I'm so brand new at CNC that I haven't even finished cleaning up and reassembling the second-hand CNC I'm borrowing… this channel is proving invaluable. Thanks!
Setting up for Z-Probing I was facing my machine, not the control board. I accidently plugged the probe into the 5v slot. The bit messed up my probe ^^ After correction everythng went fine. I already watched a bunch of your 3018 playlist but now, when I got my machine, I'm rewatching it to set everything up. Thanks for your top videos and happy easter!
Wow! I just purchased the CAMXTOOL CNC GRBL, 2.8” Touchscreen LCD, Offline Controller which allows you to add user command buttons, and your video was so super helpful. Thanks a million.
Thanks I was stuck couldn’t get the z probe to work at all , after following this I got it to work and the first test was super accurate well done mate keep it up 👍🏻
Concise and to the point (z0 point). ;-). Hey - one word of caution that folks like me who continue to use the broken imperial measurement system - In the “Probe Module” Settings tab, setting Units to Millimeters does *NOT* apply the “Probe Module” Z tab. For whatever reason I used metric to measure probe thickness, 12.3mm in my case. The “Jog Controller” was set to Inches, however. Upon issuing “Return to Zero” after zero’ing the probe, the machine took my 12.3mm input as inches and, well, of course the bit drove down into the bed. Ooops. I suppose this is obvious to most, but thought it might be worth calling out. Note to self : use metric in every setting to avoid such accidents.
Thanks James. Bought a probe but not tried it yet. Had a fire on my control board and been waiting for a replacement although still working on 12 volts. After several " fob offs " from the supplier, they've vanished so I bought one myself. Replaced the board today and upgraded the spindle as well. All running and ready to try the probe tomorrow. I didn't know it had the probe feature. I thought I'd have to write some code to run it so looking forward to giving it a go. Very useful info. Jim
Some suppliers are terrible with these things. I ended up taking mine through a PayPal dispute in the end as they refused to help me. Hope all goes well 👍
@@JamesDeanDesigns Yeah. Just write it off and carry on with life. New board seems good although different connectors for limit switches etc. But for about £25 ish I'm delighted. Upgraded the power supply too. I see some people say to step the motor speeds up in the program to stop it overloading the board. Did you find that with yours?
@@flypic1098 Some board have been known to blow, typically woodpecker boards to my knowledge but there doesn't seem to be a particular pattern. It basically because the input power spike when the spindle fires up initially. I've never needed to use the code but some do. Alternatively you can get something called an inrush limiter which eases that initial spike
Setting probe works great thanks James. Used the step up speeds in increments to reach top speed as well. Rather surprised by the spindle noise. It has the noise suppression on it and makes a loud screeching noise even at low speeds. If I stop the spindle with my hands it still make the noise. I know the noise they mean is interference with the other electronics but confused why it makes such a racket.
Great video, I think showing how you change the tool when doing a job would of been a god thing to show. Also need to find out how to set up the probe so it sits on the bed and not the work surface
James, a very helpful couple of videos on assembly and first cut. I am trying to decide on a machine and your posts have me sold on the Prover 4030. It is just the right size for what I want to do and it looks easy enough to assemble and get up and running. I will be watching all of these a few more times as I move forward. A great help.
Good contact with the wires is essential- otherwise the the bit will be driven into the plate; bad things can happen. A sprung plate with a max probe distance less than the movement gives you insurance. Best to measure the thickness with a micrometer- Vernier calipers are a bit approximate. Thanks for the setting up process- made it quick and easy.
Definately and not just the wires. I had a tiny bit of MDF on the end of my bit and it failed to make the connection. Also why the travel distance should be kept as low as you can possibly cope with.
You can add a second probe line in Candle to do the two speed measurement as you did with UGS. I've made a three-way corner probe. It uses a variable in the first line for the tool diameter. #100 = [3.125/2]; G91G21; G38.2X-30F50; G92 X#100; G91; G0 X5; G91G21; G38.2Y-30F50; G92 Y#100; G91; G0 Y5; G91G21; G38.2Z-30F50; G92 Z7.85; G91; G0 Z2.15; M30
BTW, for future reference, assuming your #100 variable is for 1/8" bit. They are 3.175mm you might find you're off on X Y by A little. Not a lot in great scheme of things,
UGS platform edition allows you to name your user command buttons rather than just Button 1, Button 2 etc. Best part you can move & resize the panels around to optimal positions, see XYZ coordinates complete without having to scroll!
Thanks. Incidentally, double clicking any of the panel tabs will enlarge that panel to full screen. Double tap again and it shrinks back to its original size.
Thanks man! Just sent you a fiver, subscribed and liked for the instructions. Getting my 3018 in two days. I'm sure I'll be back watching more videos and getting more instructions!
thanks heaps u r wot makes life easy with cnc3018 . had no idear how to set up cnc till watching video and i have run much bigger cnc in kitchen fab . dan
Cool. I was hoping to find this functionality and see that the CNC feeds a measurement back to the PC. I was dreading writing them all down. Thanks, Dean. Just sane :^) Saint
Great Video James🎉. Just got one 3018 Pro a month earlier and it works well with smaller PCBs, but I'm facing issues with some bigger designs where the PCB seem to be not perfectly flat. Can you please suggest some solution to this.
Thanks for your help but i must be doing something wrong in UGS after disconnecting the probe and return to Zero lights up then pressed the bit returns to where the top of probe is not the top of the material what am I doing wrong?
I don't know how to go from my board levelling drawing in Ventric to applying the Z-Probe and then activating the machine to do the job. Am I missing those aspects in your presentation? Thanks
Interesting. I understood it is also possible to build a map of your workpiece that should cater for small variations in the zero surface: e.g. you are milling a pcb but your stock is ever so slightly bend
Hi James, I successfully touched the z axis, but in the second step I pressed G90 G0 X0 Y0 G90 G0 Z0 The machine dropped continuously and hit the wood.I need your help,Thanks James!
Connect the two probe wires to the two connector pins on the probe port which should be labelled as either probe or A5. It doesn't matter which wire goes to which pin.
So I can buy the wires n crocodile clips which is fine. Where u have electrical tape at ends, how to connect to board? Do I just put which ever end on the z probe pins on board n use overhang of tape to hold it on. Ty for everything
I just picked up a 3018 pro but when I try to zero my Z (UGS) with the probe that came with my machine, The Z comes down , touches the probe then returns back up to the limit switch at Z+. I have set the retract height to 1 from 5 and no change. Is there a setting I'm missing in UGS or machine settings? I have set the home limit switches to -X, -Y-and+ Z during setup in UGS. It homes correctly with no issues and moves in the correct directions when jogging
You have some of the best and well informed videos that I've seen on RU-vid and we thank you. I do have a problem with LASERGRBL that I hope you can help me with. I have a 3018 Pro that I am unable to speed up the feed on. When I use the machine for routing, it scoots right along appropriately but in Lasergerbl it is extremely slow. My S min is 9% and my S Max is at 11% and it still burns my plywood and makes a charred mess. I did make sure that my $ setting was set at 1000 but no change and the feed rate is at 2000 MM/min. Ideas?
Recently I purchased a cnc a ttc450 it comes with a z probe, I have tried to use it but I'm having issues, i set the z probe command on the cnc but once I set it the machine starts the work 20mm over the material, what can be the issue in my case, I will really appreciate it
bonjour voila j ai un petit problème avec mon z probe. j arrive pas a le mettre a zéro et quand je lance le fraisage la broche monte au lieu de descendre. j ai une Genmitsu Proverxl 4030 et j utilise Grbl Cabdle 1.1.7 merci de ton aide
Great video - thanks. Just got a 3018 Prover and have been using your and Techydiy's videos to get started with it. Strange thing happened to me, though, after running the probe setup in UGS. The probe zeroing seemed to run perfectly, but after removing the probe and selecting "Return to Zero", the machine drove the bit down into the test piece of wood until it finally faulted and stopped. Happened so fast, I couldn't stop it. Only thing I can figure is that the jogging commands section was set to "inches" while the probe zeroing program was set to "millimeters" and the program didn't convert the z axis zero value? I ran it again after resetting the jogging commands to "millimeters" and it seemed to work correctly (although I was too afraid to try the "Return to Zero" command again) - I jogged the z-axis manually until it indicated 0 on the display and it was very close to the surface of the wood. I haven't calibrated the z-axis yet, so I'm hoping that takes care of the slight error I'm now seeing. Assuming that was the issue, just wanted to warn others about this potential problem.
I was facing similar issue to where when I probe z axis and zero out the z axis and run a job the job it starts few millimeters above the material, I have been told that zero z axis button is only used for manual probing like how they use piece of paper as a gauge, when you use an actual probe you just move the x and y axis to where u want on material (note this is done manually) and zero it out then hit the probe button, it probes the material then you just start the job and it cuts at correct height.
ok I understand the z probe and how to set that, but what about the x and y how do you set that so it know's where it is on the workspace mine never goes to the same place twice when i try to use it. my board has woodpecker on it and has 2x 2y and 2 z plugs on it whish one would I use, and is the x and y the ones I use the set the x and y of my cutting surface?? if any one could help me with this.
Sir I using cnc 3018 my parameters configuration settings is missing. I need your help all functional parameters configuration setup. I use candle . Sir I shall be highly obliged if you kindly send me the parameters configuration cnc3018 . I hope you will send me. Thanking you
If you are engraving onto aluminum (aluminium?) can you just hold one wire to the project and clamp the other to the bit and run the probe command that way?
James, is there a way to turn the spindle on and off manually with having to type a code? I need to pause my cut some times when cutting foam due to waste foam getting wrapped on my bit. Need to be able to turn it off to clean the bit. Thanks
Hi, I finally have a computer to say hello. I have seen a CNC machine that I want you to look at because I'm a beginner still trying to figure out everything. Anyway, I will find the name of this machine and let you know the name of it. The construction of the machine is unbelievable. No, it's not a 3018 like my machine. I did actually get one of the better 3018 though. I will ask a lot of questions. And I hope to give good suggestions back. I saw your Z probe spot when I first got my machine. Didn't understand how to what to. finally found it and understand it a little better. Still can't get it to home thought. Machine runs amuck. Hoping I can use Z-probe to make it do right.
hi james great video,i have a puzzle i am hoping you will answear for me ? i converted my 3018 pro to a 3040,my question is when getting limite switches do i order for the 3018 or the 3040,thank you
The limit switches should essentially be the same. The only thing I can think would be different is the length of the cables so you may need to buy the ones for a 3040
help required please I am new to cnc and can load g codes into candle and grbl ok However every time i load the same g code file into ugs it loads the same file every time irespective of differing g gode files used. the file it keeps load is G21 ; millimeters G90 ; absolute coordinate G17 ; XY plane G94 ; units per minute feed rate mode M3 S1000 ; Turning on spindle ; Go to safety height G0 Z5 ; Go to zero location G0 X0 Y0 G0 Z0 ; Create rectangle G1 X0 Y0 F1000 G1 Y10 G1 X10 G1 Y0 G1 X0 ; Turning off spindle M5 please can anyone help to fix problem rob
I started using GSENDER software as I had a lot of problems with UGS. My cuts were mirrored due to an inverted Y axis, so I changed it in GSENDER and everything worked perfectly. I decided to try UGS and for my surprise all the coordinates of the machine got lost, like in negative position, the X0 Y0 position started in the X border, so everything is considered negative. I went back to Gsender and everything is correct, back to the center of the machine to the original position as I like to position home. Correcting firmware in Gsender is a breeze. In some video I found someone telling that UGS has negative and positive versions, is that correct? And what for would that be? Can I apply this video to produce my probe in Gsender? Thanks again.
Not quiet sure what's happening but I've done this 100 times and when I click on user button 1 it doesn't go the top of the work piece I'm stumped 🤷♂️
I am guessing you are using candle? One thing I forgot to mention is that if you home your machine first then it doesn't work correctly :( By default 3018pro's dont have limit switches which is why I never actually mentioned it and only later remembered
Hi James wondering if you could help, I've set up my probe commands but after the spindle comes down and touches the plate the spindle returns up to far and and hits my limit switch 🤔
If you are using the code I provided, then the last Z command is Z5 which means it should retract 5mm. Make sure yours says 5 and not something else. If you still have the issue then perhaps try a different program as a test
@@JamesDeanDesigns Hi James I managed to sort it yesterday 😄 it was my fault I forgot the M after the 5mm Z retraction, so I had Z530 instead of Z5M30 I got there in the end, thanks for your videos though 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
HELP! Using fusion 360 I designed a spacer I need out of a 6mm sheet of polycarbonate. The model has the origin at the bottom of the sheet. When I see the zero in Grbl, my 3018 treats the top of the piece as the bottom and never touches it. I used a z probe and entered the height as 6mm thicker than it is and that worked. How do I get the program to account for the thickness of the workpiece? Love your channel. Very helpful.
I hate not being able to help but I'm no good in fusion 360. I'm really sorry. If you're on Facebook, join one of the user groups for something Sainsmart and there will be plenty of people who can help
Hi James! Excelent video, but I'm having some problems with the Z-probe in UGS. I'm using Universal Gcode Platform 2.09 SNAPSHOT / 2021-11-24, and the firmware is Grbl 1.1f. It's a Comgrow CNC Router. When i click the "Initiate probe button" the bit is lowered down to the sensor and stops there. It doesn't go up and do a second slower sequence like in your video, but just stays there. Also, a new zero value for z-axis is not set, so it's kinda useless at this point. Do you have any advide for me on how I can solve this issue?
thank you sir excellent video . I have one problem, when I am initiating the probe, while z is coming down to the probe it is giving me alarm error 9 and z access coming down too slow ! any help on this issue please deeply appreciated
Usually I think that means your bit is not close enough to the probe. It will only travel so far before it triggers the alarm thinking it cant find anything
I believe I have a supplier issue but wanted to get your advice. I have Gim. 3018 prover and everything works fine except z probe. When I set up and activate z probe the spindle comes down, touches, creates a small spark and controller trips ( all power is shunted). The spindle does not move. I need to unplug the PS to reset. Working with the supplier I have replaced the z probe and mother board with same result. I have used the off line controller in this test and Candle and USG. All had same results. Any thoughts or suggestions?
@@JamesDeanDesigns yes. Checked that and is consistent with pic in manual and has “probe” printed below. Also thought I was inserting probe connection up side down but the plug connection has barbs on underside that match with the board connection. What are the odds that I have two bad mother boards?
Everything works except the Z doesn't touch the bed after using the custom button. On return, the Z-axis ends up at the height of my probe. There is no deduction for thickness happening. Thank you
Hi James, thanks for your previous assistance, very helpful. Yet again I have a slight issue with UGS. On startup the programme display will not open as per your video, it opens in full screen mode and it does for each of the sub windows i.e visualizer, jog controller etc etc...Do you know if there is a default display setting somewhere so that I can view several plugins (I think that's what their called) on one screen at the same time. I have even re-installed UGS a couple of times all to no avail. Thanks again John.
Hi, thank you for the high quality and clear videos you being posting, i have an issue with the sainsmart 3018pro ver on probe setup, every time i do the procedures i watched on this video i never get the height of the prob i have, like i i tell the UGS or GRBL to raise 20mm seems like it goes half way, any ideia how to solve, thank you in advanced
Hi. Typically if its only travelling half the distance your steps might be out. These are your 100, 101 and 102 settings. If they are showing as 800 you may need to make them 1600.
11:25 "And then [should] lower the Z axis until it touches the exact top of the material"... Or you get a hard crash if anything went wrong... there's a lot of assumptions of everything going right in this video. IMHO You should leave margins for error during these first tests.
Hi great videos haven't got my CNC yet but would like to build an enclosure for it I like yours have you got some plans for it so I can build it at the men sheds group where I go please
Yes I have, it can be found here with the plans as well. There is also a second video with some of the upgrades I made to it later on. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lTKdhGt8r5k.html
This isn't a question about the z-probe, but looking at your screen of UGS, I see a tab labeled "Common Actions". I don't see that on my system and I think it would be handy. I just downloaded UGS and mine says Version 2.0.9-SNAPSHOT. Am I missing something? I've watched a lot of your videos on using the Sainsmart 3018-Pro and subscribed.
There are different version of UGS as its open source software but the common actions tab can be turned on from one of the top menus like Windows I believe
I have 6 Micro Limit Switches (3 wires: 12v,GRN and In) what do I have to do to Candle to make it work. The switches will be connected trough Grn and In, it means they will work as a switch. My machine is a CNC 318 PRO. I will appreciate some help. Thanks Raul
Hi Raul, Im not 100% sure as Ive never fitted them from new but usually you just have to adjust your GRBL settings to say that your using limit switches. Your $20 and $21 settings I believe are the ones that need to be turned on.
I have been trying to get this z probe to work in UGS and followed these directions but I cannot get it to work at all. When I initiate the probe cycle the machine pushes down into the probe and will not stop. I have to hit the emergency stop button . I know the probe works because it works in Candle but I cannot get it to in UGS.
Sorry to hear that. the Z probe is a basic circuit and this is the first time I have heard it working in one software but failing in another. It might be there is a bug in the version of UGS you have downloaded, that is the only thing I can think of
