeters 4:52. Check if your 3 axis are not mixed up and move the same way mine does at 8:35. And zero out the machine 8:57. At 9:08, look in the left side numbers. Before you run the machine, you can see the file limits so make sure your numbers match mine. I can't think of anything else so after trying that let me know if that works. If not, maybe someone else reading this might have a few ideas. Thank you for your comment. Hope you get it working.
Buen dia amigo, he comprado una Cnc pero tengo problemas cuando le doy correr or run en el GRBL puesto que apenas envio mi diseño es queda Stop la fresadora CNC, he intentado moverle todo y no quiero correr el programa
I'm sure it could be corrected in software but I would recommend checking the hardware first. Make sure it's plugged in and attached in the same direction I show.
Hey 3DSage, ... after watching your video & rewinding multiple times ( while *my* assembly) there was *NO* need to look in the instructions :-) .... THANKS A LOT !!!!!
YES!! I'm so happy to hear that! I'm glad my video helped you so much. Now enjoy your machine and make lots of cool stuff! :)
@javiermalse have you tried the smart saw?
@@3DSage hi do you still have the router
@@theideasman6018 Yes I still have this machine. I still use it but more for carving out traces on my pcb to make circuit boards.
@@3DSage love the vid. Thanks for the reply. Would you be interested in donating the cnc
This great Sage! Like your videography style. So many satisfying macros. Nice music too!
Thank you EvanAndKatelyn! I am happy with how this turned out. You two have such an awesome channel! Keep making great videos.
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I hope it will be useful! BB :)
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I'm happy, if i help you :)
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Enjoy!!
A much easier means of inserting those rectangular nuts into the aluminum rails - instead of using tweezers, put the all the bolts needed through the piece you are attaching, then start the nuts. Align the nuts with the slot in the aluminum rails, push them straight in. As you begin tightening the bolts, the nuts will make a 1/4 turn and lock into place. Continue tightening as needed.
Brilliantly clear visual instruction on what you're doing, great music that isn't the usual samey generic eurotrance, and I love putting the safety glasses on the camera :D This is what build videos should be like
Thank you for saying that! I had fun making this video and I am glad to hear people like it and it helped them! :)
Thank you so much.... i bought a cnc similar to this one and with your video tutorial i was able to make my first cuts after 2 weeks of struggling. Thank you so much again!!!!
Wow I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for the nice comment! :) Have lots of fun with your machine.
It's a pleasure to watch you work, and the video is very professionally done. And of course it's nice to see GCAM being used. :)
Wow thank you for the complement! Much appreciated. And yes I spend several days trying out many different software and I felt the easiest for myself to understand and use was gcam.
Dear 3DSage, after trouble trying to download GrblControl from manufactures's pCloud, finally this amazing tutorial.
THANKS to you my 3018 machine today moves!!
Totally agree with MrDebug 65 , no need other instructions!
Great tip with the L brackets.. That one is banked for later use!
Thank you! I thought that would be a good idea and I still use the brackets without any problems.
Thanks for the video. I bought the same machine and the assembly was easy thanks to your video! Haven't yet made any real work with the machine but it seems to work as intended. Hope to see more videos from you with this machine!
I'm glad to hear that! Thank you for the comment. It's a fun machine. I plan to use this to make circuit boards and other cool projects so stay tuned!
This is one of the best videos I've seen. Great job
Wow that is nice to hear! :) Thank you for the comment.
My CNC came with no instructions. Your video got me through the build, GCAM and GRBL control. Thanks!
I'm very glad to hear that! Thank you for your comment. :)
I think I just saw this same cnc machine at Micro Center for $199 so you might be able to find this in stores too.
Wow you made it look so easy. Mine didn't come with any washers and I had to order more of those t-nuts. The 3d printed struts had to be drilled out for the screws to fit. I'm going to use some blue lock tight for those grub screws so the vibrations don't shake them out.
That's not right at all. Ask to return for a full refund. Who was the seller?
@@3DSage yeah it was bad. I bought it off eBay, they apologized and gave me cash back to buy the missing parts and I sourced them locally
is there a calibration video for cnc 3018
Awesome video on the installation! Very clear.
That is very nice to hear! Thank you.
Great Video. but in GCAM, how do I rotate view? only thing i can do is move side by side, top to bot and increase and decrease. can not rotate z axis
Try holding down the middle mouse button and moving the mouse around.
@@3DSage ty ty ty you are awesome
@@kanglee2240 You are welcome! :)
Just what I wanted. Excellent excellent tut
Perfect! I'm glad I could help.
nice video editing, nice marks on production value, and a very good demonstration 🤘
Thank you for the nice comment! I am glad to hear it. :)
What a wonderfully succinct and informative video !!! Many thanks :-)
Thank you for saying that! I'm glad to hear it.
Hi there, great video! Would this machine be suitable for making vaping box mods? Thank you
Excellent !
Can engraving or cutting acrylic with this cnc ?
It can! Just have the right type of engraving bit and cut slow.
Well done!
Thank you for saying that! Really Great channel btw. I just subscribed!
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Pretty cool! :D
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Pretty cool! :D
I was lookking for the best price and I found it here bit.ly/2ndCchc
Buy the cheapest!
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Please make more videos on this cnc
Yes I will :)
excellently put together video - many thanks
You are welcome :)
Absolutely spectacular video! I think even I can do this now thanks to you.
Thank you Jack! And yes I believe in you. You can do it!
Can I ask a question please, its a really expertly made video and i guess you could throw the instructions away but is the machine any good, can you mill plastic with it? do you have any examples of work made? I know its not very expensive but i would like to see what sort of jobs it can do please.... Tx
recently, I have been milling PCBs. I cut out the traces of a circuit board and then solder on the components. I don't know about cutting plastic. The tip might create too much friction and heat and could melt the plastic. anyways, I still like and use this machine!
Starting at 8:47 you zero out your machine. Oh and great vid btw. All i needed to assemble.
anyways I zero mine out to the exact same corner. I dont get the option to actually "zero" the machine like you did at 8:58. All my options are greyed out. Any help in that department? It's the only thing stopping me now from a test cut.
OK NM I got it to work.
Now my issue is that its cutting in the air. Whats weird is that I already did a test cut with just a straight line.
Now that same file, "line.nc" has the machine cutting in the air. I dont understand what the hell is going on lol. Any help is much appreciated. Im using exactly everything you are, right down to software versions
hope you see this soon lol. this machine is driving me nuts. Especially since I was able to cut, and now it just cuts in the air. the y-axis should plunge down, but instead it goes up. Sucks cause im so damn close i can taste the Atari sign.
Thanks in advance! I wouldnt bomb like this normally but there is hardly any documentation on these machines, and a google search for "cnc cutting in air" shows me nothing
Hi, glad you got it partially working. So if your bit goes up when it should go down, sounds like the motor is reversed? Or you added a inverted cut in the software. Try watching the video again closely. I hope you get it working!
Thanks for the response dude. Motor was reversed actually, so I did a rewire from another video i found. After that I made a test cut and it worked perfectly.
I did think it had to be something with the software. After all I did do that test cut and it was brilliant. Ill snoop around there. Thanks again!
@@OGlohocla1994 Nice! I thought that could be the problem. So glad you got it working! Have fun.
Your video has been a great help. My machine never came with instructions. Would you happen to have any videos on the program to runs the machine?
I'm glad to hear that! I want to make a second video showing more of the software options someday.
I have the same problem did you get any help?
Mark. We still haven’t figured the machine out. My husband took it to a tech guy he works with. He’s having trouble figuring it out.
@@sheilarice6717 I'm confused. I thought my video would help from assembly to first cut. What problem are you having? GBRL control is the software to control the machine and it reads a gcode or .nc file. I show this in the second half of the video
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I bot the same mill with laser. Did you find a database with 3D Milling .nc files somewhere ? I can draw easy stuff, but would like to engrave beautyfull 3 D Pics like those Buddha, Pegasus and Eagle Engravings you can see in the advertisement.
There are lots of file and cam software out there. I just like GCAM. If that is what you want to use, it accepts several file formats including svg. And you can even bring in a black and white image and it will create a 3d file to export.
increible video, pase mucho tiempo buscando información clara y no encontre, hiciste que todo fuera más facil, muchas gracias!!!
Thank you for this incredible tutorial! It helped so much!
You are welcome! :)
What was the feedrate that you used to mill in wood?
Do you think this machine can engrave metal for plaques. Just simple lettering?
Where can I get an unassembled one like yours?
I searched ebay. The problem is this exact model has several different names and by now has slight variations. But I hope this video is still helpful.
searching on yutube how to diy cnc,and now find it,thanx u
Any solution for mirror image cutting on CNC 3018
Good day ) you could consider the firmware with the Atmega 328 and add the link below ?
This is a good machine, Very capable. Even can Etch PCB. I also use Laser module on the machine, Just remember to buy one with TTL / PWM 12v driver board. No extra power supply needed in this case, The Laser port supply's 12v, Rapid on/off support,
The drill bit he/she used seem to have a rough cut. Is there an alternative or bits for finishing?
So I was excited and rushed the ending of the video. So it would be clean if I chose a stronger wood than bass wood and drilled at a slower pace. It would be clean then.
Does the bit and bit holder come with IT?
No bits came with my kit. It did come with the bit holder. I found my bits on ebay.
mine came with 2 but cheap enough on wish /geek
Thanks for this video - gave me such a brilliant head start!
Hi awesome! very informative .. Have you tried PCB milling or acrylic? That would be an awesome video.. Thanks a lot!
Yes this works great for pcb milling. I will make a video on that sometime.
Thank you so much for this brilliant video! Perfectly edited and easy to follow. TH-cam tutorial at its best. I got everything working directly thanks to you!
Now, I wonder if anyone knows where you can buy sockets for the bits that are a little bigger? The sockets (I dont know if that's the right word, that's partly why I can't google it myself) I got with the machine are only for 1/8" shanks, and I'd like to be able to use 4 and 6 mm ones too.
Thank you! I'm glad to hear my time making this was worth it and is helping people. I think there are drill bit adapters that allow you to use larger bit diameters. Try searching for "cnc machine 6mm shank adapter."
Thank you for the tip! I also wonder another thing: have you tried to install limit switches and/or probing to the machine? I'm about to do that right now, and I think it's pin A5 for probing, which should be recognised by GBRL Control. But I'm more unsure about limit switches.
I haven't tried limit switches but that might be a good video to make. I will have to learn about that. Let me know if you get it working and what you had to do. Thank you.
3DSage Already did :). It's perfectly simple. You just glue on micro switches at the end points and wire them to the rows of jumpers on the pcb. You connect the low row (all pins are GND) through the switches to the ones labelled "Zen", "Xen" and "Yen" respectively. Then, in GBRLControl, you write $21=1 in the command module to activate the switches. They stay activated even if you turn off the machine.
These are the configuration codes if you wish to do more tweaking: github.com/grbl/grbl/wiki/Configuring-Grbl-v0.9
With the switches hooked up like that you can also activate "Homing cycle", which makes the machine search for the end switches when you turn it on. This makes it able to map the workspace and determine its ACTUAL position at every given time.
Next tweak will be the height probing. This makes a topographic map of the stock face and adjusts Z- height at runtime accordingly. Perfect for pcb milling!
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Hey 3DSage, great video, certainly aided in the assembly of my new toy, one question however, base frame measurements show 220 x 240.... mine are 360 x 300.... i also have an additional lateral support bar .... have i somehow managed to get sent a bigger mill than i ordered?
cheers again
There are lots of variations of these cnc machines. The link I provided should be the same I show in this video. You might want to see if they did send you the wrong machine but it could be pretty much the same but with a larger milling area so I dont't know if that is what you want to have or not.
Is the software or controller availble for macOs?
Great video! I was interested in buying this cnc engraver for serial numbers, but it seems to be more useful to program once and repeat the engrave several times. Would you think I can find a fast way to engrave serial numbers? (I just need to change one or two letters, the rest will keep the same)
Can I cut a pcb or metal all the way through? How much thick material can I cut?
so can you make 3d reliefs similar to what you see with heads of historic figures on coins? if so what is the ideal cam software and controller.
Yes it can. Maybe not as small as a coin. There is better cam software out there better suited for 3d reliefs. And you may have to change out different bits to smooth the piece but it can do it.
what is the price of this machine. from where we can get this. what is software u are using for programming. thanks in advance
The machine I got was labeled "3-Axis Mini Engraver Carving Machine CNC PCB PVC Milling Wood Router DIY Set Kit" on ebay. The price varies but the one I got was $196. The links to the software are in the description.
Thank you very much for the prompt response
Hello, which model is this?
Great Video :-) Thank you so much. I got my machine yesterday. Very similar and got mine with a 2000mW laser. Would you know what software to use so I could write words into wood like peoples names etc? Thank you
Thank you! I'm glad you like the video. I am interested in learning more about the laser attachment. I don't currently know anything about that or different software to use. Hopefully someone else who sees this can leave a comment to help you out. Good luck and let us know how you get it to work!
Thank you. I certainly will do! I feel a bit Braindead at the moment with this new piece of kit. I built it yesterday! Now got to try and make it all work!!! Thank you once again
Excellent! Thank you so much.
You are welcome! :)
so can we give it a draw from solidworks or any other cam software like art cam ? ! or only supports this software u used ? and if I used a Drill Bit made for aluminium, can it cut aluminium ?
Can this do a logo on a wood baseball bat which is cylinder???
That would be awesome but i would say no since I dont think there is enough space between the bed and drill bit. And milling a curved surface would be difficult and have to match the curve of the bat. But i like the idea
The assembly is great... What about an operations manual?
It is a very good video, the assembly is really nice, but the program you downloaded to make the gcode does not work on my computer. Any other recommendations
My second option would have been Easel. It's free and runs in your browser and looks very easy to use. I kind of liked gsimple but its not user friendly. I saw some people use illustrator or Inkscape and export with plugins. There are many options out there I haven't tried or don't know about so If anyone reading this can add recommendation that would be great. Thank you!
3DSage thank you so much for the info, it has been really helpful :)
Glad to hear that! I hope you get it working and have fun.
I'm looking at getting one. I am curious how loud it is when turned on and running? Would I be able to create something in Autocad, then open that drawing into one of the provided programs to router it out ? Thanks
it is a little loud like any high speed drill would be but its not too bad. You would need to convert your drawing to gcode which stores the xyz movements and speed. I show gcam but there are lots of gcode converting software out there.
@@3DSage Thank you for the quick reply!
We use ASPAN software to create the GCode at work for our 12ftx6ft Biesse suction CNC.
I was thinking of making an acrylic enclosure for this unit (looking at getting), that way I am able to keep the dust/chips under control
Very well done! I built an MP-CNC machine but this looks intriguing just for engraving use. Have you ever tried Vectric Cut2D software? It's one of the easiest (and powerful) CAD/CAM program. It does have GRBL in the list of post processors. Although the software you used seems easy enough for light engraving work. Again, well done!
Thank you! I heard about that software but I never tried it. I'm all about easy software haha. Thank you for the comment.
Can I use this on a small steel sheet and get all the way through?
Yes but you would want to lay the thin sheet on top of some scrap material so it cuts all the way through the thin steel and a little into the scraps but not into the cnc bed.
Thank you for the fast reply :)
Amazing video! Thanks a bunch. Any idea how effective a machine like this would be with engraving dice? (acrylic)
Thank you! I know it can cut acrylic but I personally haven't tried. If you try it, let me know how well it does.
i believe the software is precise enough, you just need to install a cutting/carving tool pointy enough for a finer detail. and you have to substantially lower the feed rate if possible. the slower the movements, the better.
太棒的机器和软件！请问哪里可以买到？软件的使用是否免费？
Is this cnc for metal as well?
Is it possible to use limit switches? What is the recommended maximum acceleration?
Someone did comment below how they installed their limit switch. I personally have not but could be a good idea.
Hi, will this do true 3D engraving or is it just a basic engraver and only cuts things like the smiley face and letters.
You can cut relief style. So for example, a sphere from the middle to the top but not a full sphere. Unless you carve two halves and glue together.
@@3DSage brilliant! Thank you so much for your reply.
Superb
Thank you!
Where is the Frmware for the Motor Driver board to download ?
I want to know as spindle motor，is the power of this 775 motor enough？
Thanks for the video. Really excellent work overall.
Thank you for saying that! I'm glad to know I helped.
3DSage Yep. I was checking out machines and found a kit. Reviewers stated that it came without instructions. Really nice to have a general visual guide, especially one so very well made. Appreciate the effort. ✌
Where is the operations manual?
Thanks for uploading such informative video,
when we change bits while carving in wood, do we have to change some setting in mac3 software, and can we change bits in mid of carving, if yes then what precautions we should take for such changes. reply as soon as possible. Thanks
This is a really nice video. I saw this mill after a little googling but couldn't believe how cheap it was. Is it any good at more complex designs? I know the bed is limited to about 3cm but have you tried doing some 3d work with it? Possibly another video showing off the kind of things it can do?
Thank you! I think it's a good deal. It can cut several different materials. I am working on a video on how I use it to draw electronic traces with a sharpie on a circuit board, then drill the component holes, and cut out the board. You could also use it to draw with a pen. I'm finding several uses for it and I'll make videos when I have something worth showing.
Can i use solid word?
If you can export gcode or .nc code then I believe so. Do a small test and check that the controller software loads it in correctly at the same dimensions. If you do try it then let us know your results! Thank you.
I just need a cnc machine to create small 4"x8" engraved red plastic signs, is there a cheaper alternative or will this do just that?
Gracias, desde México.
I too must thank you so much for this excellent tutorial video! Was stuck seemingly forever incapable of being able to utilize the Link Sprite CNC Engraver as I was unable to find/figure out what program would properly convert Fritzing Gerber files into G Code that could then be sent over to engraver, thanks once again! Very easy to follow tutorial. However, I do have one question...
it seems Fritzing converts trace paths into usable RS274X files which can then be converted for engraver/router but fails to produce a usable drill pattern file!! The drill file is a .txt extension file!!?! Please help, as I am so close to finally achieving what I set out to do so many hours ago...
So I guess my question here is if there is any way to produce or import from Fritzing a drill file to punch holes in the trace patterns that the engraver can then cut out of PCB??!
With more thanks once again and in advance,
DC.
I ran into the same problem. Drill holes seem to be a real pain. I switched to expresspcb and wrote my own software to read position data and save it in the format gcam likes but its not the best solution. I hear Eagle can export the drill holes but its not user friendly. You could also search for better cad and cam software instead of the ones I show that are free and easy to use but limited in options. Good luck and feel free to post your solution to help others on here.
Fantastic tutorial! Thank you! And I now see what I missed from the poor instructions that I originally received from the company where I bought mine, and that mine is missing two parts -_-
Where buy this kit??
Please send me the link for working examples in these machine. We are in need of your help
can I use different software for it ? and can it cut throw the wood or only it can draw ? like I want to make wooden toys .. can it make it ? can it cut throw 2cm thick ? thank you
Yes of course! It can run with other software. I just showed a couple to get started.
Thank you, this was helpful to assamble my cnc
I'm glad to hear that! Thank you for the comment.
Very well done video. I've ordered one of these for small PCB prototying, and other small jobs. I have a larger CNC machine that I built that runs using GRBL and I have some other CAM tools that I have used with that. But I thought GCAM looked interesting, but it looks like it is a bit of a dead project. I haven't been able to get it to configure under Linux Mint 18 and the build instructions are a bit sketchy and it appears that the last changes were done about 3 years ago. I suppose I could hold my nose and try to run the Windoze binary on my rarely used Windows machine, but I would prefer to run it on Linux. Has anyone had any success building GCAM on newer versions of Linux, and if so how did you do it?
I think I found the issue, at least it now configures and is building. I thought everything was installed but I was missing the open gl library, which wasn't immediately clear from the autoreconf error message. So it has finished building and runs under Linux Mint 18.x
I'm glad you got it working. That's good to know for anyone else with the same issue. Correct, gcam has not been updated in a few years but there are many other cam options out there. I still like and use gcam but if you find a better one please let us know. Thank you!
I just want to say thank you all for the 100,000 views, the positive feedback, the likes and subscribes, and nice comments! It mean a lot to me.
Thank you very much for the nice video. But I'm facing little problem with the Connection of grbl control. The status is always 'Not Connected'.
Double check that the machine is plugged in and all cables are plugged in too. In the GRBL software, switch the usb port like i show. Let me know if you get it working. Thank you!
Can this machine help me in Guitar Making?
Electric guitar specially??
That would be awesome! But I think this milling area is too small but maybe you could carve a small piece to attach to the main body. Or it will definitely make custom guitar picks.
I've seen videos of luthiers where they use such CNC machines where almost 80% of the job gets done and that too flawlessly with the utmost digital perfection impossible for manual human hands within that time frame.
So, could you kindly suggest me a CNC Machine ideal for guitar body and fretboard carving? One that can take the pressure of carving....let's say 15-20 guitars a month max.
Bhagwa til the end have you got the solution?
@@hiddenworld1445 Not yet.
Do you have to use the software that comes with it or can you use other software downloaded from the net.... like fusion 360?
Cheers
Yes of course. I just showed a few free software options to get you started, but you can use any compatible software you like.
3DSage cool thanks for the reply. Fusion 360 is very good I'm lead to believe......and free.
Also whats the maximum size of item you can place on it? Cheers
Awesome vid, helped me a lot!
One quick question tho.. how do you set the machine soft limits? So if you go to far on any axis, the grbl control does not let the machine crash
I haven't found a limit in this software yet but it could exist. What I do is place scrap wood underneath so I don't drill the base plate.
At least there is possibility to add limit switches for each axis. Shown here github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki/Wiring-Limit-Switches
en Sevilla,España,en la calle Tejares y en el Barrio Leon venden perfiles de aluminio por metros
this is a really good video for this small mill I bought one to do pcbs.. assembly was easy.. want to try to run it on mach 3
YES! Me too. I got this to make my own circuit boards. I will upload a tutorial once I get my settings right. I am interested to see a video of what you make.
Did you ever manage to get it to do pcb's nicely? How hard was it to set up? software/hardware? I really want this for pcb prototyping if it works
Kayak Fan I have yet to mill any pcbs... software is hard for me to understand and I have yet had the time to devote to dive deeper into using it more than it's test print...
Thanks :)
I was able to print a working PCB! It took several steps so I'm trying to make my process more simple and I will upload a video of how I did it.
Thanks for this video
It helped me A LOT
I am very happy to hear that! :)
Still struggling with the fact that GBRLcontrol engrave in mirror
Do you have a movie on how to work with GBRLcontrol ?
I'm not sure what you mean. The program should not be mirrored. Try to rewatching the video and make sure everything is connected in the same way.
Its like i engraving stamps
I learn now to work with inkscape , good program many things are simular to Coreldraw
When connecting the cnc the grbl is showing connected but the machine is responding ... new to this
make sure the machine is plugged in and receiving power.
Thanks for the video. I'm putting my together right now and that was helpful. I'm waiting to get my 123 blocks to get my frames nice and true and finish it up. I'll definitely be checking for more content from you! Are there any forums you've found that would be good to scout?
Awesome! I'm glad to hear this video helped you. I'm not sure what forums you are interested in. Thank you for your comment.
Good Morning my Friend. Great Video - i´ve tried gcam like you´ve explaned. I use the same machine like you, but i get lots of errors sending the fole to the CNC. Feedrate for example and lots of more. Any Idea ?
Sounds like the settings are incorrect. Try starting with a blank file and watch the video again for all the settings I use.
Hey Bernd, did you have find a solution for your problem in the meanwhile?. I have the same problems. Thank you, Christian
@@Kikki59755 Good morning. Step by step i try g Codes die the Machine. IT IS a heavy way. Tool Diameter can only compenswd by using a orher Radius ( + half Tool Diameter) is really difficult to program. At the Moment i try to find a new Firmware for the arduino
CAN YOU PROVIDE SPECIFICATIONS OF STEPPER MOTOR, ETC.
Great video. I have this same milling machine that I purchased from Amazon. I created the same file in GCAM following your video with the same settings and exported it as an NC file When I opened in GRBL and told it to begin, my Y axis will travel too far to the left. where I have to pull the power cord. I've tried resetting all of my axis and it will affect another axis. Is there any special trick to calibrating the axis? I've tried printing the NC demo files and my Z axis doesn't want to touch my foam core that I'm using. Thanks
Oh sorry to hear that. Sounds like it could be a unit problem. Make sure you are using millimeters 4:52. Check if your 3 axis are not mixed up and move the same way mine does at 8:35. And zero out the machine 8:57. At 9:08, look in the left side numbers. Before you run the machine, you can see the file limits so make sure your numbers match mine. I can't think of anything else so after trying that let me know if that works. If not, maybe someone else reading this might have a few ideas. Thank you for your comment. Hope you get it working.
can you give us the drivers for the mother board. i cant get a connection to the PC to the software
Buen dia amigo, he comprado una Cnc pero tengo problemas cuando le doy correr or run en el GRBL puesto que apenas envio mi diseño es queda Stop la fresadora CNC, he intentado moverle todo y no quiero correr el programa
my Z axis moves backwards, is there a way to configure this on the software or on the board?
I'm sure it could be corrected in software but I would recommend checking the hardware first. Make sure it's plugged in and attached in the same direction I show.
can it be used with aluminium?
Yes but use a strong sharp bit and cut slow.
awesome
Can I double the size (example 50x50 cm) and use the same motors?
Thanks, friend!
you are welcome!