Upgrade CNC 3018-PRO 3 Axis DIY Mini CNC Router Kit with GRBL Remote Control Offline Controller PVC PCB Acrylic Plastic Wood Cutting Engraving Carving Milling Machine

Don't get too ambitious! This is a great starter CNC machine, but it is just a little guy. So I got this machine because I am a hobby starter. I start many hobbies but rarely stick to any one very long; so this was perfect for the budget I allowed myself and I've been pleasantly surprised with its ability. As long as a piece being carved is not wider than a piece of paper is tall you can do alot if you get creative. I've carved dozens of pieces on this machine now and it just keeps on keeping on. I carved a 6 foot long wall ruler once and just had to add a long board as a roller support on one end and break the carved up into 7 parts. Noise level: kinda sounds like a high pitched animal whine most of the time and sound like the bit might break at any point but I have only had the tip break off of one of the bits that came with it so far because I set one of the clamps right in the carved path... Wouldn't recommend carving inside with this thing but great in places such as a garage away from ears that don't appreciate the art process. Ease of assembly: Not hard to assemble in my opinion. Be careful with the direction the supports are facing on the board because if you get those wrong you will decrease your workspace by a lot. Connection to my computer was also pretty simple just using the included instructions. Easel has been my favorite free online software to use when creating designs and running the machine. I recommend getting some larger bits like 1/8in straight cuts and keep the spindle speed up about 8000 rpm, a cut depth of .03in per pass a cut speed of 30in/min and a plunge rate of 9in/min. Those are the settings I use most of the time but recommend doing your research and experimenting to see what works best for you. Overall it is a fun machine that if you are patient with will turn out some great pieces.

It's amazing what is available to us today. For less than $150 this little CNC is surprisingly capable and precise. My first day running it I designed and carved a desk sign, hardest part is learning the software. I've already tried a few programs to see what works best for me. Carbide Create looks like a winner, but you have to find and download version 6; they crippled version 7. I am also learning FreeCAD from YouTube tutorials. There are several good channels that have more than enough information to get up and running. I've wanted to learn CAD for a while, and this machine already has me wanting something bigger. Not to replace it, as it will still be useful for anything that fits on it's bed, but to be able to make larger projects. Gotta say that the one and two star reviews really sound like Karens who couldn't be bothered to actually put any effort into it!

The CNCTOPBAOS Upgrade CNC 3018-PRO router kit DOES NOT include limit switches, probe, or emergency stop switch; the control board does have locations to add them on but no hard points for mounting. Assembly was pretty easy, but the operation of the machine itself is definitely Not for novices; the learning curve is more like straight up! It's a shame, that an entry level machine is so poorly user friendly. Twill revamp my review when I see it working !

So far it's pretty good. It seems like it can cut out full contours... At least from what I could tell in the grbl software when I loaded up some g-code for a half sphere through fusion 360. I need to make some adjustments to the clearance passes though to adjust for max travels. No super critical projects yet completed, but if I can update with one later I will. I agree with others that have mentioned the use of the end stop switches. These would be extremely useful. I purchased the model with the offline controller and very much so like this option. I do want to make note that you cannot (unless I just haven't found out how to do this yet) single pass the g-code like a real CNC mill would allow a machinist to work for prove outs. This would be extremely useful to avoid crashes on initial program operations for something with depth. I won't say it's a completely no brain operation... Someone trying to use this machine would be advised to freshen up on g-code and design unless there are websites out there like thing verse for mini mills. Motors are not too noisy. Assembly is easy. Movements are quick and smooth. Also, since the grbl firmware doesn't seem to have any limits programmed directly into it, you could also upgrade the machine footprint to cut out larger items.

This item is functional, but the software could not be uploaded. Warnings as to virus. This CNC software can be uploaded from other sources. The supports that hold a project down are flimsy but double sticky tape can be used for some projects.

I'm a cnc machinist, and I know what a top of the line machine looks like. This is not one lol but, I bought this little machine to tinker around with some decorative wood carving. I didn't expect much. Just some 2d stuff etc. I was pleasantly surprised by the machine and the open source control software. It's not rigid and the spindle is both low rpm and torque. It's accurate enough, it runs on (mostly) standard G code, and it does what the seller claims it will do. Over all, I expected a lot less for the price and would recommend this unit to for someone who is just starting out. Or needs to carve small projects from softer materials.

Love it works great, plenty of power should have dust cover on motor and maybe its own light but it is great.

I purchased this to engrave small lettering in plexiglass, and coming from a CNC background I figured this wouldn't be much of a problem as I am very aware of the limitations of this product. When it arrived, I was shockingly disappointed. The construction was fine, but the linear bearings had so much play that it couldn't engrave pine with a 1/2mm depth of cut at a slot feed rate. I could move the spindle roughly an inch front to back just with my fingertips. I ended up rebuilding the entire router using MGN linear rails, but then the control board failed immediately after. Literally no part of this machine ended up being serviceable in it's factory configuration. Pretty much a 100% waste of money.