Hopefully this comment will help someone! I've literally spent most of the day trying to create 2 spoilboards for my 3018-pro. Everything seemed to go okay until I started the file to cut the mdf. The bit literally plunged into the workpiece and made a right mess. I checked and rechecked my zero points, I tried using candle rather than ugs. I even spent over 40 minutes on a chat with Amazon raising a complaint about the rogue actions of my machine. Anyway, after almost launching the machine out of the window, I decided to save the spoilboard file to my desktop, rather than it opening via OneDrive. Bingo! Worked first time and really pleased with the results. There are literally so many things that I researched to troubleshoot the problem... seems like it was staring me in the face! Huge thanks to James and Graham for doing the hardest part of the work. I really appreciate your time, advice and support.
It's the only thing I can put it down to. Stupidity was my number one suspect, but I've researched so much stuff and just considered the machine (psu/control board) to be the problem. The program has been faultless since...although the damage to the bed was already done #muppet
@@iainrutherford184 The damage to the bed is proof that you are learning. Don't worry about it! The machine Shop I am about to be in charge of has this on 9 out of 10 vises. Most just soft jaws, but the hard jaws (for those that still have them) and the vises themselves! Face the aluminum if there's a burr and, most importantly, keep going!
James, I didmine like this, but I did the grid lines first, then gave them a quick painting with some spray paint, THEN did the surfacing. It left me with some really easy to see lines. Thanks for the great video!
I first watched this video 2 years ago when first setting up my 3018 Pro. I am back again for the umpteenth time now to re-watch this video as part of my routine maintenance. Thanks so much for such a useful resource!
James again, " EXCELLENT" tutorial for anyone. Collected all the parts and made the spoil board. I have not plain the top as yet, my square is 1mm out but I will. Thanks ever so much. Have the spindle you used, my goal is to cut soft / thin Aluminum sheets, 0.8mm to 1.2mm thick, have not tried, but I feel this motor should. I will try once this board is level as you suggested.
Oh mate, these videos are exactly what I’m after, been doing 3d printing since early repraps aka 2012ish so I’m ok with the machines but cnc always seemed different world, haven’t touched my 3018pro since I got it almost 2years ago and decided to finally dive in… these videos are making big difference to my cnc journey for sure, big thanks
Was a bit like me when I got into 3D printing. In my head they should have been fairly similar but took me ages to get into it then one day it just kind of all made sense - although I'm still a novice at that :)
I was able to use your files for creating the spoilboards for my FoxAlien 3018 V2, by detaching the rear panel of the enclosure. I had to create my own gcode file for surfacing the board because of the limit switches, but I did use your technique. Excellent video, thank you.
Thank you for making this video. I've always used a piece of MDF as spoiler board, but I never surfaced it. I'm hoping this solves a lot of problems. That grid and the laser etching add that professional touch that is very admirable!
Got a 3018 pro for Christmas, and this video (and your others) have been a fantastic help with getting started. Need to watch your videos about the laser engraving module now!
Thank you James, this video was clear and concise. I have a 3018 and wish to make a spoilboard. You video showed me how and the link to the files also was a great help. Again thank you!
Thank you so much, that was the video I'm waiting for. However, got to cope with my 3018 pro shaking the Z bearings loose when milling, tried to glue fixing them. Then rush on over to the next home improvement store to shop some MDF. And catch up with your 4030 genmitsu Prover videos ... a machine that I feel a slight desire for... :-)
Thank you so much! I can’t believe this, this video helped me find out something that I really needed and thought it wouldn’t be possible and almost planned on selling my 3018 pro. Thats the fact you can have different collet sizes. I needed to carve 3” 1/4 deep, but the bits that came with my cnc aren’t long enough, so I kept looking for longer bits (of the same diameter, for the collet the machine has by default - 3mm - which is very thin) and of course I couldn’t find any long enough. But now, seeing that you can actually get different collets, this should solve my problem. I just hope the spindle motor is up for the job, and that’s not the reason they didn’t provide collets for thicker bits out of the box with the machine.
Nice video! Quick thing though: instead of putting yourself through the tedium of manually aligning the stock with those drawn lines each cycle, you could fit index pins or a quick little jig into the t-slots. Therefore, when you do a flip, you just butt the board up against those posts and clamp it down, and it's perfectly aligned, no hassle! :D
That is good advice. I do have a few jigs for things like that, however generally speaking I like to leave the bed completely open for the videos so users can use all the space as everyone has different requirements.
Hello James I found your tutorials yesterday. I am expecting delivery of my 3018 prov today. The way you deliver the instruction is top notch and I feel I am learning a great deal already. Keep up the good work.
I didn't have 6mm MDF. Only 19mm. It's much too thick so I'll keep my eyes open for a bit of 6mm. I ordered a 25mm bit last week so when it arrives I'll be ready. Thanks for another great tutorial. Jim
Just a comment to help others, as David Mochen recently mentioned, the current G-code seems devoid of anything that would drop the bit below the surface of the board. I realized this after running the code a couple of times. Therefore, current best practice might be to find the highest corner, loosen the bit to let it drop down and sit on the surface, tighten it up, then jog it up 5mm, go to the LOWEST corner, drop it down 5.2mm (0.2mm below the HIGHEST point on the board) and REset Z=0. Then raise it back up again, and jog to the starting position (and set XY=0 if you have not already done that). Run will then take 0.2mm off the highest parts of the board. Go back home, drop 0.2mm, RESET Z=0 and then run again. Rinse, repeat.
Thanks James, I appreciate this. I know my bed is not level so I definitely need a spoilboard and I don't want to buy one. I need to get a facing bit and 6mm collet first.
Hi James I am sure it is but I am not planning to keep the 3018 PROVer in it's current form for long as I intend to upgrade it with the extension so I will need the bigger spoilboard when I do that. So for now I'll use your excellent tutorial and make one. Thanks again.
Hi everyone! I like how you designed the enclosure for the 3018 machine. I would do the same for my recently purchased 3030-ProVer Max Genmitsu machine. Thank you!
When I run this it shows long ways and wants to cut on the long side, how do I get this to cut on the short side so it is correct? I ran this code after the first cut it plunges all the way into the wood. Not having any success with this at all.
Thanks for the great videos. I just got my 3018 pro (Rattmotor). I loaded the slot file and set all the settings as you did in the video. When i ran the operation, it did the first cut over and over and would not do the other three cuts. what am i doing wrong? I'm not sure whether i missed something in the set up of the machine. I tried in bot UGS and Candle with the same results.
Need some help… I have the 3018 prover V1. When I run the surfacing file with the 25mm cutter, it will cut a little and then start oscillating wildly- gouging circles in my mdf spoil board. I reduced cut depth from .2 to .1 mm and the same thing happens. Feed is 200mm. I followed the specs from Graham’s directions, so any help is appreciated. Thanks, David
Hi James, Thanks for sharing this introduction video. Very valuable for beginners! After following it and 3D printing some clamps to be mounted on the bed, I realized: the slots are narrower than in the aluminum bed. Hence the clamps won’t fit. I figured out to change the spoilboard‘s slot with in the Fusion 360 file, but have no schorende with the CAM module so far. Is there an easy way to generate the gcode again?
Hi James, thanks for sharing fantastic tutorials. I'm new to CNC and am having problems surfacing the spoil board. I have a CNC 3018 with limit switches. All Axis's are moving in the correct direction, when homing. When I try to run the surfacing G-code, in UGS, the Y axis moves in the wrong direction. Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.
I'm going to try again but thought I'd mention an issue I ran into. When I ran the slot cutting file my first pass on the first slot started at the edge of the board as expected. However, each subsequent pass stopped roughly an inch short of the edge of the board. I stopped the job after the first slot had apparently finished. It's as if my entire board shifted an inch between the first pass and the rest of the program or the machine suddenly recalculated my zero point. As I said, I'll try again and see what happens.
Loving all this content! I just purchased a 3018 and watching everything before I even turn it on :) One question - when doing the grid, are there any issues using the lazer instead of the spindle?
Hi James, with adding end switches, the wiring tends to become messy. Can I add a cable drag chain, like you have on your (bigger) machines? If so, which interior width should I order?
Thank you for all of the wonderful videos - I just finished cutting the slots for the spoilboards - but I s have a problem - the slots are not wide enough for the bolts to slid - - I used a 1/8 inch flat end mill - - I dont see anywhere which bit I should use - - any help?? thank you
Hi James, How long will the spoiler board stay securely attached to to the bed using the painters tape and glue method of adhesion? I normally secure my jobs down with double sided tape. I'm worried that when I remove my work piece the spoiler board will be dislodged.
Mine stayed down for years. When you come to remove your work piece, use something like a paint scraper to prise it off so the pressure is lifting the workpiece and not the spoilboard
@@JamesDeanDesigns Hi James, thanks for your reply and comments. I cannot advance the bed of my machine far enough to overhang the front face of bed, before I run out of Y axis travel. The center line of the spindle is about 15mm back from the front face of the bed. Have I got the bearings of the bed attached incorrectly?
What were your feeds and speeds for the surface bit? I tried to surface a piece of pine and it grabs and digs in. make a big bang and shakes the whole machine!!!
I'm not at my computer but if you open the surfacing file in something like notepad you'll see a reference in one of the first 5 or 10 lines like f200, that is the feed rate
Really interested video, I have a question, my machine is a 3018 Prover with a ketch. I have extended the work bed on the Y-axis so that changed the $131 value to 315. I’m assuming that I need to cut two boards to use as one set. Is that correct? The thing that confuses me when I go to surface the board, I think I need to change the surface file to account for the larger bed, right. How?
Was following your video and everything was fine up too running the cut file. Looks like everything started fine but as soon as the bit moved to the first cut it moved the bed approximately 15mm in the Y-axis and hits the limit switch. Can't figure out how to stop it from doing it. Can someone please tell me what's going on what to change.
Are you using a 3018 Pro or Prover? If its the prover then the files are slightly different. Also if you are on Facebook, head over to the Sainsmart page and post in there with some photos, you get a solution pretty quickly either from myself or the other great members
@@JamesDeanDesigns As to the machine it's a 3018 Prover that has been lengthen and using a Makita spindle. I thought you said that during the cutslot part nothing had changed. The change came when you start the surfacing. Also, you indicated that the original file was designed in Fusion 360, could that built some small change that my setup doesn't like. Right now I'm looking at re-Homing it to see if that makes a difference. Any other suggestion? Is there a program or application that can read and change the G code?
@@jongrace9133 its probably the fact you have a makita router installed the offset from the centre of the router will be different from the little 60w spindle. It basically throws out the whole file unfortunately 😕 other than perhaps asking Graham to report the file with the different offset, I'm not sure how you will get it to work
Hi James, Great tutorial. I would like to make a spoilboard, but have a problem with my bed. The spindle will not reach all four corners. I have tried numerous things to correct this but without success. Can you give me any information as to how I can remedy this. Many Thanks Jim
Hi James, Thank you for your reply. My machine is a Pro and I have been a bit of a plank (I should have spotted it sooner), I found the answer to my question in another of your videos (The 3018 build). I found that you set the gantry 48mm from the back of the bed frame. I had purchased my 3018 from a friend and the gantry had been set flush with the rear of the bed frame. Now set in the correct position and all is well..👍
Sadly I don't think there is an easy way to achieve this. I think in the main download Graham may have included his original files which are likely to be in Fusion 360 so you could modify that but unfortunately Fusion 360 is not a program I know how to use well enough to do this
Hi James. Thank you for all the useful info. I seem to have a problem though... My slots aren't wide enough. I cant get the standard bed clamps in to them. I used a 1/8" End-Mill as described, my X,Y & Z axes are calibrated, yet they are only just over 4mm wide. Have I completely missed a step out somewhere? The only difference is I used Candle as I cant seem to get UGS to work properly with my machine as yet.
@@JamesDeanDesigns thanks for replying. The slots are perfectly in line with the bed, just slightly narrower than expected. Certainly got me scratching my head.
Hi James we have this machine we watched the 1st one when you made baxters sign, we have got a dolls furniture pattern to make, have you made a video explaining how we start the project and get the g code thank you
Thanks for the detailed video, James. My 3018 pro is running only because of all the help I get from your videos. I have a question related to motor slippage. My X axis coupler keeps on slipping off the stepper motor shaft-flat-surface. I tried changing the coupler (had an extra one from Sainsmart), greased the lead screw to reduce friction, scrubbed the shaft-flat-surface with sand paper to make it rough... but nothing helped. A few details about my milling efforts... Feed rate
If parts are worn then definitely consider getting new ones anyway but the best solution is usually to apply a drop of loctite thread lock to both the little set screw in the coupler and also a drop on the stepper motor shaft. Loctite is a a bit like a soft glue. It helps hold everything but can be undone of needed.
Hi James, thanks for your tutorials. I had great success using them, until I tried the laser on my 3018!!! Now, for some reason my design goes 90deg to the work piece. I have spent days now trying to correct it but with no luck. Any ideas you could cast my way, would be much appreciated. Thanks Chris
I'm a bit confused about the g-code for the facing process. Looking at the beginning of it, I fail to see where it drops down to a point 0.2mm below the zero point. It goes up to 10.2mm, then down to 2mm (quickly, I think), then slows down while it moves to the Z zero. What am I missing?
I came to ask the same. The cutter runs at Z0, I overcame this by aligning the cutter with a slot so I could drop it to - 0.2mm and then zero, the program then runs taking 0.2mm off the surface. Trying to be clever, is there any way in UGS to tell the software that the cutter is at a specific position? A G code command I assume? I could then zero on the highest point and tell UGS the cutter is at +0.2mm. Thanks for the tutorial James and also to Graham for the files. Thinking as I'm typing I suppose I could edit the nc file but I still think it would be useful to tell UGS where the cutter is.
Hi James, great videos, especially for those of use just starting out. Is just me? I have unzipped files for this project, but can not see the g-code only the Set Up HTML?
You could just use release film like you would use for vanilla cutting or applying cut vinyl like with a cricut then spray a bit of 3m spray adhesive to the mdl. then apply it versus taking the chance of the superglue bleeding through to the Aluminum bed thank you for the video unfortunately the link was disabled Please send me a link.
Hi Thanks for your vids they are a great help to me as a newbie. when I am trying to cut the slots in the spoil board the machine seems to want to cut the slots from the back of the machine and not from the front as in the video. Must be doing something wrong but dont know what. any help would be good.
Does everything else run the correct way? There is often confusion with the 3018 because the bed moves instead of the gantry so when you press forward in Candle/UGS, the bed should actually move towards you (backwards) if that makes sense
hi james all good so fare are you just using super glue to fix down the board as i put the glue and activator on ,when i did it stuck in seconds had to pull it of as not square then reaply with standard super glue wich gave me 10 seconds to move in place
Awesome! Thank you so much for having made this video and the downloads! As I have 8mm MDF rather than 6mm, how would I edit the G-code to have a deeper cutting depth? Or what would be the easiest way to create G-code for this thicker material? Cheers!
Hi Daniel, it's literally the first link in the description below the video. There is usually a little arrow to expand the description area and you'll see all the information
Great videos thank you I’m having a problem when cutting this spoilboard it does not cut through the 6 mm mdf what am I doing wrong? I followed all of the steps then when I start it does not cut through the top board Help
Hi Jeff, possibly one of 2 things. Either you're not setting your zero correctly, and therefore it's starting to high, our your stepper motors are not travelling far enough and your GRBL settings need tweaking. To check, move your z axis by about 30mm and measure that it actually travels 30mm
I admire you for these tutorials. Got myself 3018 pro and I have problems here and there, fixed some thanks to you. I just bought a new collet and a new surfacing bit and now im trying to level my spoilboard, but when the spindle starts to spin(just spinning not even drilling) the machine is making so much noise. Any suggestions?
Surfacing but can really magnify any vibrations and generally speaking you wouldnt use bits this size on a machine like this (unless surfacing). Also you get different quality of collets and nuts. I remember swapping one of my collet nuts out and it reduced the decibel level by about 8 which is quite a bit
If you've applied it with blur tape and CA glue, then just use something thin and flat like a scrapper, push it inbetween the spoilboard and bed, then slowly prise it up.
Useful video. One thing I wonder is how easy it is to remove the spoilboard from the bed when you want to discard it? I know painters tape is fairly easy to peel off usually, but with such a large area, and something quite rigid so lifting a corner to 'peel' it is tricky, it looks a though it could be trickier than expected. Any tricks?
If its difficult to get off then that means it has been done correctly :) but when you do need to take it off simply slide a paint scraper in-between the spoil board and bed, then slowly prise it up. Make take a little pressure but does eventually lift off.
Great video thank you been trying to make spoilboard for 3018pro using code provided by yourself but for some reason unable to get cuts in right place am a total. Newbie any suggestions to help me get it right would be really appreciated
exelentes explicaciones aunque las tengo que leer por que no se ingles pero me gustan mucho y me son muy utiles ya que soy principiante en esto de la cnc gracias por tu trabajo exito y salud
Hi James! It looks like the comment I made yesterday didn't make it here, so I am asking again just in case. After examining the code, I see no "G1Z-0.200" or the like, so I cannot understand how the code makes the spindle go 0.200 mm negative into the spoilboard. I see, though, Z10.2, Z2, and Z0. Could you please comment on this? Thanks from a newbie from Argentina!
Hi David, RUclips does randomly remove acceptable comments every now and again. Truthfully I dont actually know. The code for this is not mine, Its Graham's but from my knowledge it does look like it cuts at Z0 instead of Z0.2. It might actually be a flaw in the code and it relies on people manually moving it down 0.2mm. I know it worked for me but it has been a while since I made this video
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thanks for your reply, James! I did use the code yesterday, after two passes, I got a nice, leveled wasteboard. Maybe it relies on the zero and instead of plunging down it will cut everything above it? I don't know... but in the end it worked :).
@@JamesDeanDesigns I had already created the spoilboards and even engraved them (all thanks to you and Graham!) but had no flattening bit at the time so now I did it the right way. Incidentally, this time I did not engrave the grid with a bit. I just created a simple grid in Carbide Create, assigned any tool to it, but adjusted speed and depth so as to use my laser instead, played with the zero so that once the Z command would plunge the laser it would be into the right focus, and off with it, loaded the .nc file in OpenBuilds Control and got me a nice, smooth grid, no need for sanding.
Hi James, Running your spoilboard file as my first project, the router heads off to the far corner to start work! I'm using Easel (UGS won't download) Is there something I should look at?
I am totally confused.Where do i get the G code.Can I use it in Easel or do i have to use the same programme on the video.I have unzipped all the files and I am totally lost
@@jimdrennan_signsonthetyne I've just downloaded it and opened it my self, there are various files called spoilboard-Xxxxxx.nc these NC files are all the ones you need. NC files are gcode files, if your software has an issue loading them you can just change the file extension from .nc to .gcode
I have the same machine as this I followed every step you did and it cut the spoil board perfectly. The issue I have is when I go to plane the spoil board with the surfacing bit it starts of with no problem but as it gets about a quarter of the way through the surfacing bit keeps bitting into the spoil board once it's passed the middle and got the last quarter it starts cutting with no problem Have you any pointers as to what the problem is and what I can do to rectify this problem
...was having the same problem and disabling the soft limits worked. However after that I start getting only the first slot cut and the machine gives another warning as it hits the y limit. I the moved the piece physically by adjusting screw away from switch. Seems to work out. Any way to change it in the gcode?
James Thanks for the video. I have a question when facing the boards. Is there a way to adjust the program file to surface the entire bed if I have the bed extension on my 3018 pro?
Hey 👋 I have the 3018Pro, works fine and i just did the spoilboard. Thanks for all the informative videos and for the designs. But my machine is making too much noise when cutting( yours is a lot quieter). Do you have any tips or suggestions? Tysm!
My videos probably do not portray the true noise as they can be quite loud. Make sure all the lead screws are clean and lubricated. Shallower passes usually makes less noise. Enclosure certainly helps. Some people used to say clamping the machine down also helped minimise noise
Hi James, Very nice Video. I tryed to make the spoilerboard but always when the 3018 Pro makes the first 3 Cuts and they want to go to the fourth they stop. Have you any idea what happens ? Thanks José
It shouldn't make a big difference, it'll just cut through more to the other board and then waste some time on the second cut when it hits the pre-cut spot.
Hello! Can you help me, please? I got my machine. I wanted to use the Easel software but the spindle doesn't want to run? What is the problem? The jog is moving.
@@JamesDeanDesigns Hello! Thanks for reply. Yes, removed because by the time I found the solution, but I leave it here maybe it can helps for the beginners because it a basic setting. This was it: " have just started to use my machine for a day. I will discover it but I don't understand one important thing. I design the form etc. I set up the zero from the corner, and the machine is starting to work not like on the animation. Instead of it come to a wrong place down towards me, like a reflection. What is the problem? And the solution: type "$$", look at $3. I saw this: $3=0 (dir port invert mask:00000000) And change the value "$3=2"
In my opinion the $24 a month is a bit of a rip-off. I love the fact it is simple but in terms of what they offer, Easel is very much behind the market. In this video I discuss software. Ultimately I use Carveco Maker as its only $15 a month and has loads of tools. In the video description there is a link for a 90 day trial and a discount code. ruclips.net/video/EMI97Rcb0bQ/видео.html
My nuts that came with my CNC don't fit them slots after all that massive pain in the butt. I have used the 3.175mm bits that came with the machine so maybe because they are small maybe I don't know.
Hopefully this comment will help someone! I've literally spent most of the day trying to create 2 spoilboards for my 3018-pro. Everything seemed to go okay until I started the file to cut the mdf. The bit literally plunged into the workpiece and made a right mess. I checked and rechecked my zero points, I tried using candle rather than ugs. I even spent over 40 minutes on a chat with Amazon raising a complaint about the rogue actions of my machine.
Anyway, after almost launching the machine out of the window, I decided to save the spoilboard file to my desktop, rather than it opening via OneDrive. Bingo! Worked first time and really pleased with the results. There are literally so many things that I researched to troubleshoot the problem... seems like it was staring me in the face!
Huge thanks to James and Graham for doing the hardest part of the work. I really appreciate your time, advice and support.
😲 I've never heard of that before. I'll pin this to the top and add a note in the description area. Glad you got it sorted
It's the only thing I can put it down to. Stupidity was my number one suspect, but I've researched so much stuff and just considered the machine (psu/control board) to be the problem. The program has been faultless since...although the damage to the bed was already done #muppet
@@iainrutherford184 The damage to the bed is proof that you are learning. Don't worry about it! The machine Shop I am about to be in charge of has this on 9 out of 10 vises. Most just soft jaws, but the hard jaws (for those that still have them) and the vises themselves! Face the aluminum if there's a burr and, most importantly, keep going!
I’m having real issues with the facing software seemingly stopping and dropping 2mm deep circles right in the middle of the wasteboard
Goodness you have taken a lot of care to make both Vids and downloadable work files. Thank you for your efforts ! 😊❤
James, I didmine like this, but I did the grid lines first, then gave them a quick painting with some spray paint, THEN did the surfacing. It left me with some really easy to see lines. Thanks for the great video!
Thats a cool idea 👍
I was thinking the same, rearange the order. Do the engraving first. The paint was a really smart move. Your comment sould be pinned at the top. ;)
I first watched this video 2 years ago when first setting up my 3018 Pro. I am back again for the umpteenth time now to re-watch this video as part of my routine maintenance. Thanks so much for such a useful resource!
James again, " EXCELLENT" tutorial for anyone. Collected all the parts and made the spoil board. I have not plain the top as yet, my square is 1mm out but I will. Thanks ever so much. Have the spindle you used, my goal is to cut soft / thin Aluminum sheets, 0.8mm to 1.2mm thick, have not tried, but I feel this motor should. I will try once this board is level as you suggested.
Oh mate, these videos are exactly what I’m after, been doing 3d printing since early repraps aka 2012ish so I’m ok with the machines but cnc always seemed different world, haven’t touched my 3018pro since I got it almost 2years ago and decided to finally dive in… these videos are making big difference to my cnc journey for sure, big thanks
Was a bit like me when I got into 3D printing. In my head they should have been fairly similar but took me ages to get into it then one day it just kind of all made sense - although I'm still a novice at that :)
you sound like me! again, these are great easy to follow clear and informative. keep it bup,
I was able to use your files for creating the spoilboards for my FoxAlien 3018 V2, by detaching the rear panel of the enclosure. I had to create my own gcode file for surfacing the board because of the limit switches, but I did use your technique. Excellent video, thank you.
Excellent. Glad you were able to use them on that machine 👍
Awesome tutorial. My spoil board came out beautifully thanks to you and Graham 👍🙏
Great job explaining in detail, step by step. video like this has helped alot
You should make a video about adding limit switches to this machine! Love your videos just earned a sub.
Really appreciate these tips. I just bought my 3018Pro and I'm looking forward to getting the most out of it with carvings
Excellent. Hope you enjoy it
i just made this and it worked perfectly. my confidence is restored!!! Thanks James. please keep the videos coming.
I'v got what I want from this episode ..thank you James
Thank you for making this video. I've always used a piece of MDF as spoiler board, but I never surfaced it. I'm hoping this solves a lot of problems. That grid and the laser etching add that professional touch that is very admirable!
Thank you very much
Great jobb done explaining in detail, step by step. Was waiting for a video like this.
Got a 3018 pro for Christmas, and this video (and your others) have been a fantastic help with getting started. Need to watch your videos about the laser engraving module now!
Welcome to CNC :)
Thank you James, this video was clear and concise. I have a 3018 and wish to make a spoilboard. You video showed me how and the link to the files also was a great help.
Again thank you!
Glad it helped 😁
Excellent. Thank you. These videos are golden.
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much, that was the video I'm waiting for. However, got to cope with my 3018 pro shaking the Z bearings loose when milling, tried to glue fixing them. Then rush on over to the next home improvement store to shop some MDF. And catch up with your 4030 genmitsu Prover videos ... a machine that I feel a slight desire for... :-)
Thank you so much! I can’t believe this, this video helped me find out something that I really needed and thought it wouldn’t be possible and almost planned on selling my 3018 pro. Thats the fact you can have different collet sizes. I needed to carve 3” 1/4 deep, but the bits that came with my cnc aren’t long enough, so I kept looking for longer bits (of the same diameter, for the collet the machine has by default - 3mm - which is very thin) and of course I couldn’t find any long enough. But now, seeing that you can actually get different collets, this should solve my problem. I just hope the spindle motor is up for the job, and that’s not the reason they didn’t provide collets for thicker bits out of the box with the machine.
Absolutely brilliant buddy! 👍🏻
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice video! Quick thing though: instead of putting yourself through the tedium of manually aligning the stock with those drawn lines each cycle, you could fit index pins or a quick little jig into the t-slots. Therefore, when you do a flip, you just butt the board up against those posts and clamp it down, and it's perfectly aligned, no hassle! :D
That is good advice. I do have a few jigs for things like that, however generally speaking I like to leave the bed completely open for the videos so users can use all the space as everyone has different requirements.
Hello James I found your tutorials yesterday. I am expecting delivery of my 3018 prov today. The way you deliver the instruction is top notch and I feel I am learning a great deal already. Keep up the good work.
Thankyou.. This was a great help.. I also highlighted the grid with a 0.5mm pencil in the slots.
Nice work!
I love that smooth Intro and Outro
Thank you
Thank You James. This is a great idea . I'm going to have to try it.
Really, really good videos, clear and concise, thanks buddy!
Thank you very much 🙏
I didn't have 6mm MDF. Only 19mm. It's much too thick so I'll keep my eyes open for a bit of 6mm. I ordered a 25mm bit last week so when it arrives I'll be ready. Thanks for another great tutorial. Jim
Very cool advice and easy to follow, thanks
Just a comment to help others, as David Mochen recently mentioned, the current G-code seems devoid of anything that would drop the bit below the surface of the board. I realized this after running the code a couple of times. Therefore, current best practice might be to find the highest corner, loosen the bit to let it drop down and sit on the surface, tighten it up, then jog it up 5mm, go to the LOWEST corner, drop it down 5.2mm (0.2mm below the HIGHEST point on the board) and REset Z=0. Then raise it back up again, and jog to the starting position (and set XY=0 if you have not already done that). Run will then take 0.2mm off the highest parts of the board. Go back home, drop 0.2mm, RESET Z=0 and then run again. Rinse, repeat.
Great video James, all the information clearly articulated, thanks.
Thank you 👍
Complimenti ! Tutorial davvero esaustivo e ben fatto. Grazie infinite
grazie :)
Thanks James. Great video.
Cheers
Everything was going great up to the point where it started making the first cut and error it hit the y axis limit switch, how do I correct it?
Thanks James, I appreciate this. I know my bed is not level so I definitely need a spoilboard and I don't want to buy one. I need to get a facing bit and 6mm collet first.
Well worth the investment to buy them
Hi James I am sure it is but I am not planning to keep the 3018 PROVer in it's current form for long as I intend to upgrade it with the extension so I will need the bigger spoilboard when I do that. So for now I'll use your excellent tutorial and make one. Thanks again.
Hi everyone! I like how you designed the enclosure for the 3018 machine. I would do the same for my recently purchased 3030-ProVer Max Genmitsu machine. Thank you!
When I run this it shows long ways and wants to cut on the long side, how do I get this to cut on the short side so it is correct? I ran this code after the first cut it plunges all the way into the wood. Not having any success with this at all.
thank you m8 for tutorial its very handy and its help me a lot
Hi, tried the board on my CNC3018 PROver 2, but I always have some limit switches to activate. Any suggestions on how to flatten the whole 300x180mm ?
Thanks for the great videos. I just got my 3018 pro (Rattmotor). I loaded the slot file and set all the settings as you did in the video. When i ran the operation, it did the first cut over and over and would not do the other three cuts. what am i doing wrong? I'm not sure whether i missed something in the set up of the machine. I tried in bot UGS and Candle with the same results.
Need some help…
I have the 3018 prover V1.
When I run the surfacing file with the 25mm cutter, it will cut a little and then start oscillating wildly- gouging circles in my mdf spoil board. I reduced cut depth from .2 to .1 mm and the same thing happens. Feed is 200mm. I followed the specs from Graham’s directions, so any help is appreciated.
Thanks, David
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing this introduction video. Very valuable for beginners!
After following it and 3D printing some clamps to be mounted on the bed, I realized: the slots are narrower than in the aluminum bed. Hence the clamps won’t fit.
I figured out to change the spoilboard‘s slot with in the Fusion 360 file, but have no schorende with the CAM module so far.
Is there an easy way to generate the gcode again?
The cut slots file is at the wrong thickness for the board I'm using. I can't figure out how to edit an NC file. This is a problem for a newbie.
Hi James, thanks for sharing fantastic tutorials. I'm new to CNC and am having problems surfacing the spoil board. I have a CNC 3018 with limit switches. All Axis's are moving in the correct direction, when homing. When I try to run the surfacing G-code, in UGS, the Y axis moves in the wrong direction. Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.
I'm going to try again but thought I'd mention an issue I ran into.
When I ran the slot cutting file my first pass on the first slot started at the edge of the board as expected. However, each subsequent pass stopped roughly an inch short of the edge of the board. I stopped the job after the first slot had apparently finished.
It's as if my entire board shifted an inch between the first pass and the rest of the program or the machine suddenly recalculated my zero point.
As I said, I'll try again and see what happens.
The surfacing bit in your kit list has a 1/2" shank
I put my 3018 pro together and it switcher on ok. I hooked it to my computer and nothing. Help please. it does look good though, but I want to use it.
Can someone suggest me some endmills or router bits used for 3018? I am having a hard time finding them.
Loving all this content! I just purchased a 3018 and watching everything before I even turn it on :)
One question - when doing the grid, are there any issues using the lazer instead of the spindle?
Can you help me set it up correctly?
Hi James, with adding end switches, the wiring tends to become messy. Can I add a cable drag chain, like you have on your (bigger) machines? If so, which interior width should I order?
Yes you can. There isn't much wiring so it can be a fairly thin chain if needed
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thank you, I'll look into it, seems some wire extension soldering is in my future...
Can I use this cnc to make remote tv control or game controller stand/holder? 🙏🏼😊
Technically yes, you will just need to design the parts you want cutting out
Do you have a file for a 3040 extended 3018 That would be great!!
Thank you for all of the wonderful videos - I just finished cutting the slots for the spoilboards - but I s have a problem - the slots are not wide enough for the bolts to slid - - I used a 1/8 inch flat end mill - - I dont see anywhere which bit I should use - - any help?? thank you
Does the masking tape have to be blue can I use normal white tape do ?
Normal masking tape should work, I think the blue stuff just has less chance of the glue soaking through it I believe
I could be wrong but, the collet link is for a 2.5 and won’t work with the flattening bit you show. Or, I was sent the incorrect collet.
You are correct. It appears the 6.5mm has sold out so it's just defaulted to another one which is frustrating. I'll have to get the link updated.
@@JamesDeanDesigns will the 6.5 work with the std nut for the spindle?
Hi James,
How long will the spoiler board stay securely attached to to the bed using the painters tape and glue method of adhesion?
I normally secure my jobs down with double sided tape. I'm worried that when I remove my work piece the spoiler board will be dislodged.
Mine stayed down for years. When you come to remove your work piece, use something like a paint scraper to prise it off so the pressure is lifting the workpiece and not the spoilboard
@@JamesDeanDesigns Hi James, thanks for your reply and comments. I cannot advance the bed of my machine far enough to overhang the front face of bed, before I run out of Y axis travel. The center line of the spindle is about 15mm back from the front face of the bed. Have I got the bearings of the bed attached incorrectly?
What were your feeds and speeds for the surface bit? I tried to surface a piece of pine and it grabs and digs in. make a big bang and shakes the whole machine!!!
I'm not at my computer but if you open the surfacing file in something like notepad you'll see a reference in one of the first 5 or 10 lines like f200, that is the feed rate
Really interested video, I have a question, my machine is a 3018 Prover with a ketch. I have extended the work bed on the Y-axis so that changed the $131 value to 315. I’m assuming that I need to cut two boards to use as one set. Is that correct? The thing that confuses me when I go to surface the board, I think I need to change the surface file to account for the larger bed, right. How?
Was following your video and everything was fine up too running the cut file. Looks like everything started fine but as soon as the bit moved to the first cut it moved the bed approximately 15mm in the Y-axis and hits the limit switch. Can't figure out how to stop it from doing it. Can someone please tell me what's going on what to change.
Are you using a 3018 Pro or Prover? If its the prover then the files are slightly different. Also if you are on Facebook, head over to the Sainsmart page and post in there with some photos, you get a solution pretty quickly either from myself or the other great members
@@JamesDeanDesigns As to the machine it's a 3018 Prover that has been lengthen and using a Makita spindle. I thought you said that during the cutslot part nothing had changed. The change came when you start the surfacing. Also, you indicated that the original file was designed in Fusion 360, could that built some small change that my setup doesn't like. Right now I'm looking at re-Homing it to see if that makes a difference. Any other suggestion? Is there a program or application that can read and change the G code?
@@jongrace9133 its probably the fact you have a makita router installed the offset from the centre of the router will be different from the little 60w spindle. It basically throws out the whole file unfortunately 😕 other than perhaps asking Graham to report the file with the different offset, I'm not sure how you will get it to work
Hi James, Great tutorial. I would like to make a spoilboard, but have a problem with my bed. The spindle will not reach all four corners. I have tried numerous things to correct this but without success. Can you give me any information as to how I can remedy this. Many Thanks Jim
Do you have a Pro or Prover? Is there anything physically stopping it travelling edge to edge or is it the files in my video do not go edge to edge?
Hi James, Thank you for your reply. My machine is a Pro and I have been a bit of a plank (I should have spotted it sooner), I found the answer to my question in another of your videos (The 3018 build). I found that you set the gantry 48mm from the back of the bed frame. I had purchased my 3018 from a friend and the gantry had been set flush with the rear of the bed frame. Now set in the correct position and all is well..👍
@@jimscott7596 excellent, glad you figured it out 👍
for those of us without 6mm MDF, I have 12 and some others but not 6, how do you change the depth of cut please?
Sadly I don't think there is an easy way to achieve this. I think in the main download Graham may have included his original files which are likely to be in Fusion 360 so you could modify that but unfortunately Fusion 360 is not a program I know how to use well enough to do this
Hi James. Thank you for all the useful info. I seem to have a problem though... My slots aren't wide enough. I cant get the standard bed clamps in to them. I used a 1/8" End-Mill as described, my X,Y & Z axes are calibrated, yet they are only just over 4mm wide. Have I completely missed a step out somewhere? The only difference is I used Candle as I cant seem to get UGS to work properly with my machine as yet.
Hi Paul, Are the position of the slots in the right place or are they also off?
@@JamesDeanDesigns thanks for replying. The slots are perfectly in line with the bed, just slightly narrower than expected. Certainly got me scratching my head.
@@pabz205 Iguess you have found a solution by now, but my guess would be that you need to adjust the cut pattern to acommodate the smaller cuting bit.
Hi James we have this machine we watched the 1st one when you made baxters sign, we have got a dolls furniture pattern to make, have you made a video explaining how we start the project and get the g code thank you
I went to the link and the zip file I get is only for the Laser Grbl , is the link wrong or am I missing something ?
I want to make accurate PCB's with perfect aligning holes. Not sure if an end ball mill or flat end mill is better for drilling 0.8mm holes.
Sain Smart publishes a nice infographic showing what their various bits are good for
Hi, do you have a design for genmitsu 3020 max pro spoilboard or GCODE? Thanks!
Thanks for the detailed video, James. My 3018 pro is running only because of all the help I get from your videos.
I have a question related to motor slippage. My X axis coupler keeps on slipping off the stepper motor shaft-flat-surface. I tried changing the coupler (had an extra one from Sainsmart), greased the lead screw to reduce friction, scrubbed the shaft-flat-surface with sand paper to make it rough... but nothing helped. A few details about my milling efforts...
Feed rate
If parts are worn then definitely consider getting new ones anyway but the best solution is usually to apply a drop of loctite thread lock to both the little set screw in the coupler and also a drop on the stepper motor shaft. Loctite is a a bit like a soft glue. It helps hold everything but can be undone of needed.
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thanks. I'll give it a try.
Hi James, thanks for your tutorials. I had great success using them, until I tried the laser on my 3018!!! Now, for some reason my design goes 90deg to the work piece. I have spent days now trying to correct it but with no luck. Any ideas you could cast my way, would be much appreciated. Thanks Chris
I'm a bit confused about the g-code for the facing process. Looking at the beginning of it, I fail to see where it drops down to a point 0.2mm below the zero point. It goes up to 10.2mm, then down to 2mm (quickly, I think), then slows down while it moves to the Z zero. What am I missing?
I have to b honest, I have not opened the file itself as Graham created, it just works though
I came to ask the same. The cutter runs at Z0, I overcame this by aligning the cutter with a slot so I could drop it to - 0.2mm and then zero, the program then runs taking 0.2mm off the surface.
Trying to be clever, is there any way in UGS to tell the software that the cutter is at a specific position? A G code command I assume? I could then zero on the highest point and tell UGS the cutter is at +0.2mm.
Thanks for the tutorial James and also to Graham for the files.
Thinking as I'm typing I suppose I could edit the nc file but I still think it would be useful to tell UGS where the cutter is.
Hi James, great videos, especially for those of use just starting out. Is just me? I have unzipped files for this project, but can not see the g-code only the Set Up HTML?
You could just use release film like you would use for vanilla cutting or applying cut vinyl like with a cricut then spray a bit of 3m spray adhesive to the mdl. then apply it versus taking the chance of the superglue bleeding through to the Aluminum bed thank you for the video unfortunately the link was disabled
Please send me a link.
Hi Thanks for your vids they are a great help to me as a newbie. when I am trying to cut the slots in the spoil board the machine seems to want to cut the slots from the back of the machine and not from the front as in the video. Must be doing something wrong but dont know what. any help would be good.
Does everything else run the correct way? There is often confusion with the 3018 because the bed moves instead of the gantry so when you press forward in Candle/UGS, the bed should actually move towards you (backwards) if that makes sense
@@JamesDeanDesigns I reversed the Y axis and this solved the issue Thanks for replying.
hi james all good so fare are you just using super glue to fix down the board as i put the glue and activator on ,when i did it stuck in seconds had to pull it of as not square then reaply with standard super glue wich gave me 10 seconds to move in place
Yes I just use CA glue, you dont need the activator but it just helps speed things up... however that's not always a good thing as you have found out
@@JamesDeanDesigns thanks now i know thought it would not set without the activator
Awesome! Thank you so much for having made this video and the downloads!
As I have 8mm MDF rather than 6mm, how would I edit the G-code to have a deeper cutting depth? Or what would be the easiest way to create G-code for this thicker material? Cheers!
Hi James
I haven't found the link for the 3018 pro spoil board. Could you post a link. Thanks for all the great videos.
Hi Daniel, it's literally the first link in the description below the video. There is usually a little arrow to expand the description area and you'll see all the information
Great videos thank you I’m having a problem when cutting this spoilboard it does not cut through the 6 mm mdf what am I doing wrong? I followed all of the steps then when I start it does not cut through the top board Help
Hi Jeff, possibly one of 2 things. Either you're not setting your zero correctly, and therefore it's starting to high, our your stepper motors are not travelling far enough and your GRBL settings need tweaking. To check, move your z axis by about 30mm and measure that it actually travels 30mm
@@JamesDeanDesigns I will try that If I find that it doesn’t move as it should what can I do to change that
I admire you for these tutorials.
Got myself 3018 pro and I have problems here and there, fixed some thanks to you. I just bought a new collet and a new surfacing bit and now im trying to level my spoilboard, but when the spindle starts to spin(just spinning not even drilling) the machine is making so much noise. Any suggestions?
Surfacing but can really magnify any vibrations and generally speaking you wouldnt use bits this size on a machine like this (unless surfacing). Also you get different quality of collets and nuts. I remember swapping one of my collet nuts out and it reduced the decibel level by about 8 which is quite a bit
Hi James,
how easy is it to removed spoiler board? Do you have a special technic?
If you've applied it with blur tape and CA glue, then just use something thin and flat like a scrapper, push it inbetween the spoilboard and bed, then slowly prise it up.
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thanks for your quick answer. Have you tried also tried double-sided tape? Why not use this one?
Useful video.
One thing I wonder is how easy it is to remove the spoilboard from the bed when you want to discard it? I know painters tape is fairly easy to peel off usually, but with such a large area, and something quite rigid so lifting a corner to 'peel' it is tricky, it looks a though it could be trickier than expected.
Any tricks?
If its difficult to get off then that means it has been done correctly :) but when you do need to take it off simply slide a paint scraper in-between the spoil board and bed, then slowly prise it up. Make take a little pressure but does eventually lift off.
Why not making grid with laser instead of V bit?
Its an option but not everyone has a laser
Great video thank you been trying to make spoilboard for 3018pro using code provided by yourself but for some reason unable to get cuts in right place am a total. Newbie any suggestions to help me get it right would be really appreciated
Hi James, Not a big deal but the link to the surfacing bit shows unavailable on amazon. May want to update it so you can keep everything flowing.
Thank you. I'll check it out and update
thanks for being metric. So sick of hearing inches gibberish. Love from NZ
exelentes explicaciones aunque las tengo que leer por que no se ingles pero me gustan mucho y me son muy utiles ya que soy principiante en esto de la cnc gracias por tu trabajo exito y salud
Hi James! It looks like the comment I made yesterday didn't make it here, so I am asking again just in case. After examining the code, I see no "G1Z-0.200" or the like, so I cannot understand how the code makes the spindle go 0.200 mm negative into the spoilboard. I see, though, Z10.2, Z2, and Z0. Could you please comment on this? Thanks from a newbie from Argentina!
Hi David, RUclips does randomly remove acceptable comments every now and again. Truthfully I dont actually know. The code for this is not mine, Its Graham's but from my knowledge it does look like it cuts at Z0 instead of Z0.2. It might actually be a flaw in the code and it relies on people manually moving it down 0.2mm. I know it worked for me but it has been a while since I made this video
@@JamesDeanDesigns Thanks for your reply, James! I did use the code yesterday, after two passes, I got a nice, leveled wasteboard. Maybe it relies on the zero and instead of plunging down it will cut everything above it? I don't know... but in the end it worked :).
@@JamesDeanDesigns I had already created the spoilboards and even engraved them (all thanks to you and Graham!) but had no flattening bit at the time so now I did it the right way.
Incidentally, this time I did not engrave the grid with a bit. I just created a simple grid in Carbide Create, assigned any tool to it, but adjusted speed and depth so as to use my laser instead, played with the zero so that once the Z command would plunge the laser it would be into the right focus, and off with it, loaded the .nc file in OpenBuilds Control and got me a nice, smooth grid, no need for sanding.
Hi James, Running your spoilboard file as my first project, the router heads off to the far corner to start work! I'm using Easel (UGS won't download) Is there something I should look at?
I am totally confused.Where do i get the G code.Can I use it in Easel or do i have to use the same programme on the video.I have unzipped all the files and I am totally lost
The gcode file will be in the file you unzipped. You can run it through Easel if that is what you're more comfortable with
@@JamesDeanDesigns I am only seeing G codes for laser engravers in the files that I have unzipped.Everything else is just a document I think
@@jimdrennan_signsonthetyne I've just downloaded it and opened it my self, there are various files called spoilboard-Xxxxxx.nc these NC files are all the ones you need. NC files are gcode files, if your software has an issue loading them you can just change the file extension from .nc to .gcode
I have the same machine as this
I followed every step you did and it cut the spoil board perfectly.
The issue I have is when I go to plane the spoil board with the surfacing bit it starts of with no problem but as it gets about a quarter of the way through the surfacing bit keeps bitting into the spoil board once it's passed the middle and got the last quarter it starts cutting with no problem
Have you any pointers as to what the problem is and what I can do to rectify this problem
Did you ever figure this out? Mine is doing the same thing.
@melissas3brats no so I've ordered a different bit to see if this elevates the problem
I've also bought a better machine
My machine keeps stopping saying it's hit a limit the program starts but stops after 1 second any hints or tips
Hi Simon, You may need to disable soft limits by entering $20=0
...was having the same problem and disabling the soft limits worked. However after that I start getting only the first slot cut and the machine gives another warning as it hits the y limit. I the moved the piece physically by adjusting screw away from switch. Seems to work out. Any way to change it in the gcode?
James Thanks for the video. I have a question when facing the boards. Is there a way to adjust the program file to surface the entire bed if I have the bed extension on my 3018 pro?
Are you using Tungsten Carbide 2 Flutes Ball Nose End Mills to drill the holes in the PCB?
Hey 👋
I have the 3018Pro, works fine and i just did the spoilboard. Thanks for all the informative videos and for the designs. But my machine is making too much noise when cutting( yours is a lot quieter). Do you have any tips or suggestions?
Tysm!
My videos probably do not portray the true noise as they can be quite loud. Make sure all the lead screws are clean and lubricated. Shallower passes usually makes less noise. Enclosure certainly helps. Some people used to say clamping the machine down also helped minimise noise
Hi James,
Very nice Video. I tryed to make the spoilerboard but always when the 3018 Pro makes the first 3 Cuts and they want to go to the fourth they stop.
Have you any idea what happens ?
Thanks José
Hello just got my 3018 pro put together do you have any software install for driver videos , Thanks
There is one for the ProverXL 4030 in my video called Getting Started. The majority of the computer setup part is exactly the same for a 3018
I have some 4.5 mm board, trying to adjust the depth of my cuts. can anyone help?
It shouldn't make a big difference, it'll just cut through more to the other board and then waste some time on the second cut when it hits the pre-cut spot.
Hello! Can you help me, please? I got my machine. I wanted to use the Easel software but the spindle doesn't want to run? What is the problem? The jog is moving.
It will say spindle control "manual", you need to change that to "automatic"
Hi Adam. RUclips was showing a reply in the notifications but I can't see anything have you deleted it?
@@JamesDeanDesigns Hello! Thanks for reply. Yes, removed because by the time I found the solution, but I leave it here maybe it can helps for the beginners because it a basic setting.
This was it:
" have just started to use my machine for a day. I will discover it but I don't understand one important thing.
I design the form etc. I set up the zero from the corner, and the machine is starting to work not like on the animation.
Instead of it come to a wrong place down towards me, like a reflection. What is the problem?
And the solution:
type "$$", look at $3.
I saw this: $3=0 (dir port invert mask:00000000)
And change the value "$3=2"
What kind of program would you recommend to cut the board. I'm more familiar with Easel but I don't pay the 24 dollars a month for the pro version
In my opinion the $24 a month is a bit of a rip-off. I love the fact it is simple but in terms of what they offer, Easel is very much behind the market. In this video I discuss software. Ultimately I use Carveco Maker as its only $15 a month and has loads of tools. In the video description there is a link for a 90 day trial and a discount code. ruclips.net/video/EMI97Rcb0bQ/видео.html
My nuts that came with my CNC don't fit them slots after all that massive pain in the butt. I have used the 3.175mm bits that came with the machine so maybe because they are small maybe I don't know.
Hi. Just found your excellent videos, I have just purchased a 3018 pro. Your link to graham's tutorial isn't working
Hi, I have just tested it and it is still working. Not sure why it didn't work when you tried it but it seems ok now.