Sainsmart 3018 PROVer Mini Cnc Build, Test and Review - Part 1
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2020
- Sainsmart's latest cnc is the 3018 PROVer which runs Grbl 1.1, has an aluminium chassis, limit switches, a stop switch and an offline controller.
SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PROVer
www.sainsmart.com/products/sa...
CNC Router Bits Value Kit
www.sainsmart.com/products/sa...
Amazon.com amzn.to/2TlxVFh
Amazon.co.uk amzn.to/2SRgqxh
Amazon.ca amzn.to/2SSHkoy
Amazon.de amzn.to/2vWWbW8
Log Slices
www.sainsmart.com/collections...
Settings used to carve the log slice:
Feed rate 400 mm/min
Plunge rate 120 mm/min
Depth per pass 0.5mm
MDF Board
www.sainsmart.com/collections... - Věda a technologie
This is the best build / review video I've ever seen. This has a great pace to it and explains everything you needed to know and the call outs to components and detail are great. This morning I didn't even know I needed one of these, now I have one on order. Really nice job putting together this video. I have made many of these videos myself (not on my channel) and I know how much effort it takes. Excellent!
This video exactly covered what I was looking for. Very professional camera, editing and logic to this presentation. Well done!
I like how clear and consistent you are with this review, not many low end cnc reviews out there! Glad to see this one!
This is the greatest build/explanation video I've ever seen. I know it had to have taken a long time to film and edit. Thank you so much for the excellent work.
I just purchased one of these after watching several videos. Your explanation and follow through is first rate. I know I will be watching this over and over once my 3018 arrives. Thank you.
Wish there was a video like this back in 2001 when I built my own! Outstanding Video!
well, you can modify yours by adding more spindles, so you can use diferent bits in one project, without stopping milling process ;)
At the 11:00 mark, I understood the change made on the probe.txt after taking the measurement of the probe target, but I didn't understand where you got the numbers for the change made to the G-Zero.
Your video helped me to assemble mine quickly and didnt miss a single step. Your video was incredibly helpful for someone who is more of a "do-er" learner, rather than just reading a manual. Seeing how things were assembled was a great help.
Can a laser head be added to this machine, please?
Waow they have really put that little extra into this one. Great vid!
This is the best intuitive and step by step video. Well thought and well explained.
Perfect. Not much more to say. No loud music, no irritating bla bla bla (persons who like to hear themselves speak) and step by step showing how it’s mounted, installed and working. Great.
Not only do you know you stuff with the mechanics, but the electronics and also nice video editing techniques. Very well done this is tilting my decision rather quickly to buy one of these. Nice job thank you.
40 seconds in and I gave it a thumbs up. This is a true review. Thank you for not wasting everybody's time.
EDIT: Okay now you're showing how to build it too! I'm subscribed. I get the feeling I'll be back after I've purchased this machine.
Received my kit yesterday. Some minor changes to the kit (ie the kit now uses a spiral sleeve for wiring). Other than that, the unit is solid and has been its design/features have been well thought out. Your assembly video is better than the one included with the kit and I am looking forward to finishing the assembly and putting the unit into service.
Ready to throw the machine in the garbage until i watched your video. You explained the details that every other video assumes you should know.. most of us who purchase these cnc machines need cnc for dummies explanations to not be frustrated with these machines. We need step by step teachings not leaving even the smallest detail out. You are terrific. Thank you vrry very much.
What a fantastic video. Thank you for the thorough and clear setup and narration.
Thanks for this video! My ProVer from Amazon (~April 2021) came with 4amp supply instead of the 5amp shown 10:40. Also, received spiral cable wrap instead of the safer nylon braided cable wrap shown here.
Thank you so much for making this video. You make the internet a magical place.
Just bought the Genmitsu 3018 of your link. Now the hard work begins learning the software to make things.
Cheers....
Have fun with it.
Nice video - clear, concise, informative and very nice production!
I have been considering buying a 3018 machine but with so many cheap versions about all looking the same but vast differences in price I was scared of buying a lemon.
Watching your review has put my mind at rest although now it is a decision between this and an MPCNC with a Duet 2, or buying the Sainsmart for education in CNC before building an MPCNC.
Thanks for your excellent video!
Mine is arriving tomorrow, this was the perfect preparation video for what awaits me. Thank you!
Thanks
Great video, just what i need i bought this machine years ago but never put together. No confidence in my abilities.
Now this video was definitely helpful. Makes me want a CNC machine even though I can't open shop yet
Very nice video and clean audio. Great camera framing and presented in a very logical and orderly fashion. I almost went with the lower priced version but really like the metal assembles and limit switches on the PROVer. After reviewing your Part 1 and Part 2 videos I made my purchase of this one from Sainsmart via Amazon. Thanks for posting!
Thanks
Nice video. I wish I had this two months ago when I assembled mine!
As always your presentations are most complete and excellent THANK YOU
Many thanks!
Fast , clean and to the point .
👍👍👍
Easily the best DIY desktop CNC video/ tutorial brilliant
Great video. Bought this machine as a result of watching and have made my first cut no problem. I'm a total non tech and newb so good stuff, thanks! :o)
Rob good looking initials in your name. Would look good carved. Have you tried it yet?
Very well made and presented and really helpful thanks
VERY helpful and educational. Very impressive audio and video.
The 4030XL is outside my budget but the Genmitsu 3018 Prover looks like it might be the one for me budget and knowledge wise.
Looking forward to more videos.. Thank you again.
Stay Safe.
Bill M8-) Scotland
Simplemente genial y admirable.
I have a MYSWEETY CNC 3018PRO-M via Amazon, and the improvements in this Sainsmart version are impressive (although I paid $130 less). I'd like to add limit switches and and E-Stop. I'm presently trying to install a cable chain for the spindle motor. Cable management on theses small machines is poor. My use-case is PCB milling. Thanks for the look!
Thanks for the comment.
Good video and a straight forward review. Since I have Parkinson's ( lucky me ) I am interested in printed circuit production and soldering if possible. Thanks for an honest review.
excellente vidéos du montage
c'est tres clair
merci
excellent video, showcasing the item in detail, thanks for sharing
this cnc sainsmart is pretty clean to install.
Great video clear and concise without all the bloody "hey guys what's up" nonsense.
Thanks
Ok....so I'm only minute thirty into this video and have received so much valuable information in this video with good audio, clean edits and no rambling.
I look forward to the next 20 min of this video!
THIS is how one does a top notch video :)
Excellent presentation style, very watchable. Cheers!
amazing stuff
I just recently bought this (2022 May) as my first cnc router machine, the manual shows pics screenshot of you gloves lol. Also the t nut on the side already pre installed.
Yep, they did ask permission to use some screenshots.
I have been looking for a small CNC engraver and this seems to fit the bill. Looking to engrave acrylic, aluminium, brass and potentially steel. I'm only concerned with engraving, NOT milling. What do you think?
Looking forward to part 2!!
Also, as many other have commented, great video - concise and to the point with no stupid music.
Geee. I bought the version that came 2 revisions before this one, and I painstakingly had to manufacture all the extras that comes with this one, like limit-switches, z-probe, optocouplers, emergency stop, cable management, mainboard protection, etc. etc. well well... At least they don't seem to have a cable drag chain or dust collection yet, so at least I have that... Great video btw.
I am sure you had fun doing it 😀
@@techydiy Yea, you've got a point there. I guess it was the usual ratio of fun vs. cursing... but in the end all''s good. :)
Excellent video!! Very informative.
Thanks
great vid. I'd like to see how clean and detaied of a relief it could carve
Wow! For all of the ease of use features and the less time it takes to 0 out the machine, I'd day the extra $100 is worth it.
I wouldlove to test one in my shop.
fantastic review mate .....well explaned.... i'm looking for a mini cnc to make chocolate moulds in acrylic etc..... think this would make a worthy machine.....THANKS 👏
Great video! I'm sorely tempted, but I have neighbours to consider. How loud is the machine under load/ no load? (exact dB would be nice!)
Hey, I liked your review of the CNC machine. After working with it how do you think it does while milling copper or aluminum? I am thinking of making some custom water blocks and distribution plates for my PC water cooling kit; do you think it would be able to cut cooling fins into copper with the current spindle? I saw where they offer a 20,000 RPM spindle for the machine. If the 10,000 RPM does not cut copper well, would you think that the 20,000 RPM spindle would be able to or should I look at a different machine?
where can I get this to be shipped to Australia ?
What works great for a spoiler board is a Clip board... I drilled some holes for screws to mount it right to the bed.. flat, hard and only 1/4" thick...
Top review, thank you.
Pls add a demo of PCB milling, thanks.
Does the offline controller allow for multiple passes with a tool change in between using a single Gcode file?
Just received my 3018 prover and went through your video many times to get it assembly video is fantastic and really helped me to get it assembled I'm up to this stage to try it out with the offline1 controller but I can't get the controller to do the probe or to start or stop the spindle any help would be appreciated thank you very much
The grbl board needs to be reset before you can do anything, so go into control and select reset. I think you also need to have the microsd card inserted to use the probe and the spindle start stop commands. Good luck.
Muito bom parabéns 👏👏👏
I have watched thousands of review/tutorial videos and I have to agree, this is the best one I have ever watched - BRILLIANT!
I have searched and watched videos all day today, specifically looking for a desktop cnc milling machine that will cut 3mm aluminium. However I just can’t find enough information. Would this machine be able to mill/cut 3mm aluminium, using the correct milling tool? If not can anyone recommend a suitable machine.
It will cut 3mm aluminium, its just slower than more powerful machines. Its basically ok for occasionally cutting aluminium but if your doing it often then look for a stiffer machine with a more powerful spindle motor.
@@techydiy thanks for the help, much appreciated. Do you have any suggestions? How do I identify a stiffer machine? Thanks again
this is the best video about mini cnc that i ever watched! where i can get this shiped to mexico?
Really good video and the machine seems nice. I'm thinking to buy it. One question: I have to buy one of the bit kits or some bits are already included in the package?
What bit kit do you suggest to a complete noob?
It comes with a pack of engraving v bits. I would get some straight bits around 1 to 2 mm in diameter, The sets sold for PCB milling work well on most materials.
Hello, wanted to ask about lead screw. Why do we need bearings while the lead screw is attached to the coupler and stepper motor, isn't the stepper motor and the coupler plus the housing, enough for the stability of the lead screw or in other words, what is the purpose of the lead screw bearing ? to cnc router ?
Nicely presented.
Hey, great video. Where did you get the clips from for the spoil board please
Great video! I may have missed it, but where can we fine the tree image file you used?
Great video, thank you
I have a CNC 3018 pro device that I worked on and I gave some cancellation during work and because the motor parking device stays in a state of complete parking and a sound comes out of the motor in the case of an attempt .... Can the piece be whistled to return to what it was ..... please help
Very good item
Would you happen to know what kind of runout you're getting? I measured 0.0008" at the spindle shaft but 0.002" at the bit. This was a new, high quality 1/8" bit, so I'm assuming the collet is to blame.
Great review. For a first time user, would you recommend this 3018 PROVer or the 3018-MX3?
3018 Prover - the software is cheaper
There are no specs available in terms of accuracy, so I wondered if you have measured and come to your own conclusion, please? Thanks!
Hello. Thanks for taking the time to do this for our benefit. A quick question about the 3018 PROVer. I am getting clicking noises on the Y and Z axes. I have meticulously lubricated the appropriate parts. I have loosened, adjusted, and retightened every screw. Although it has reduced the click volume by about half, it is still present and worrisome. Only the X axis sounds as it should. I have a Delta style 3D printer, so i am pretty familiar with how things should sound, and the X axis matches that. Any insight is appreciated. Thank you for your knowledge share and time. Be well
Check the spring position in the anti backlash mechanism, they can make clicking noises if they are not seated correctly.
@@techydiy I will give that a shot. Thank you
Great review. Any idea when will be available in Europe. Btw when will be second part of the review? Cant wait! Cheers
Has anyone done carbon fiber with this? I would love to see a vid on that, and also the waste removal system. Currently looking for a cnc machine capable of clean carbon fiber cutting.
Because I was a mechanic and now retired for some years. I would like to make maybe wooden clocks or some gear related objects. Keeping hands and brain active.
Great idea. Depending on your budget the prover 4030XL would be a good option
Thank you for making these videos. I'm thinking of getting a CNC machine but with so many I'm at a loss as to which one to buy.
I'm on a limited budget so looking for the best one to get me started. Do I buy the one you are testing or now or go for the one you tested a few months ago.
What do you want to use it for ?
how does the cutting vs engrave performance compare?
Do you know that you up talk? No judgments here but just something i noticed.
I would like this 3018, I have seen tons of upgrades for it and apparently it does
pretty good work.
Is it good for aluminium cnc milling?
Will it work on 6061 t6 aluminum alloy. The brenil Hardness is 95??
Hello from France. Thank you for your great tutorials for the beginners like me with a 3018 PROVER. Do you have a Amazon link for the diameter of the nylon braided tube.
Like others have said - great video. I just got one for Christmas and this helped me out tremendously. The supplied directions and assembly video they provide do not match making things slow to build. Plus once it's built what next? For a newbie like me the manual says use instructions on page XX. All there is is a qr code to a useless internet page. Your video got me up and running in no time.
Just wondering if there are any other bit sets you could recommend. Also, I've seen some CNC's run in the past and they take multiple passed to make deep cuts. Does this machine do the same? Does the software do this automatic?
Thanks - Mike
When you set the depth per pass in the cam software it determines the number of passes required. So it’s set in easel or whatever software you use to create the gcode. I would start with 2 flute 1/8” flat end mills and work out what you need from there.
I'm quite new to this, but getting there. I built this machine with a Y axis extension. I made a simple design in easel. I set my machine size and wood size to the right size and mounted the board in the middle of my table. I center the bit to the workpiece, and then run the z probe command, then I run the gcode. However the positioning is way off.
I guess my main question is - how does the gcode "know" where your piece of wood is mounted? On your easel software, your design is in the bottom left corner of the build plate (mine is as well) yet you mounted the wood in the middle of the plate and it printed as expected. Can you explain how that worked? I noticed there's a cut where the bit is no longer in the middle and wondering if something was cut out. Thanks in advance!
You have to zero the x,y axes in the correct place (for example bottom left corner of the material) and then zero the z axis on the surface of the material
Great review. I am considering this machine right now. Do you have any updated thoughts? Is part two still coming? Thanks.
It works well. Yes, its coming, I am just slow at producing it.
Nice review :)
Thanks
yes I like it
Hi man,
Love the videos!
Do you prefer this machine or the 3018 mx3?
Can they both mill aluminium? I'm guessing that's just the router bits though!
Cheers man
They are very similar mechanically.. The software for the prover is free so on that basis I would go with the prover.
They can both mill aluminium but it's going to be slow compared to more powerful machines.
Cheers man!
It wouldn't be thick block alu,
More name plate aluminium!
Thanks for all your help man
Is this machine actually any good at cutting aluminium? And also is it possible to upgrade the spindle just like in the standard version,by swapping the spindle clamp and wiring it back up?
It cuts aluminium the same as every other 3018, slow but it gets there. The spindle should be easy enough to change, except there is a ridge of plastic to activate the limit switch. It does have an output to connect to the speed potentiometer input of the usual spindle motor power supplies. Haven't tried that yet, not sure if it's just 0-5v or 0-10v.
Hi, Thank you for the video. I followed the instruction. Enter Home, it didn't move. But I was able to test the sainsmart.nc, it worked. Then, set the probe, set XY. sent the wheel.nc. the bit touched the wood and stopped with the Z lights on. Do you have any advise, please?
It sounds like you have hit the bottom Z limit switch, in which case you need to raise the height of the material or use thicker material.
I had exactly the same problem. Managed to mill/cut the sainsmart logo and another test file, but the wheel eludes me. I've set and re-set the xyz zero and then move the bit away from the workpiece, before starting the process. Ends of dragging and throwing steps. I'm guessing feed rate 🤔
love tape and glue
well done
Hi, do you think this will cut 3/4mm acrylic / aluminium? If the correct bits were used.
@@techydiy mm not inch :0.
@@modd1uk yes it will. The aluminium is slow and shallow but it will cut it. If I remember correctly I show aluminium being cut on the 3018-mx3 which is a similar spec machine.
@@techydiy do you have a preference vs the mx3 vs 3018 pro?
is Grbl better ? it seems like a nightmare to run mach 3 needing a dedicated pc, Parallel port and limited to mach3 or drufelcnc software, it sounds like the pro is the better option, is the zprobe and endstops & Mach3 really worth the upgrade? or can you just install endstops/zprobe to the Pro version instead
@@lyfoon I like mach3 but it adds additional cost. Grbl has lots of open source software options and it works fine. Other than that I don't really have a preference.
techydiy do the endstops and zprobe make a difference? Or the upgraded motor drivers? Debating between pro and mx3
Great video. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 3018 and was wondering if you can comment on if you think the extra cost vs your banggood version is worth it?
I don't know what the price difference is but generally I would go for the Sainsmart. Sainsmart usually has decent customer service & support.
Great video again,
Any idea why the Z-Probe function would not run at all?
Doesn't appear to work with offline controller or through the gbrl software, yet I can move the z axis manually no problem.
When I click zprobe it shows the G position I set from measuring the probe.
Afraid of starting a job until I know the z probe is calibrated. Thanks
If its not doing anything, then the most likely explanation is that the script has something in it that grbl doesn't like / understand.
You can type the commands into the console manually and see what happens.
@@techydiy thanks for replynill look up the manual commands
Is there a way to perform a "hard reset" or "factory reset" so I can start everything over from scratch? Cheers
@@paullyie82 power off and remove usb cable or I think the stop button does a hard reset. Software reset should be good enough though.
Is this any good for acrylic (PMMA)? My plan is to work on 5 mm thick acrylics. Thanks
It will cut cast acrylic. Extruded acrylic is hard to cut, it melts on the end mill.
Do you recommend using Loctite on the frame assembly bolts?
Yes, although I haven't had any problems not using it
First I wanted to say thanks for putting together an amazingly detailed video. Got my PROVer a few days ago. Finally got time to begin assembling it. However, the manual that came with mine, all the images in it seems to be screenshots taken from your videos. I wonder if you are aware of this and that Sainsmart had permission to do so?
Yes, I did give permission. Thanks and have fun.
Hello, where did you find your particular machine,? every where i look i only find older version ( not same board, not same spindle, not same limit switches, etcs )
Sainsmart China. They seem to be in short supply.
@@techydiy thank you.
can this machine mill pure copper blocks? just some 3mm mild surface profile milling
I haven't tried it but I would think so