Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro-M GRBL Control DIY Machine with Protected Board, Yofuly 3 Axis PCB PVC Milling Engraving Machine Working Area 300x180x45mm

I bought the cnc3018 and laser module as a combined unit as wanted to learn more about CNC routing and boy did I learn. The unit arrived within 24 hours of ordering and in kit form.It was easy to assemble with no issues, taking a little more time to enjoy the experience.Once finished I connected to my laptop and installed the driver. I first used the included software for the CNC side of it but didn’t rate that much as is rather basic.I found the easel platform on the internet by typing in free cnc software and boy what a surprise. Easel is easy to use, intuitive and works perfectly with the CNC3018 pro (the best model to choose). I have made numerous house signs and will add these at a later date so you can see how accurate it is.I am unable to comment on the laser engraving part at the moment as are having too much fun with the cnc side of things.I will continue to use the easel platform with this unit, being more than happy with both the router and the software.What I have learnt using the cnc3018 has put me in good stead to purchasing a larger more professional model in the future, notwithstanding I have yet to comment on the laser etching side of things. I am unable to find anything negative about my purchase as overall I am very pleased. Would be nice if an array of upgrades and spares are available for this unit which will no doubt become more readily available in time. Treat yourself and like me enter an incredibly satisfying and rewarding hobby.April 2020 update...😁After using the CNC router for three months I have now started using the laser.When used with the supplied software the laser works OK, but a bit basic so sought to find a software package with a bit more pizzazz. I downloaded the trial version of LightBurn onto my computer and after a bit of fiddling (make sure you watch the tutorials) it Is all systems go.When using the laser don’t expect miracles as is relatively slow (dependant upon complexity of the project) however does do a rather marvellous job.My advice to anyone buying this package is to go for it but do use the available alternative software as I have described if you want good results.I have also started using Fusion 360 with this unit and will let you know how it goes and will also add some of the things I have done in the near future...

I really like this machine. It arrived well-packaged, was reasonably easy to assemble (key thing: take your time, and don't rush) - the assembly instructions were pretty good, but I also referred to some online material for some additional tips.My only complaint - and it's not a big deal - is the software that came with the machine was on a corrupted memory stick. But it wasn't an issue, as I was able to find it all online with no problem.I chose to work using the Offline controller, and not connect my computer to the machine. It's very simple to use - just connect the controller to your computer with the supplied USB cable, and copy the GCode file from your design. Then connect the controller to the machine, select the file you copied and you're good to go.After a couple of hours of assembly, I played with the laser - which is great fun. I managed to set fire to some balsa wood I tested it on, so I really need to work out the right settings for it.The router is pretty impressive, and within a couple of minutes I'd worked out how to rout out a celtic knot onto a piece of thick oak. I then filled this with tinted resin.Then I made a really cool house sign on mahogany, using a 1mm bit going to a depth of 5mm. Because mahogany is quite a hard wood, and 1mm is a really small bit, I slowed the horizontal speed right down, and used really shallow cutting increments (0.2mm). It took a long time to complete (about 4 hours), but looks fantastic...even if I do say so myself. I will also fill this in with tinted resin once it's all sanded down.I've seen lots of reviews where people were complaining about their bits breaking...well one thing I have learned on this is that haste makes waste. Cut down the cutting speed, make really shallow cuts, and you shouldn't break many bits.I've added a images of my first pieces of work. Please don't mock too much :-)For reference, I use OPENScad to design my work. This is a really nice application, but it does require some programming knowledge if you want to get down and dirty with it. Designs are created in code, and then rendered. They can then be exported to various different formats for GCode generation.Then I used JSCut to generate the GCode - this is a bit clunky, but it does the job.Hope this review helps someone. All in all, I'm really happy with this bit of kit - as a starting point for CNC machines it ticks all the boxes.One last thing - I've worked out that it's really simple to extend the size of the working area (currently it's 300mm x 180mm). With a few cheap, and easy to get parts - it's really easy to increase the working area to 300 x 300),If anyone is interested, I'll be very happy to share how well it works at a later date.

I'm an experienced CNC engineer and setting the machine would have been quite difficult if it wasn't for YouTube as the instructions were quite vague. This resulted in several days to complete and get things running properly. Having said that, I've only used the engraving part of the CNC machine so far and I'm pleased with the results the machine has given.The only real downfall is with this machine is, it doesn't come supplied with end stop limit switches, which has resulted in me over running the limits of the machine a couple of times and if the machine were to be continually over run, it wouldn't be to long before replacement parts were required.So if you buy one, ensure you get end stop limit switches and the machine would be perfect!

Easy to build but not my first. Found a youtube to compliment the paper instructions. Works well. 2 minutes to change from cnc to laser. I use Easel software for laser and easel for cnc. Need to type $32=1 in lightburn fiest time with laser and then $32=0 before going back to easel. Or issues with laser not turning off between layers in ligjtburn and then spindle not turning on in easel. I added a laser head guard to compliment laser proof glasses. I have used so far for wooden pen engraving, making coasters, keyrings, a pandemic door opener, general wood engraving, making celtic knot wooden pen blanks, and circles in mdf for my wife to use with her paint pouring hobby. Fun as a hobby tool. I changed the clamps as too fiddly. I added in inline switches for spindle and laser for safety when swapping over and not needing to unplug. I would recommend this for someone happy to fiddle with the machine to keep it running well but not to people who don’t watch lots of youtubes and expect it to work first time.