Minh, I just wanted to take a minute to personally thank you for taking the time out to make your videos. I’m fully aware of the fact that everything takes 10 times longer when you have to film it and I wanted you to know it’s very much appreciated. I bought a 3018 and would have never been able to get it up and running without your help. Every time I had a problem, one of your videos solved it. Thanks again.
Hey dude! Great job! I just discovered your instructive and helpful channel. You deserve much more visibility than a just a bunch of admirers (187 current including me). I'm going to contribute to that by posting your videos on twitter, modestly. CLEAR AND NEAT PEDAGOGY. It's rare despite the billion posts a month on youtube. Thank you so much.
Hi Minh, I have been playing around with machining in my 3018 using a large STL. I tried compressing it but poor quality. So, in Fusion360, I kept it large and instead of using Adaptive Clearing (crashed after trying for 8 hrs) I used parallel with 1mm depth slices and 6 stepdowns. The machining path was generated in 20 seconds. So, I used a 3 mm cutter with parallel on x axis, then 1mm at right angles with a 0.3mm depth slice(parallel to y). This was for a 70,000 triangle STL. The machining took 12 hours to make a 200x80mm complex moulding.
@@minhsmancave9448 the point was that I can use 100MByte plus STL in Fusion360 without condensing it. If I use parallel it is fine. The 15 hrs machine is normal
Good video. You showed how you reset the Z position using the Z probe after the tool change but you didn’t show how you made sure the X and Y axis was reset in the same position as for tool one. Thanks
If your stepper motors didn't lose steps, you won't need to reset the x and Y zeros. I do have another videos showing how to set reference for X and Y axis but Z axis will be the one you use most
@@minhsmancave9448 Agree. It took me long to get used to its prolific functionality... more than a decade ago when the interface was not that populated.
Your videos are really helpfull - I have learnt alot from them! You had one more videl with wooden "wheel" where you explained pocket clearings etc. Where is it? I cant find it. Thanks
Hey Minh, nice video! I'm trying to learn to use this 3018 CNC machine. I was wondering what bit you were using for your parallel operation? Was it V bit or a ball nose bit? Thanks
For this one, I used 1mm diameter ball nose. I also used 0.2mm tip 30 degree v bit to work on smaller models. The ball nose I thing is better for wood working, the surface is smoother than v bit. Small tip v bit can give you more sharp details but will take longer to cut. You can also run a parallel path for smoothing with ball nose then other tool path to rest machining with v bit. That way, you will have both smooth surface and details. I'm sure you will get the hang of this after a few cuts.
You know that since this was video'd turbosquid was acquired by Shutterstock and even when you filter, as you did, for free you still get a ton of for pay stuff. I suspect it will eventually go the way of Shutterstock where nothing is free. I just slapped a cable chain on my 3018 pro and just need to design a holder to 3d print for the top part of the chain then I can use it so I am looking for files. I still need some alligator clips and some switches so I can home this thing then I am set. Oh, I need a V-Bit too as the ones that came with the machine are bad and really meant for pcb tracing work not for wood (made a horrible mess in pine).
If you're designing pcb yourself, I recommend getting big tip v bits or 0.5mm flat endmill, make sure the space between the traces are big enough for the big bits. The 775 motor vibrate a lot and will break your v bits very quick.
@@minhsmancave9448 I am not but I was trying to use the ones it came with to lay down text and it was horrible. Not sure what the bits that came with the machine are really for. Which V bit would you suggest for laying down text into wood?
For pcb, it is not easy. For wood, probably 45 degree to 90 degree v bit. The ones with 2 flutes, not the one that is cut in half like those came with the machine.
@@minhsmancave9448 Yeah, those that came with the machine are junk. I mean I just have no idea what they are good for. Have any idea where to find what you mentioned with a 3mm shank? Something this 775 motor will work with?
Thanks for doing this video, there are some things I learned form this for my own 3018. Question. Sometimes my machine just stops when doing multiple g-code files, how do you deal with this when you need to rerun something or it locks up in a tool change?
My solution for this is be prepared from the beginning. Use one corner as origin and don't cut it. You can use the touch probe to find that corner again if your program stop or your motor loss steps. Check out my video about finding zeros on all axis
Hello, thanks for your help, it has helped me a lot. That is, if I have a problem, when I send the g code through the candle software it traces circular routes larger than the effective milling area and that misconfigures everything. What should I do to avoid this so that the bit moves only in the model area?
Make sure you have the unit on your candle software and the machine the same. Most of 3018 CNC are configured as mm(metric). The unit in CAM software should also be mm. Also make sure the number of step per mm is correct. The original 3018 cnc should have 800step/mm.
The X and Y axis must be zeroed before the milling job start (where ever you set in the CAM software - corner, middle of the stock...). This step won't need to be done again unless your machine loss step in the middle of the job and needed to start over on the same stock. If you have the cutting speed set right, this shouldn't happen and you won't need to do it again, only need to probe the Z axis when you change tools.
Have you used solidworks to go though the same process? 3dless although claims it generated a reduced vertecies STL. In solidworks the vertex count remains the same preventing an import to succeed because the application hangs. or do you only use fusion 360?
@@minhsmancave9448 Solidworks has yet to do the same. Even with help with meshmixer/3dless it is unable to do so efficiently. I got it to eventually open in solidworks but it i will crash on extracting machinable features so it really needs some work. I may have to trial fusion 360.
@@minhsmancave9448 They have more of a focus than solidworks it seems. Autodesk's licence is abit strange though. Have you thought about getting the 4-5 axis CNC? it is the same work area as the 3018. If you purchase a microstep dm556 and smooth stepper you can add your own if you purchase the B and C Axis turret and tail. They arent expensive.
@@devil2005iscool Right now I only have been using the free version of Fusion 360 which doesn't really support more than 3 axis. Adding the 4th axis is not really difficult in the hardware but more expensive in the software which I will actually to buy a license ($495). For what I have in mind right now, I'm contented with 3 axis.
Hi great simple , one problem I have is post process. when I try to import NC Files they are rejected in Easal as they are simulation files .how can I fix this problem
@@petertattersfield1154 Maybe have look here and you might find an answer: forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-manufacture/how-to-setup-fusion-360-for-using-with-x-carve-cnc-machine/td-p/6857300
Hi there, I just checked 3Dless website again and it didn't work for me either. I already deleted my reduced mesh file for the Joker. I'm sorry!!! Maybe you could try MeshLab or Blender, those software can also reduce the 3D mesh.
@@BertrandLEDIEU You will have to create your own tool library. Just open tool manager and add whatever tool you have in stock so you can use it later. It will be save to your fusion 360 cloud library
Question, I have the same machine as you. I see you are doing 800mm feed rates but I've broken some bits doing it that fast with only doing 0.5mm step down. How the heck are you getting that high of a feed rate on that spindle/motors?
It seems that your parameters are pretty reasonable to me. Not sure material you are cutting or what type of bit you are using. I always set the spindle speed at 10000rpm
@@minhsmancave9448 Typically hard and soft woods, using freud bits. Maybe I should try again but when I try to go 1mm pass at even 300mm/min on medium density wood there is a crazy amount of chatter and boy is it loud.
That sounds very slow. I think you should check if all the bearing are tight and in place and everything is tightened to reduce vibration. Other option will be upgrading your spindle, which you should do at some point. 500w spindle will make your machine way better (from my personal experience)
@@minhsmancave9448 Well the bearings are tight for sure, I upgraded them all (z,x,and y) to better quality ones, so most likely not that, but who knows, maybe they are not as good as I thought. I might end up taking the whole thing apart and just seeing if there is a place that is somehow loose but it's been like that from day one before all the mods. I might consider a spindle upgrade but in a couple months I'm buying an x-carve so this will be used for small things but still want to get the most out of it as I can now. Is there a way or something I can maybe show you to get an opinion? I got a few more 'sacrificial' bits I could just break.
If you are buying a X-carve, you will never go back to use this one. You will find that the new machine is faster, cut smoother. I think you should just think about convert this one to something else. Maybe a little laser engraver will be fun. I don't really use my 3018 anymore, unless I wanted to take it to somewhere to show some kids how cnc milling works
Thanks , but i have a question , how you did for second mill go directly to point for start graving even its far from ? after this you just run it and it go to exact point ! i miss something !
No, you didn't miss anything. The original X and Y points are still memorized and the machine know actual position of the bit. When I ran the second path, the machine still work based on the old origine point. This origine only changes when the stepper motor loss steps or you actual reset it. Otherwise, it should remain the same
@@minhsmancave9448 Hi , again i have question, i do as you show in video about z prob and it works great , but after lunch my project mill don't even tuch my stock ? could you please advice me , i cheek consol and i get this message [PRB:20.266,-48.945,7.649:1] ok $H < error:5 S1000 < ok
Try to run "$$" in the console and check $22. You probably have the homing cycle enabled without the homing switches installed. If $22=1, enter $22=0 and try to run the Gcode again.
hey could you do a more in depth video and better resolution on screen I cant follow this and mine simply wont do the things you say. and a lot of options are not there, if you could do a more detailed video it would be much apprchiated
The video resolution and also the screen capture in the video is 1080p. I can't do better than that. For the options that are missing, please be more specific. Fusion 360 might change a little bit since I posted this video but in overall, things are the same. One thing that Fusion 360 got better that you won't need to reduce the mesh size any more, just import directly the STL file.
4yrs later and still answering questions that the other big time RUclipsrs don’t answer.
Thanks for the detailed information on you channel!
Minh, I just wanted to take a minute to personally thank you for taking the time out to make your videos. I’m fully aware of the fact that everything takes 10 times longer when you have to film it and I wanted you to know it’s very much appreciated. I bought a 3018 and would have never been able to get it up and running without your help. Every time I had a problem, one of your videos solved it. Thanks again.
Thank you for the kind words that made my day. Let's make things and have fun 👍
Thank you for showing these steps! Keep the videos coming they are very helpful and informative.
Making a limit switch out of the bit itself... that's brilliant. Thanks for sharing
Wow, this actually cleared up a ton of my questions which I haven't really been able to find answers for elsewhere.
Very appreciated!
Hey dude! Great job! I just discovered your instructive and helpful channel. You deserve much more visibility than a just a bunch of admirers (187 current including me). I'm going to contribute to that by posting your videos on twitter, modestly. CLEAR AND NEAT PEDAGOGY. It's rare despite the billion posts a month on youtube. Thank you so much.
Thanks man. I'm glad that you found these videos are helpful. I'm having some fun projects going on and I sure wanted to share in the next videos
@@minhsmancave9448 can't wait. I still plan to watch your previous and very interesting videos this week end.
Hi Minh, I have been playing around with machining in my 3018 using a large STL. I tried compressing it but poor quality. So, in Fusion360, I kept it large and instead of using Adaptive Clearing (crashed after trying for 8 hrs) I used parallel with 1mm depth slices and 6 stepdowns. The machining path was generated in 20 seconds. So, I used a 3 mm cutter with parallel on x axis, then 1mm at right angles with a 0.3mm depth slice(parallel to y). This was for a 70,000 triangle STL. The machining took 12 hours to make a 200x80mm complex moulding.
If it's a complex molding, it's normal to take 12h. If you are not familiar with the machine yet, just practice with simple parts first
@@minhsmancave9448 the point was that I can use 100MByte plus STL in Fusion360 without condensing it. If I use parallel it is fine. The 15 hrs machine is normal
My videos was old and fusion 360 fixed the issues with size of stl files
Thanks for sharing your workflow, learned a lot.
Good video. You showed how you reset the Z position using the Z probe after the tool change but you didn’t show how you made sure the X and Y axis was reset in the same position as for tool one. Thanks
If your stepper motors didn't lose steps, you won't need to reset the x and Y zeros. I do have another videos showing how to set reference for X and Y axis but Z axis will be the one you use most
Very good tutorial.
BTW you can reduce meshes using Blender too....
Definitely. Only that Blender user interface is very intimidating for beginner
@@minhsmancave9448 Agree. It took me long to get used to its prolific functionality... more than a decade ago when the interface was not that populated.
i love it :D
You are keeping me impressed,
Can I used ArtCAM instead Fusion 360?
Yes, artCam or any CAM software. I used Fusion 360 only because it's free
Your videos are really helpfull - I have learnt alot from them! You had one more videl with wooden "wheel" where you explained pocket clearings etc. Where is it? I cant find it. Thanks
this one? ruclips.net/video/5pQDhtpoXSs/видео.html
Hey Minh, nice video! I'm trying to learn to use this 3018 CNC machine. I was wondering what bit you were using for your parallel operation? Was it V bit or a ball nose bit? Thanks
For this one, I used 1mm diameter ball nose. I also used 0.2mm tip 30 degree v bit to work on smaller models. The ball nose I thing is better for wood working, the surface is smoother than v bit. Small tip v bit can give you more sharp details but will take longer to cut. You can also run a parallel path for smoothing with ball nose then other tool path to rest machining with v bit. That way, you will have both smooth surface and details. I'm sure you will get the hang of this after a few cuts.
You know that since this was video'd turbosquid was acquired by Shutterstock and even when you filter, as you did, for free you still get a ton of for pay stuff. I suspect it will eventually go the way of Shutterstock where nothing is free.
I just slapped a cable chain on my 3018 pro and just need to design a holder to 3d print for the top part of the chain then I can use it so I am looking for files. I still need some alligator clips and some switches so I can home this thing then I am set. Oh, I need a V-Bit too as the ones that came with the machine are bad and really meant for pcb tracing work not for wood (made a horrible mess in pine).
If you're designing pcb yourself, I recommend getting big tip v bits or 0.5mm flat endmill, make sure the space between the traces are big enough for the big bits. The 775 motor vibrate a lot and will break your v bits very quick.
@@minhsmancave9448 I am not but I was trying to use the ones it came with to lay down text and it was horrible. Not sure what the bits that came with the machine are really for. Which V bit would you suggest for laying down text into wood?
For pcb, it is not easy. For wood, probably 45 degree to 90 degree v bit. The ones with 2 flutes, not the one that is cut in half like those came with the machine.
@@minhsmancave9448 Yeah, those that came with the machine are junk. I mean I just have no idea what they are good for. Have any idea where to find what you mentioned with a 3mm shank? Something this 775 motor will work with?
@@thebeststooge Something like this: www.aliexpress.com/item/32624734849.html
Thanks for doing this video, there are some things I learned form this for my own 3018. Question. Sometimes my machine just stops when doing multiple g-code files, how do you deal with this when you need to rerun something or it locks up in a tool change?
My solution for this is be prepared from the beginning. Use one corner as origin and don't cut it. You can use the touch probe to find that corner again if your program stop or your motor loss steps. Check out my video about finding zeros on all axis
@@minhsmancave9448 Thanks ♥ I'll see about making a touch probe.
You can have a look at this video then: ruclips.net/video/PmRQO1XMm-c/видео.html
Hello, thanks for your help, it has helped me a lot. That is, if I have a problem, when I send the g code through the candle software it traces circular routes larger than the effective milling area and that misconfigures everything. What should I do to avoid this so that the bit moves only in the model area?
Make sure you have the unit on your candle software and the machine the same. Most of 3018 CNC are configured as mm(metric). The unit in CAM software should also be mm. Also make sure the number of step per mm is correct. The original 3018 cnc should have 800step/mm.
Obviously an old comment but I had this problem with Fusion 360 and fixed it by uninstalling and reinstalling the grbl post processing package.
Hi, you zero the Z axis on your machine after you changed the bit, but when did you zero it for x y axis?
The X and Y axis must be zeroed before the milling job start (where ever you set in the CAM software - corner, middle of the stock...). This step won't need to be done again unless your machine loss step in the middle of the job and needed to start over on the same stock. If you have the cutting speed set right, this shouldn't happen and you won't need to do it again, only need to probe the Z axis when you change tools.
Have you used solidworks to go though the same process? 3dless although claims it generated a reduced vertecies STL. In solidworks the vertex count remains the same preventing an import to succeed because the application hangs.
or do you only use fusion 360?
Just an update, fusion 360 improved their ability to import stl files. I was able to import big stl recently without any problem
@@minhsmancave9448 Solidworks has yet to do the same. Even with help with meshmixer/3dless it is unable to do so efficiently.
I got it to eventually open in solidworks but it i will crash on extracting machinable features so it really needs some work.
I may have to trial fusion 360.
@@minhsmancave9448 They have more of a focus than solidworks it seems. Autodesk's licence is abit strange though.
Have you thought about getting the 4-5 axis CNC? it is the same work area as the 3018.
If you purchase a microstep dm556 and smooth stepper you can add your own if you purchase the B and C Axis turret and tail. They arent expensive.
@@devil2005iscool Right now I only have been using the free version of Fusion 360 which doesn't really support more than 3 axis. Adding the 4th axis is not really difficult in the hardware but more expensive in the software which I will actually to buy a license ($495). For what I have in mind right now, I'm contented with 3 axis.
Yea. They have a 50% sale on at the moment so it is only $250 but still alot of money. It's a hard one. :p
Hi great simple , one problem I have is post process. when I try to import NC Files they are rejected in Easal as they are simulation files .how can I fix this problem
You will have to download and install an xcarve/easel post processor to make it work with easel
@@minhsmancave9448 tried that no success
@@petertattersfield1154 Maybe have look here and you might find an answer:
forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-manufacture/how-to-setup-fusion-360-for-using-with-x-carve-cnc-machine/td-p/6857300
Thank you ! Do you have the reduced STL from 3D less? It's keep crashing on all of my browsers
Thanks
Hi there, I just checked 3Dless website again and it didn't work for me either. I already deleted my reduced mesh file for the Joker. I'm sorry!!! Maybe you could try MeshLab or Blender, those software can also reduce the 3D mesh.
@@minhsmancave9448 finally did it :-)
But I don't find the tools you point at 5:14 , I don't have the cloud tab
@@BertrandLEDIEU You will have to create your own tool library. Just open tool manager and add whatever tool you have in stock so you can use it later. It will be save to your fusion 360 cloud library
@@minhsmancave9448 thank you!
Question, I have the same machine as you. I see you are doing 800mm feed rates but I've broken some bits doing it that fast with only doing 0.5mm step down. How the heck are you getting that high of a feed rate on that spindle/motors?
It seems that your parameters are pretty reasonable to me. Not sure material you are cutting or what type of bit you are using. I always set the spindle speed at 10000rpm
@@minhsmancave9448 Typically hard and soft woods, using freud bits. Maybe I should try again but when I try to go 1mm pass at even 300mm/min on medium density wood there is a crazy amount of chatter and boy is it loud.
That sounds very slow. I think you should check if all the bearing are tight and in place and everything is tightened to reduce vibration. Other option will be upgrading your spindle, which you should do at some point. 500w spindle will make your machine way better (from my personal experience)
@@minhsmancave9448 Well the bearings are tight for sure, I upgraded them all (z,x,and y) to better quality ones, so most likely not that, but who knows, maybe they are not as good as I thought. I might end up taking the whole thing apart and just seeing if there is a place that is somehow loose but it's been like that from day one before all the mods. I might consider a spindle upgrade but in a couple months I'm buying an x-carve so this will be used for small things but still want to get the most out of it as I can now. Is there a way or something I can maybe show you to get an opinion? I got a few more 'sacrificial' bits I could just break.
If you are buying a X-carve, you will never go back to use this one. You will find that the new machine is faster, cut smoother. I think you should just think about convert this one to something else. Maybe a little laser engraver will be fun. I don't really use my 3018 anymore, unless I wanted to take it to somewhere to show some kids how cnc milling works
Thanks , but i have a question , how you did for second mill go directly to point for start graving even its far from ? after this you just run it and it go to exact point ! i miss something !
No, you didn't miss anything. The original X and Y points are still memorized and the machine know actual position of the bit. When I ran the second path, the machine still work based on the old origine point. This origine only changes when the stepper motor loss steps or you actual reset it. Otherwise, it should remain the same
@@minhsmancave9448 oh super ! thanks so much for you fast answer!! i learned a lot from your videos , thank you so much
@@minhsmancave9448 Hi , again i have question, i do as you show in video about z prob and it works great , but after lunch my project mill don't even tuch my stock ? could you please advice me , i cheek consol and i get this message [PRB:20.266,-48.945,7.649:1]
ok
$H < error:5
S1000 < ok
Try to run "$$" in the console and check $22. You probably have the homing cycle enabled without the homing switches installed. If $22=1, enter $22=0 and try to run the Gcode again.
@@minhsmancave9448 I did $22=0 but it steel the same probleme !? look ok
$$ < $0=10
$1=25
$2=0
$3=2
$4=0
$5=0
$6=0
$10=1
$11=0.010
$12=0.002
$13=0
$20=0
$21=0
$22=0
$23=0
$24=25.000
$25=500.000
$26=250
$27=1.000
$30=1000
$31=0
$32=0
$100=800.000
$101=800.000
$102=800.000
$110=1000.000
$111=1000.000
$112=600.000
$120=30.000
$121=30.000
$122=30.000
$130=200.000
$131=200.000
$132=200.000
*grins* Tables got a few new dings in it eh?
yeap, that's why I made this: ruclips.net/video/BglCqdgBHEk/видео.html
witam, w jakim programie to robisz
fusion 360 to make tool-paths and Candle for G-code sender
@@minhsmancave9448
thanks, I have a grbl plotter to use and I need nc files (I think) I don't know much about it, I'm learning
Yes, fusion 360 can be used to make NC files. You can check my others video about starting milling with the 3018 cnc to learn how to use this machine.
@@minhsmancave9448 dzieki
konto jest darmowe
Hello, what is the website of 3D file material? Thank you
turbosquid.com and grabcad.com are my favorites
@@minhsmancave9448 Thank you
hey could you do a more in depth video and better resolution on screen I cant follow this and mine simply wont do the things you say. and a lot of options are not there, if you could do a more detailed video it would be much apprchiated
The video resolution and also the screen capture in the video is 1080p. I can't do better than that. For the options that are missing, please be more specific. Fusion 360 might change a little bit since I posted this video but in overall, things are the same. One thing that Fusion 360 got better that you won't need to reduce the mesh size any more, just import directly the STL file.