I'm used to larger, corded routers ru-vid.comUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.
A big thank you for you good sir for making this video and and the one before. Helped me a lot in assembling and setting up the 3018. Thank you again, from Indonesia.
Pretty sure I ordered this with the extension cause of you!!! Very very informative videos!!! Went through the link you had so hopefully you get credit.
thanks for the video, I have had my 3018pro for about 12 month now and I have only had 1 successful project of it up to yet so I am hoping in your future videos I can see what's been going wrong and how to improve my success rate,,
I am working my way through your video, I have just got the machine and the UGS connected and find the lowest i can get the tip of the cutter from the bed is about ten millimetres. As I intend working on sheet acrylic I now have to resolve this issue!
Hey James, thank you for all your hard work on these videos, they really help, im trying to load ugs but get this error cannot find "platform*" folder! any idea whats going on please?
Hello James Thanks for taking the time to pass on your expertise. You mentioned Candle software was not very good. I have a new PROVer come and am just getting started in CNC and Laser hoppy. What did you find wrong with Candle? Stay Safe and Well!
I had some issues with it and jobs failing. It also seems glitchy depending on what version you download. It is easier to setup than UGS as it doesnt require Java but I do find that UGS seems to be better overall
Good afternoon i've built my 3018 pro with the help of your instructions. thank you i've installed the driver for my MAC then installed UGS, I just cant get UGS to see the COM port its connected too just my bluetooth ones. so i cant run the CNC via my computer. do you have any ideas ??? plz
Best 3018 tutorials on the web. I have a 3018 with candle . I have a test file consisting of an o inch diameter circle inside a 2 inch square. When I run the code the cut comes out about 1/8 inch square. What have I done wrong. thanks
Thank you for these videos James, I am new to CNC machines and these have helped tremendously.. I am having one problem though and not sure if you can help or not. All software has been downloaded, test project uploaded from Easel to UGS - Connected machine and software with no error messages - When I try to move the bit to set home - Nothing. When I try to send to do the project - Nothing. The software shows it is processing but the machine is not moving. Any Ideas? I have exhausted my thoughts on this.
Hi, Quite a common problem is a false connection. This is when you set the wrong COM port and the software tries to connect to something else. As a result it tries to send the information to the machine but obviously nothing will happen. Usually the easiest way to tell when your correctly connected is a lot of the greyed out buttons come back to life such as the jog controller. So just disconnect and select different COM ports to see if that works.
Hi i have just installed the program and when trying to run my file i am getting an error, >>> G1X-3.96Y-29.74F3500.00 [Error] An error was detected while sending '0S30': (error:1) G-code words consist of a letter and a value. Letter was not found. Streaming has been paused. [Error] Error while processing response **** The communicator has been paused **** **** Pausing file transfer. ****
But how do you turn the spindle on? When I run UGS the spindle never turns on automatically and I haven't found a manual switch to turn it on. Candle has both of those, but since you say UGS is much better I wanted to run that. I'm using a Genmitsu 3018 pro CNC. Any ideas to help me with this would be greatly appreciated.
There is rarely any need to turn your spindle on manually. This should only really be done when you are starting a job, at which point it should be pre programmed into the file you are running. You can manually do if you really need to by typing m3 s10000 into the console and hitting enter. Then m5 to stop
Hi, just double check you have done all the basics first. There is a slightly more detailed explanation in this video showing you how to check the port ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r-uLsMwOBfY.html
hi james!! setting up my cnc machine and it won’t move at all, all the lights are on at the black and checked connections but nothing seems to send to the machine so no movement when using the jog controller! any idea what’s up with it?
Thank you for making this great tutorials... I am following your guide however faced on some problem..:) During installation of UGS, there is error that could not find java even I download it and installed it safely... in this case how I can solve this problem? Can you please advise me if you know the solution. Thank you..
Hi. If you haven't installed Java already, you will need to do so. Install the latest version then restart your machine and try installing UGS again. You will also need to make sure UGS has been fully extracted from the zip file
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thank you for your reply.. However it did not work well in my laptop so I downloaded 2.0.7 Windows version with bundled Java from UGS website and it works well... so maybe it can be also one solution for your followers faced on similar problem like me. Anyway thank you a lot for your tutorials.. Even it is more helpful than user manual from CNC producer.. :D
Quick question about dimensions. If I have a file that says the image I’m cutting is 10x15 how do I shrink it to fit my bed? Will I have to get into the code and change settings or will the machine automatically keep it within the parameters that it can function? If this is addressed in one of your video please let me know. I have not watched the video on laser setup yet. Thank you so much for your speedy replies, you should be hired by the company that built this thing. Take care!
You will have 2 types of files. The one from the design software and the gcode that you export to actually run your machine (like the square in this video). To resize something you need the design file (and the relevant software). Unfortunately you can't resize what ever is in a gcode file to me knowledge
scrolled through all these comments and unless I missed one...am I the only one that can't get this UGs software to move my spindle. It's does it on screen on software but my spindle isn't following along. it's powered on. usb port is com6, everything wired correctly but nothing happening.... How come we don't have a "what if" section....you know if that don't work it might b because....
Hi Jerry. I do things such as the top 10 issues video, but yours is quite rare. Ive only known that to happen before when the USB is connected but the power isn't turned on correctly. When you tell it to move, can you hear anything from the motors?
I've not had it but check all connections, make sure you do not have the laser or offline controller connected at the same time. Sometimes you do need to hit the rest button on the control board as well
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thanks James, i checked and it was all down to me, in easel when i was transferring the G code the spindle speed had changed from auto to manual. My mistake. Cheers Roger
Thank you. Thats always good to hear. There are ways to support the channel in the video description but just knowing the videos help people is what makes me happy
SIR…! THIS JUST MIGHT BE THE VIDEO I SO DESPERATELY NEED! I just assembled my new 3018, it turns on and moves but I have no idea how to make it engrave a simple name and date on a piece of wood. I don’t even know how to make a file or send it over or … well, anything really. I so, so so need your help. I want to engrave urns I donate to the local hospital for babies who dont make it our of the facility - I want to put the names and dates on the bottom… any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for recommending UGS platform I'm going to check that out now. I've tried a variety of software so far some basic and some complex, but that one looks like a nice little mix with some UI choices I prefer. I appreciate your honesty toward the end of the video as well. Thanks for a great vid, you've certainly got another subscriber here!
I just purchased a 3018 and have found your channel to be extremely helpful. I'm having one issue that I can't seem to figure out. I'm sure it is something simple. Maybe you can help. I'm using Easel to design and UGS to cut per your recommendation because I have some internet connectivity issues in my shop. When I open the G-code in UGS after I've downloaded it from Easel, the size of the workpiece is dramatically smaller in the visualizer than the dimensions I entered into Easel. For example, I enter 177 by 165 in Easel. It opens in UGS as ~144 by 132. I've tried changing the units to inches with no luck. I've tried running it as is and it only cuts the portion seen in the visualizer. Your thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Your videos are awesome. Just got my CNC last night and made my first cut today. You videos and links to software were SO helpful and saved me so much time. Can’t wait to do a more detailed project. Thanks again!!!
Hi James Just bought a 3018s cnc .got everything set up ,but how do i generate a grbl code for first cut. (I am a spanner jockey so this is all new to me. Cheers Steve
You need some design software. Easel is considered one of the easiest to start with although a lot of people move away from it once they get some confidence. These videos may help ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-onFWsPRjy-w.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EZEropgZ_FY.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EMI97Rcb0bQ.html
Hi James! Just wanted you to know that with your marvelous tutorial I was able to execute my very first CNC cut perfectly! It was a simple circle I designed in Easel that I then imported into UGS. Thanks so much!
What I do to zero the Z-axis is to lower the tool using baby steps until it is just above the workpiece, I then slacken the bit until it drops to the surface and then tighten and register as home, this is a quick and reliable method.
Hmmm. Where did I miss the part where we make some kind of a PHYSICAL connection via USB from a computer to the 3018?? It wasn't in the build video and, although I ca see a blue USB cable at the start of this video I can find no place where any such connection is made. This, even though we were walked through the build at a detail level where we watched zip ties being trimmed. This matters, because my unit has an "offline controller" and that looks like I am supposed to use sneakernet and carry micro SD cards between my computer and the 3018 (which, of course, I would rather not do).
hi james, seems like the 3018 is very popular so i purchased one and just got it together. with your great video i am getting ready to create. thanks :)
Hi James.. I found your videos easy to follow and they got me started with the laser. However I'm not having the same success with the router. I've downloaded UGS, but it must be be my OCD or something but I can't get past the fact that your software looks different. I would love to be able to see a grid of the work area just like Yours, but doesn't matter what I seem to do, I cannot find this feature in UGS. How do I setup UGS? Thanks
Great info James. I am having trouble with my job paths running off on my 3018 pro. The zero is shifting 10-15mm on the y axis only part way through a job. Do you have any ideas why this could be? ThanksCbris
Hi James I have just purchased a sainsmart 3018pro have you any tips for improving the coupler on the pre assembled z axis unit as this came loose and ruined the test piece, the grub screws actually vibrated loose could I use locktite to hold them in also when will we see more videos in your carveco series Thanks Pat
Hello 🙂 Do you think you could help me? I've finally set up my CNC 3018, and I'm trying to laser cut. It seems to be functional, the light is on, and my computer recognises the machine. However, when I try to use the laser from Adobe Illustrator, it can't locate it as a 'printer'. When I try to use GRBL Laser, it SAYS that it's found the machine, but when I run my cut, nothing physically happens, despite the program saying that it's completed the laser cuts. I'm so confused! X
HELLO EVERYONE.... Ive dont everything but when I press connect...it fails to connect. Ive used all usb ports it works to none. I work with a MacBook m1
James hi, I have downloaded UGS Nightlybuild according to this video. In fact I have been trying for some time to get it up and running with no success. I keep getting the following error message. Can you please throw some light on it for me. I'm new to CNC and don't know where to turn An error was detected while sending 'J=G21G91Z10F1000':(error8 )GRBL $ command cannot be used unless GRBL is idle. Ensures smooth operation during a job. Streaming has been paused. I am a subscriber and find your videos quite helpful. Help me with this one plerase
Hey James, could you do a video of the actual connecting of the unit to the computer? plus minor trouble shooting when you start the unit up, before actually running a test piece. My 3018 doesn't have readable instructions and what IS in the manual, is in Chinese. So I had no way of determining what is negative or positive. I didn't even know which is the power input, as both my connections are the same size, so silly me, hooked the power cord into the spindle motor, and of course it started spinning... still not sure if its spinning in the right direction anyway. But finally got it hooked and connected, BUT is it supposed to be making a squeaking noise when I move it back and forth? plus, when you say you press the arrow forward, and the table moves backwards.... mine isn't moving backwards, it moves in the direction of the arrow... And I HAVEN'T even done the test piece. lol
hi i finally got a new 3018 pro from vevor and bought a new laptop as well, i installed ugs 64 20.20 i think but now he connects and disconnects right awayi have an external usb 3 hub with power, in device manager i disabled the option to shutdow usb to save power i even tried to play with the connection an buffer speeds but no result. what do i overlook or wrong. I hope you have time to answer with best regards Marc Aah i bought as well for the other machine a new controller board but i extended that to a 30 40 and wait for extra glyders to mount the next panel, maybe i have to buy a board extra and put the new board on the 3018? please be kind If you can of course and help me out.
Hi James, Thanks for your truly detailed videos. They have helped me to get started with the router. I love using Easel but had a problem with the cutting depth when trying to cut out a shape (using tabs) and engraving. The 3018 only cuts 1/3 or less than the specified depth. I cannot get a shape cut out. I did the same job sending the g-code from Easel to UGS Nightly build platform and it does exactly the same. I cannot get the router to cut to the specified engraving depth, or full depth to cut the job out, despite that the visualizer showing the full depth of cut. When you watch the progress on the laptop, it shows the depth being increased with each pass till it gets to the specified depth on the screen. In reality it's no where near that depth. Another question, how do you ensure that the G-code will raise the cutter before starting the job, or must you give it a manual offset by raising the bit before you start the cut? I have taken the cutter to my preferred staring point and zeroed all axes. When the cut start, it ploughed straight into the job, not raising the cuter first. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Did you ever post a video on how to use the laser? A link to this would be very helpful. Thanks so much for your wonderful videos.
Hi Bruce. First thing I would say is Easel has some known issues with depths and coordinates. So much so that I have now moved away from it since making these videos. I would start by trying another free program such as Carbide Create and just create a simple circle or square and see how that works out. If the issue remains then its almost certains it's something in your machines settings. You might need to do some manual tests, for example if you tell your Z axis to move 20mm does it actually move that far, or is it more like 10mm? The GRBL settings that control this are $100, 101 and 102. Typically they are set at 800 or 1600 but all three should be the same. In terms of raising the cutter before starting, some software programs this in automatically but others do not. What you can do is set your zero points, then manually raise the spindle by 10mm before pressing play. This is usually what people have to do who use Fusion 360 the export their gcode.
hi james ! first of all thank you for all your videos its really the best content you can find on CNC machines ... well, i faced a little problem ... I'm using a MacBook Pro (15" early 2015) , and whether UGS than easel free software, doesn't recognized my 3018 pro ... but when i unplug the usb of my Mac and test the machine with the offline controller, it seem that everything go pretty well . IMac indefinitely when I press the "connect" Button to link UGS to the machine , a quick " UNKNOWN" appeared in the controller state ... someoneproblem I'll be thankful to have the solution ...
Hi and thank you. You might want to try Candle instead of UGS as its a Mac. Very similar piece of software Hope this helps docs.sainsmart.com/article/zcyhab7a0k-how-to-install-grblcontrol-candle-for-mac
I had trouble with the table jamming up in Y moves. I found out when i tightened Y leadscrew up (block underneath) it distorted the table. I got round this by inserting two pieces of thin card under the block till i got free movement with everything tightened up. So be prepared for these kind of setbacks..eventually all will be well.
i DId a x-axis thats really the y-axis video with this being the end issue. thx for commenting. basically I also took the drill gun to straightin the 2 mount screws up and down. so I would not need too much oil later. I put the rod in the drill gun chuck and rotated thru the part. but once the machine it jammed like your issue. I need to also try your cardboard trick thanks.. I was getting to do something similiar myself.
@@apkiller10 I've had no more problems since the cardboard cure..i think it was about 15 thou I had to put under..but i guess it would vary for each machine.
@@Mogul25Years yea that part is cheap plastic. but it got me to think about the smoothness of the bottom rails, and if its bending too much. I guess the other variation to fix it is, file down the part if its too big. I have to fix anouther axis soon too, and just got it to sit on bed on top of 4 wood blocks so can take out head without much disassembly. I have a duel monitor attached to back. so my assembly gets messy quick.
hello, i have built my machine, connected it to UGS, but nothing happens, in the main board the 5V light is on but also something called "TX" is also blinking. Do you know what could be the issue?
James I installed the UGS software. When I attempt to move the head, the numbers change for the x, y, z but the head does not move. I've checked the power wires with no luck. Any suggestions?
Hi James, I just ordered this machine, being a complete noob in CNC cutting. You mention the Candle software it comes with, is a bit temperamental, causing you to switch to other software. Could you elaborate on that? As this video is 3 years old, is there a chance the software it comes with today, will work more reliable?
Yea. My machine won’t hook up to the computer either. How the hell did you fix that? I did everything like the video and it won’t connect. I’m beyond frustrated
Just saying, I use a MacBook with Parallels creating a virtual machine. I have to connect the machine to my laptop before I turn the machine on, otherwise the program does not recognize the machine.
It's a different experience watching these videos and trying to copy what you are doing with my own machine instead of watching and then trying to replicate. I was for sure leaving my bit too far extended, something I'd totally forgotten about. Making ample use of the pause button this go around! :)
Hi James. Thank you for your videos. Exactly what I needed. You have saved me HOURS of trying to figure out how to work this machine. I have followed your videos through each step so far and was doing really well until the Y-axis started sticking and now i'm getting the following error message. [Error] An error was detected while sending '$J=G21G91Y20F1000': (error:8) Grbl '$' command cannot be used unless Grbl is IDLE. Ensures smooth operation during a job. Streaming has been paused. Any ideas or clues on how or why? Any help will be appreciated. Many Thanks Wes
I’ve connected the machine, installed the drive and UGS, and then clicked the connect button on UGS following all the previous instructions. But all the controls are still grayed out. Help please.
is this a mostics 3018 pro machine and can you drill and lazer using the sae machine. Also on Amazon there are some of these machine for £229 and other for £289 so are these the same or different Thanks
@@JamesDeanDesigns now trying get my head around bits. Need a spoilboard too as 1mm lower on right so need a surfacing bit for sure. Cheers for making vids they helped me get this far. Question on mounting the motor how high/low do you have it mounted because when at zero it can only go maybe another 5mm before maxed out.
I am sorry if this has been covered but, what software are you using in this video? I am transitioning from laser engraving with LightBurn to using the router head and Lightburn does not support this.
You mentioned quirks in Candle...is one of them not having the machine start at the home setting as set with the software? I have set the position of the head and zeroed out as in the tutorials, but the machine starts cutting where the screen shows the cutter and the head does not move from the set zero position and go to where the screen shown the cutter. Any help you can provide or should I just download and use UGS?
I have problem with the program it is connecting but the machine is not moving when I press the buttons in the program. I tried to connect it with the software come with it. If really worked
I still don’t know how the wires connect to the laptop and how the power goes through the cnc, I have an adaptor with a plug that looks like it plugs into laptop but why? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere
Great video James. Helped me a lot. Bought a cheapie Chinse unit expecting issues, but to my surprise, all went well. Did my first cut after watching your video, no issues at all. Unit is not Sainsmart brand, but does what it should do. Keep up the good work.
Great video James. To get into CNC, I bought a 100x100cm Workbee, which came with no spoiler board, no clamps, no software, and a DeWalt quarter inch router that is NOISY! This one seems a lot more beginner friendly. I'm still struggling with clamping a year later.
Thank you. It's still a little noisy but its like comparing a Dremel to a 1/2 inch router, these things are rated at under 100w I believe so not that powerful. Id certainly say this is more forgiving if you make mistakes, and because of its low power you're making lighter passes so its not like your going to take a big chunk out of a piece by mistake.
Setting Fox Alien 3018-SE V2 up in UGS Sender on the jog tester set at 80mm X+Y. I get the pointer going off the view screeen and the Controller State says 80mm but the head only moves very slowly to 0.8mm.Why isn’t it moving as in the video ? Mark
Hi James I have my Genmitsu 4040 connected to the software.How do I creat a test file to test my CNC machine ,this is my first time.Its been three weeks I still cannot make my test cut.Please help and show how to creat a test file.Or which video to watch.Thanks
I would start by doing a very simple design in something like Easel. Here is a tutorial I did a while back ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EZEropgZ_FY.html
Have to zero the z axis with a homemade or one online from builders and business. There about 8 bucks. With the z axis calibrated you'll be able to set z in the design/tool path then exported to g code.
I see you have the 3018 Pro, I just got mine and have been following along. I did the speed testing and one thing I notice is that your machine moves faster than mine. I hit move 50 mm and I thing it's only moving about 10 mm. Any ideas. I know I'm new, but I followed this to the letter and the first thing it did was plunge the bit deep into the wood and got stuck. So I hear your pain about getting it to work.
Hi, Is it the speed or distance? its sounds like it is the distance and that it is not moving as far as it is expected. This video may help which runs you though calibrating your steps ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nGwUf8uNWBU.html
I fired it up for the first time tonight and it worked without any problems. Used candle on a linux machine, but it was pretty much the same as your instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Just finished building my machine, everything moving OK, but I have no command option at btm to do dolla dolla, I just want to test the spindle. Help please 😂
Under the Window menu at the top, there should an option saying Console. It may be in one of the sub menus but it will be there. Select that and it should open up that box 👍
James I love your tutorials. I can't understand why my spindle isn't reaching the wood to carve. It's hovering over it and following the design but not going down enough to carve. Hellllppp please
Bit late here, but either the Zero was not set correctly, or the spindle is not sitting low enough in the holder to touch the wood. I hope you have managed to solve it
If it only works with Candle then you can continue to use that. Openbuilds Controller is also another popular one that I would say is better than Candle
