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Availability:
Only 5 left in stock, order soon!
Arrives
Monday, Oct 26
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Features
- Best Entry-Level: The Genmitsu 3018-PROVER V2 is the first choice for beginners looking to enter the world of CNC machining. It offers incredible value and opens up a world of possibilities, from creating unique artwork and personalised gifts to starting your own small business.
- Effortless Enhancement: Accessories can be easily added to increase the functionality of the CNC machine. A wide range of accessories can be added, including extension kits, powerful spindle and offline control, etc.
- Easy Assembly: The 3018-PROVer V2 has Pre-Assembled Main Parts (gantry frame and the one-piece aluminum spoilboard) and Clear Cable Management. You can have your first CNC machine in under an hour.
- Wide Application: The CNC machine is capable of engraving a wide range of materials, such as wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, PCB, carbon fiber, and density board. It can also engrave soft metals like copper and aluminum.
- Support Services: CAD/CAM software to design and then convert your ideas into instructions (GCode) that the router can understand and execute (common options are Carveco, Fusion360, and Easel). If you get stuck, check out the SainSmart Resource Center (see User Guide) or contact us with any questions.
Description
Looking to get started with desktop CNC? New hobby or small business? SainSmart provides the widest selection of Desktop CNC Machines. The 3018-PROVer V2 CNC Machine is the most user-friendly for new users. We keep collecting the user feedback about 3018-PROVer and here comes the upgraded version V2. On 3018-PROVer V2, the redesigned control board comes with more add-on ports for extending functions, and more accessories parts are pre-assembled to save assembly time. Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a small business owner looking for a tool that can quickly pay for itself. Backed by the industry's best support and return policy. Enjoy the confidence in knowing your Sainsmart Genmitsu machines are guaranteed to perform and will enjoy support for years to come with our growing ecosystem of accessories and parts. Take < 35 mins to finish the assembly This mostly pre-assembled desktop CNC machine gets you up and running in 35 minutes instead of hours, making it no challenge for beginners. It’s compatible with user-friendly CAD/CAM software like Carveco, Fusion360, and Easel, so you can easily bring your creative ideas to life. You can find detailed instructions in the SainSmart Resource Center (see User G u i d e). Besides, we are always ready to assist with any questions you may have. Compatible with the 3018-PROVer V2, 3020-PRO Ultra, and 3020-PRO MAX V2, this rotary attachment allows you to tackle complex 360° engraving and 3D carving projects. Upgrade your 3018-PROVer V2 with our Aluminum Z Axis Assembly. Supports 300-500W motor and interchangeable spindle mount. This kit extends the Y-axis of your CNC to 460mm. When the extended aluminium spoilboard is installed, the effective working travel of Y-axis is 400mm. The Extension Aluminum Spoilboard is designed to work seamlessly with the 3018PROVer-V2 Y-Axis Extension Kit, expand your work area from 3018 to 3040 with ease. Compatible with Genmitsu all 3018 series CNC machines. Box dimensions are 17.71” x 15.35” x 11.81” (450 x 390 x 300mm). Here at SainSmart we have been serving the maker community for years, starting in the early days with high-quality electronic parts and into today with our Genmitsu line of CNC mills for every experience level. We love making, we are just a bit different than the people we make our products for. Our passion is making the best, most affordable tools available and getting them out to the maker community at large to do their thing!
Brand: SainSmart
Material: Aluminum
Power Source: Corded Electric
Product Dimensions: 16.54"W x 11.42"H
Voltage: 24 volts
Power Source: Corded Electric
Voltage: 24 volts
Horsepower: 96 watts
Maximum Rotational Speed: 10000 rpm
Amperage: 1.03 A
Base Type: Fixed
Battery Description: Corded electric
Item Dimensions W x H: 16.54"W x 11.42"H
Material Type: Aluminum
Brand Name: SainSmart
Model Number: 3018-PROVer V2
Item Highlight: Mini Milling Engraver Kit with Z-Probe, Limit Switches & E-Stop for Wood, Acrylic, MDF & Plastic
Unit Count: 342.4 Ounce
UPC: 816550022917
Number of Items: 1
Included Components: CNC Router Machine
Item Type Name: CNC Router Machine with Full Aluminum Structure for Beginner
Manufacturer: SainSmart
Manufacturer Part Number: 3018-PROVer
Frequently asked questions
The Genmitsu 3018-PROVer V2 is ideal for engraving a variety of materials including wood, acrylic, MDF, plastic, and PVC. It's designed to be versatile for beginners working on various projects.
No, this version of the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer V2 CNC Router Machine does not come with an offline controller. This means you cannot operate it without connecting it to a computer.
The Genmitsu 3018-PROVer V2 incorporates several safety features to ensure user protection, including limit switches that prevent it from moving beyond its intended range, an E-Stop (Emergency Stop) button for immediate halt in case of an unexpected issue, and a Z-Probe for accurate material surface sensing.
Yes, the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer V2 CNC Router Machine is designed with beginners in mind. Its easy-to-understand setup, coupled with features such as the Z-Probe and limit switches, make it an accessible tool for those new to CNC milling and engraving.
Similar Products
Top Amazon Reviews
🚀 Abunda's Overview
This is our summary and key points to consider based on customer reviews.
The Sain Smart 3018 PROVer CNC machine garners high praise for its solid construction, comprehensive educational curve for beginners, and impressive performance in cutting through various materials. The machine is noted for its robust build quality and a variety of included upgrades that set it apart from similar units. Both reviewers highlighted the learning process involved with operating the machine and recommended it to individuals willing to delve into the intricacies of CNC machining. Users appreciated the support materials and community available for troubleshooting and learning.
Pros
- 🔧 Solid, well-built machine with a reputation for durability.
- đź“š Extensive learning resources and supportive user community.
- 🔄 Includes important upgrades like limit switches and an offline controller.
- đź’Ľ Known brand with good customer service.
- đź‘Ť Effective for various materials and offers high-quality cuts.
Cons
- 🔍 Assembly and calibration require time and patience.
- đź“Ź Limited workspace size restricts the scale of projects.
- 🧰 Included hold-down clamps and Vee bits considered "fiddly."
- đź› Some basic understanding of G Code, 3D modeling, woodworking, and electronics necessary.
Should I Buy It?
If you are eager to learn and looking for a solid entry into CNC machining with a good balance of price and performance, the Sain Smart 3018 PROVer is an excellent choice. Its robust build, array of features, and supportive community make it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike who are willing to engage with the learning curve. For those seeking an out-of-the-box solution for intricate projects without the need for in-depth learning, it may be wise to consider other options.
Cutting to the chase, this machine is great. It's built like a tank, assembly instructions were fine, and there are a ton of resourced available online. I got my machine on Sunday, and on the following Saturday was able to cut the piece in my attached picture with no issues. In fact, the only issues that any of my cuts have had were of my own making. The machine works very well. That said, prepare to do some learning, some troubleshooting, and some problem solving. This is my first CNC, but I have extensive experience with 3D printers, and they're the same way. This machine isn't there to hold your hand while carving out intricate masterpieces. It's a tool that you need to learn to use. Another reviewer said something like "8 hours of failure was too much." (I had the same problem that he did. It was solved by changing the "Safe Retracts" setting in Fusion360.) If 8 hours of failure is too much for you, then this isn't the machine you want. To make this (or really any CNC machine) "work", you will need some basic understanding of G Code, 3D modelling, woodworking, and electronics. You don't need to be a master at any of this stuff, but you're going to touch all of it. It will take time. You will screw things up. You will get sawdust in your hair. That's what makes these things fun. Now, more specific to this machine itself, I was very, very impressed. There are many very similar units on Amazon, and I selected this one because of the included upgrades, and the known brand name. I found the machine to be extremely well built, and straightforward to assemble. The inclusion of limit switches is important. While limit switches can be a bit frustrating, they are there to make sure you don't accidentally send the machine a command that will damage it, and the work perfectly for that. I find the offline controller to be wonderful. There seems to be a lot of hate for this part, but I like that I can run he machine "headless" and not have to leave a laptop in my dust shop. I actually had a much smoother experience using the offline controller than I did using the PC-based Candle, but they both do the same job. My motor doesn't wobble, isn't loud, and hasn't had any issue cutting through various woods at 300mm/min. I did several calibration tests on the machine as soon as I got it built, and didn't have to adjust anything. The only bad things about the machine are the hold-down clamps that are included (they work, but are the definition of "fiddly"), the included Vee bits (again, they work as they should, but why give me a bunch of Vee bits and no end mill?) and the size of the workspace. The 3018 is actually a great size for a small workspace like mine, where it will need to be moved and worked around, but just like everyone else, I'd love to be able to make bigger stuff. I've probably said enough glowing stuff about this device, but I'll sum it up, here. When I spend ~$350 on a piece of Chinese technology that's based on open source designs, I expect to get a pretty low-end product that I can usually upgrade to make it useful. In this case, I got a solid, well-deigned, functioning piece of gear. I haven't been this amazed at how well a cheap gadget works since the Elegoo Mars Pro. If you're looking for a cool tool with a steep, but fun learning curve, look no further. If you want to easily and quickly cut wood (or metal) parts with the push of a button, maybe wait a few years. Software That I Used: -Candle (included) for machine control -Easel (very limited free use) for design and GCode Creation -F Engrave (free) for GCode creation -Carbide Create (free) for design and GCode Creation -Fusion360* (free) for design and GCode creation -Inkscape (free) for image design *Fusion360 is the real workhorse, here. It has by far the most features, but also the steepest learning curve. If you're familiar with Fusion360, you'll have no trouble. Otherwise start with Carbide Create.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2021 by Michael R.
I've been looking at this CNC for months, comparing features and making sure I wanted to take the plunge and buy. Bought it just before Christmas. I noticed that the Amazon page says this machine is pre-assembled. The one I received was partially assembled and I had to attach the sides and gantry to the bottom frame. Putting this CNC together, if you've never done this before, should not be rushed. Take the time to make sure every part of the frame is square and nothing binds up when it moves. If you don't do this, you'll have problems, guaranteed. While a couple tools are included in the box, I would also recommend a straight-edge, a tape measure and some extra small zip ties. While the instructions can get you by for assembling this, there is at least 2 excellent videos on YouTube that will make the entire process much easier. There was a little learning curve in just figuring out what parts were called what. The video makes that pretty straight forward and also shows you some extras on how to calibrate and get the machine ready for your first cuts with CNC. For a CNC newbie (like me), there is a learning curve. Some would consider it steep, while others figure it out pretty fast. This unit, and larger CNCs use GRML as their operating system. It's not too complex but its also not obvious what each command does to the machine. There is a lot of GRML info on-line and the time spent there will move you closer to making life easier with the CNC. Sain Smart also maintains a Facebook group for users of the 3018 machines. Some of the people on that forum are experts and it's worth your time. If you're having an issue, you'll usually get a answer real quick. Lots of very helpful CNC users. I want to say something about the Customer Service part of this because it's worth mentioning. I had a small part fail on day 2 of using the machine. The customer service was quick to respond, we had a quick conversation and a new part arrived at my home within a week. So far, I've had nothing but positive communications with Sain Smart about my machine. Responsive customer service is one of the reasons I bought this version of the CNC. I would recommend this particular version of the 3018 CNC to anyone interested in learning CNC work. While there are many offered on the Amazon site, Saim Smart has a very good reputation and that makes a difference sometimes. Sain Smart put together a good package for sale and they offer a lot of options, upgrades and other items to keep your machine working all the time. Great way to learn CNC work. Price was right too!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2021 by Robert V.
SainSmart 3018-PROver review and errata - January 18, 2020. The materials provided are good: heavy and well-machined aluminum, acceptable quality electronic and mechanical components and fasteners. The 3018-PROver is not nearly as “assembled” as the purchasing data indicates. You can download the assembly video or the manual and see for yourself - there are a couple of hours of assembly work, and there will be much consulting of the online manual, the video, and this errata while you are at it. The three major subsystems are mechanically assembled, but have not had the electrical components, wiring and many little parts mounted, and two major subsystems need to be bolted together. And since the instructions leave a lot for you to figure out, if you’re easily frustrated: choose another project. The PROver version is based on Open Source software and incorporates its own motion controller software: GRBL 1.1. It does not need to be connected to your computer while the router is cutting. Most people will use Open Source CAD software, which does not come with the unit. There is also a “3018 Pro MX3” version which requires that you purchase the Mach 3 software for $175, has a different main controller board and a different hand controller, and requires a Windows computer to run Mach 3 while the router is cutting. The 3018 PROver is a better choice for most people, as it avoids this expense and complexity. Mach 3 is motion-control software, not the CAD software. You will still need to find that. The 3018-PROver controller is based on Arduino. The main controller runs the GRBL 1.1 software developed for Arduino and comes with its own hand controller. Hand controllers for other models, like the one for the MX3 version, are not compatible. Source code for GPL-licensed software in this unit is not on the SainSmart web site as far as I can tell, and it looks like SainSmart still needs to learn how to comply with the licenses to the GPL binary software they distribute, and directly distribute the source code on their own site. I do not know what differences exist from the GRBL 1.1 developer’s source, but I suspect some might exist for the hand controller. This machine will be covered with chips after operation and will require some wiping down, including passing some sort of wipe inside of the T-slots. I will try to improvise a chip vacuum for mine, no such thing is available to buy. To find the assembly video, search for Sainsmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PROVer Build. A few hits down from the top of the search on Google, there is a wiki page for the device at wiki.sainsmart.com . You can also find this directly on the wiki, but the indexing is based on SKU numbers. There are assembly videos for other models on Youtube, which you might find helpful. Most of the tools required for assembly are provided. In addition, you will need a wire cutter to remove two wire ties used as a shipping lock, and a container of light oil to lubricate the lead screws, and some electrical tape to wrap moving wires together. You will need to download the manual and display it on a big screen. That is the only way you will be able to see the photos adequately to be able to assemble the unit. The photos are in a printed manual provided with the unit, but too small and too low-resolution to tell what you should be doing. Here are the errata I noted during assembly: Step 1: You will need to provide your own wire cutter. Step 2: You are told to mount 6 wire holders, but the photo only shows where two of them go! The video is similarly unhelpful! The second two go on the opposite side, identically to the first two. The third two go on the outside of the frame, on the same side as the stepper motor, opposite the two installed inside. Step 3: The four wire holders mount on opposite sides of the metal piece. The photos don’t quite show this completely. Step 5 and 6: The long end of the distance tool is held against the back of the frame, inside the channel. The last slider nut should be against the end of the distance tool. Because of the distance tool, everything lines up well and the 12 bolts go in a lot more easily than I expected. Step 8: The square projection on the slide nut goes outward. Step 9: Peel the protective film off of both sides of the acrylic sheets. They are clear, tinted blue, once you do that. Hold the sheet so that it fits the shape of the leg of the Y-Z assembly. That is the correct orientation. Put the bolts through from the outside, and put the slide nuts on the other side by hand, one turn only. Orient the slide nuts horizontally, and then push the acrylic sheet to the channel so that the slide nuts insert into the channel. Turn the bolts, and the slide nuts will seat correctly. Step 10: There is an error on this page. Where they specify the Y+ and Y- connecting wires, they actually mean X! The VER- numbers are correct, Y should be X. The main controller is attached to two beams, each of which has four channels. The X- limit switch wire must be run behind the main controller along the top of the bottom beam, looping to the front on the side where the controller has the USB connector. The cover strip goes over the wire on the top channel of the bottom beam. Step 11: It may be necessary to temporarily remove the wire holders next to the limit switches so that there is enough space to insert the plugs into the limit switch sockets. Put the wire holders back afterward. Step 13: There are different plugs on each end of the stepper motor wires. Step 15: By “black cover”, they mean the black plastic nut on the barrel of the emergency stop button. Remove that and the square lock washer. Put the switch into the plate, and then put the lock washer on the switch from the back, with the pointy corners facing the metal plate. This button is unusual: push to stop, twist to release. Step 16: Whew! A lot left out here! You are supposed to pass all of the Z wires through a piece of the nylon braided web to protect them from friction. But the piece I was provided, although it can be expanded somewhat, doesn’t expand sufficiently to do this. I wrapped the wires with electrical tape. Operation Before you connect the router to your computer, you can play with it using the manual controller. This is non-intuitive though. I noticed that the files included on the SD card would run into hard limits (trip the limit switches) if run with the router starting in the home position. You will have to move X, Y, and Z close to the center of their operation before starting. The limit switches are confusing. If you are stuck on a limit, which is sure to happen, run the reset function. Move the stuck axis until it stops again - the limit switch will halt the system when it is set, and again when it is cleared! Run the reset function a second time. Then you can move the axis as expected. At this writing I am not sure if configuration will make this easier.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2020 by Bruce P.
First off, the caveats. This isn't a $20,000 Tormach CNC or anything like it. However, it IS in the same league of where 3D printers were about 7-10 years ago. If you calibrate your expectations, you will not be disappointed! I purchased this primarily to mill PCBs but also to do a few wood cuts and similar projects. I immediately purchased an upgraded milling motor for future use, as well as the 5.5W laser engraver. The upgraded mill is great for higher-power applications, but the included 775 motor is actually plenty powerful for most engraving and PCB milling applications. If you do upgrade to a more powerful mill, contact Sainsmart for a 3D-printable 52mm bracket - it's the perfect fit for the limit switches. You'll want to purchase 4x LM8SUU bearings (17mm) because the 35mm-long bearings are impossible to find. I damaged mine when I was pulling out the linear rods. Second thing you'll want to do is to resurface (face) your spoilboard. Do this, and you won't need to fiddle with autoleveling the entire PCB or anything like that when milling PCBs. Also, your engravings and woodworking will come out beautifully, same with laser engravings and the like. While the integrated offline controller works okay, this mill is best used with a PC so that you can accurately reposition the toolhead during tool changes. The integrated controller doesn't do a good job there. The depth probe works very well, make sure to replace the included GCode with updated GCode from the manual. The stock probe height is 14.19mm, but I found that mine is actually closer to 14.35mm. Be sure you use a good caliper to measure it. By far the biggest learning curve is setting up your CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360) to work with the mill. However, once you've done it, this thing is super reliable! Same for figuring out things like KiCad - you'll want to make things extra "chunky", by using extra large pads and making your traces larger. I was able to do 0.2mm traces, but those aren't reliable. Instead, I just set 1mm trace sizes and 1mm of clearance, and every board has been perfect. I know it's not ideal for large-scale integration, but that's the wrong application for this mill. Ultimate verdict is this: Take the time to learn this mill's limitations and how to best get it set up. Once you do, you'll be quite impressed. It's easy to set up (the 15 minute setup is nonsense - budget at least an hour), tolerances are quite good, and like I said, it reliably does what you need it to do. At this price, it's impossible to beat this machine!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2020 by A. Lauf
Although I have not had a chance to use the product yet my initial review will be on it's unpacking, setup and condition on arrival. Was packed securely and when it was received the box was undamaged. Lots of stuff neatly packed in the box. Installation manual was clear with some included videos on the thumb drive. Setup will take awhile but just follow the directions and work carefully and you will have no issues. Everything looked great and went together seamlessly. I stared to set the Z Probe and as the Spindle moved over to the home position and I started to set the Z probe Kit onto the table I noticed a big ding on the top left corner of the table, see the attached pics. Further inspection of the top shows some scratches and scuffs in other areas too. During installation I used the thin flat Styrofoam packing to put the top of the table on to prevent such scratches so I'm 100% sure this is not user induced. Things like this happen and although unfortunate and time consuming (replacements) it's just part of the deal if you are the unlucky one. I don't feel that a used machine was shipped to me but looking at the top and the scuffs and this damage on the corner, it was probably damaged during installation or packing. Either way, I have contacted the seller and requested a replacement bed. I'm ok with that as long as I get a new bed back. I have left a 3 rating for the time being once I get the sellers response and actions I will report back here. Anything less than a "Sorry sir we will get one out to you right away will not bode well". Not asking for a full machine, I'm ok with a replacement bed as long as it's a "New" one. Stay tuned! UPDATE: 17 Jan 2021, So the seller contacted me right away and sent me a bed from China. It was on backorder and is enroute. Unfortunately I had issues with the machine. There is a Z Probe Calibration so each time you place a piece of work on the bed you calibrate the Z Axis with the probe so the machine knows where the surface of your material is. This worked once after that can't get it to work. Sometimes commands are not executed from the machine just when jogging with Candle the software that comes with it. Thought maybe it was a COMMS issue so I tried the offline controller. Same problems. I emailed the company many times, but took forever to get a response, I thought I had fixed the issues by uninstalling the driver and re-installing but eventually the Z Probe Calibration stopped working again. You can calibrate the Z Axis without the probe but why? If it's there I want to use it. Boxed it up and it's on the way back with a new unit to arrive Tuesday. BTW you can't disassemble the machine in 15 minutes let alone assemble it so this is a marketing gimmick about 15 minute install. If you assemble them daily yes you can but as a new buyer you will want to read through the manual and take your time. Think 45-90 minutes to assemble especially if your first CNC. Update 28 Jan, 21. Little bit of a delay in my update but I did receive a new unit. I returned the previous one through Amazon and a new CNC arrived a few days later. This one shipped from a different location. This router appeared to be brand new. Assembled it and everything tested and ran perfectly. I did order a bed extension kit and you guessed it, received it damaged and used. In the process of getting that replaced. So in conclusion, as far as operation, well all I've done for the last 2 weeks is deal with replacing used items purchased as new so really haven't had time to use it. I did mill the top of my spoil board to make sure it's flat. As far as dealing with the company, be warned you have a high probability of receiving used items when you purchase new. Look them over carefully. Not sure if this is Amazon or Sainsmart. If it's Amazon, it's easy to return and just inconvenient. If you purchase anything through Sainsmart, not so convenient and it takes a while but they did replace the bed and the bed extension so I have to give them credit there. I'll leave this at 3 stars due to the headache of multiple returns. EDIT: 8 Feb 2021. So I will make my final review here. I did receive a new unit which works great. I had also ordered a Y Axis bed extension from Sainsmart which arrived used and damaged. Of course I contacted them with pictures and they sent me out a replacement unit that arrived in satisfactory condition. So all in all I have had some bad luck with damaged units and replacement CNC however the customer support has been top notch. So if you do get a unit that is not up to par the Company will for sure make it right. So I will adjust my rating to 4 Stars and have to say that you can purchase with confidence that if you get a bad or damaged unit it will be replaced by the manufacturer. CNC router is together and I'm engraving. Keep in mind, no documentation on how to use a CNC router. For that you will have to go to the Facebook Group, search, read and experiment. Happy Engraving. EDIT: Bonus Content 2/14/2021 I have decided to rate this a 1 star. After I purchased the original CNC router I went to their company website and purchased their laser 159.00 USD. I just now go around to opening it up and installing it and guess what????? You guessed it, there was something missing. The power supply was missing. They sent the power cord which goes from the wall and to the power supply but no power supply. So I have a laser and no way to power it. I Do NOT recommend purchasing from this company. If you decide to sear TUMS you will need them.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021 by Amazon Customer
The CNC came nicely boxed, with all parts, and (mostly) clear instructions. One axis was labeled Y twice, but other than that, no other typos. Amazingly, even without full calibration, the test files worked right away! It definitely takes some tinkering if you want to mill your (or someone else's) 3D models. That said, I'm impressed with the build quality and fits of all the parts. It's well engineered. Recommendations: 1) start with dense foam insulation as you can rip thru it without endangering the drill bit. Later, experiment with soft woods and such. 2) Find some slicer software to turn STL models into gcode. I found kiri:moto is free and works great. I have found that I needed to edit the top header of the gcode it created, but that was just copying and pasting the top few lines from the examples into the created gcode, replacing the startup sequence (easier than it sounds). 3) Learn a little bit about what gcode is. It's a line by line series of commands that control the CNC. It's all text and is pretty simple. Mostly, just know what the machines wants (everything measured in mm) and give it that. :) Again, the supplied examples that came with the machine will help you figure that out. 4) the Candle software works great (and its cool watching it model the tool path), though I found it freezing up on long runs (more than an hour). I now make the gcode, offload it to the (supplied) microSD card, plugged it into the offline controller, and ran the file directly; no mid-mill faults with this method whatsoever. 5) milling generates a LOT of fine shavings. Have a vac or dustpan nearby. I decided to buy a plastic, translucent, container I can put over the whole machine while it runs, to help contain the dust and shavings. 6) The machine is pretty quiet. I have it running in the garage and when I enter the house, I can't hear it at all. That said, I think the above mentioned cover will also deaden the sound a bit more (it's high-pitched noisy next to the machine). 7) A bunch of engraving bits are supplied, but I'd recommend buying some additional end-mill bits if you plan to do milling with depth (i.e. not just cutting words into a flat plate) as the supplied knife-like bits aren't the best for that task. 8) getting this slightly more expensive version with the hard stops and emergency stop button has already paid off. I can't imagine getting a machine without those. I'd have ruined it with my first self-made gcode. That may be just me, but if you haven't done milling before, get this machine to provide a modicum of forgiveness to your first solo runs. All in all, I'm really happy with this machine! It's an experiment, but a well-functioning one.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2020 by Fred Calef III
I think its defective and support is really slow to get back to me. The prober function does nothing and I've gone through all the documentation for setting the Gcode and positioning. I bought this specifically for PCB milling and thus it is useless to me without the prober and heightmap feature. So far I'm not impressed with support, it's been a couple days and no information. They acknowledged my question and said it would be 2 or 3 days to get back to me. I'm close to packing this up and sending it back. It's either a bad controller or some stupid simple undocumented setting.... I reserve the right to update this review if they eventually get back to me and can resolve this. I'd really like it to be something simple so I can use it. I have a big 4' x 4' CnC router for wood working so I am not a newbe with CnC. Unhappy Tom Update 6/30/21: So it was a stupid setting. Turns out the soft limits were interfering. This YouTube tutorial, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Mcjz7IP10 while otherwise very good had me turn on Soft Limits; $20. This seems to be the root of the problem. I can't say if Soft Limit's would have worked with different travel settings as I've not investigated that. I also had a problem with the $90 setting and ended up using $91 instead. I also have not yet tested to see if I can go back to using $90 now with Soft Limits disabled. These are the settings I used: G91G21G38.2Z-20 F100 G92 Z00.00 G0Z2 M02 Note that I have 0 offset for the prober because I am only working with copper PCB and thus I have removed the prober puck and am probing right to the PCB copper layer. The Soft Limit's issue was not SainSmarts problem, I do recognize that, but I do wish they had some better documentation on the the setup and calibration, it might have saved me several days of trouble shooting. At any rate I had success and isolated my first PCB. The heightmap function in Candle was critical to this. I actually like USG better than Candle but USG does not have a working Heightmap function. That's not SainSmarts problem. I have more tuning and testing to improve my PCB work but that all me. The SainSmart 3018 PROVer seems to be a decent little CnC, perfect for what I want to do with it. It's not got a lot of power or working area but that's not needed for the PCB's I'm working with. It's about $100 more expensive than other 3018's but it comes with the emergency stop switch, the hard limit switches and the probe. More importantly the probe connection on the controller. All of which I felt are important. It was pretty easy to assemble and to calibrate. The YouTube video I mention above is a really good tutorial for setting up and calibrating minus the SoftLimit setting. All in all I am now much happier with it and look forward to more PCB projects. I do wood working with a larger CnC machine, I don't know how this little machine would do anything other than engraving, but PCB isolation seems pretty reasonable. Now about support; They are there, I.e., they do have support. They were slow to respond and ask questions but they never actually helped resolve the issue, perhaps they would have eventually but the the help I received was from a member of a GitHub CnC forum. Thanks to ondras12345! I would have given this more stars but for support. I thank them, but they didn't seem to be very interested in helping until I posted the negative review and even now they are more interested in getting me to edit the review to positive. That cost them a star. The product is adequate for the job, seems solid, easy to assemble. Had I not had this issue and/or a better result with support they would ahve probably got 4 or 5 stars.....just sayin. Tom, no longer unhappy
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021 by Tom
I have never owned or operated a CNC router before or even seen one in operation. I bought this to learn how they work and hopefully make some PCBs (small ones). This machine has all I needed to begin etching planar surfaces, including milling PCBs. I first tried to cut some MDF wood and found myself making little circular pine Christmas tree ornaments for all of my family members, setting the PCB project aside by the end of the second day. All of the software needed to CADCAM PCBs and the wood ornaments can be found for free. I settled on Fusion 360 (personal hobbyist license - free), which works well for the wood ornaments and designing the PCBs. I found, after a few attempts, that Candle / GRBLControl (also free) works better for milling the PCBs as it has a height mapping feature. I can’t say enough how much fun I have had this past week learning the ins and outs of the software and manufacturing process. I’ve already ordered the motor upgrade, laser upgrade, and a few sets of milling bits just based on the quality and value of everything I’ve encountered related to this machine and Sainsmart. This will probably be the first and last CNC machine I buy simply because it does everything I could ever imagine doing with one. It may not have the power of production-level machines used in the industry, but it is accurate down to sub-millimeters. I was able to pocket a holder for PCBs of 102x79mm and it did exactly that, without any calibration of the router after I had assembled it. There is a steep learning curve at first, mostly related to the many options of software and parameters related to manufacturing parts. But, if you have used CAD programs before and are familiar with the design process you will pick it up quickly. Looking forward to the 3040 upgrade kit getting back in stock - although I read that there may be problems with compatibility of the laser module, due to the MDF+aluminum bed combo putting it outside of a usable height.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2021 by The Jerg Nexus