Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY CNC Machine,3 Axis PCB PVC Milling Engraving Machine,Wood Router Engraver XYZ Working Area 300x180x45mm (3018-PRO with extension rod)

Ok so kinda long but bare with me. . .Some quick notes for success before we dive in. Things that are needed that I didnt think I would need that helped so much and made my life so much simpler. You dont have to have them but it helps ;)1. A caliper (makes final adjustments so much easier)2. A security bit set with a screwdriver attachment (Allen wrenches hurt after 30 minutes of use)3. Bowls or a tray that can keep hard ware separate.4. Patience (so much of this is needed lol)This is my second one so I will go through the process since they were the same machine.Ok on to the buildThis was my absolute first foray into any kind of computer controlled anything and let me tell you there was a huge learning curve. So I've decided to share my journey in the Hope's that someone else who might be having a similar issue can get some guidance. Here goes . . .Package came on time and in great condition. The aluminum extensions were plastic wrapped and had some very sharp aluminum shavings under them *ouch* the components were all there and neatly organized. I knew I was in for a build but I loved playing with legos as a kid so how hard can it be?For the most part the directions were clear, I decided to print them off the disk becuse I didnt want to have to keep having to move the laptop around. I found that putting the table on was an absolute headache by following the way the directions said to put it on and found it was easier to attached the sliders to the table and then put the table on to the guide rods. I sat for about 20 mins trying to figure out if the screw nut combo they said for the z axis in the instructions would work and yes it does. The nuts turn until they are in the right position so dont trip, if you're really worried about it you can use an Allen wrench to turn the nuts manually (not needed but I'm stubborn and did it for the first 5 nuts lol) the rest goes together as planned.Hooked up the manual offline controller and it worked great. Could not get it to connect to my computer to save my life. I was overly frustrated and was almost about to send it back when after almost 2 days of googling, YouTubeing, and FAQ board surfing an idea dawned on me unplug the offline controller and see if that works. And what did you know connected like a charm. So yeah it cant differentiate between the computer connection and the controller connection so one at a time lol (even if you're only using one dont have both plugged in)There is little to no specs for this machine online. No stats for cutting feedrate or depth that's safe for this machine so I've broken a few bits trying to make it work.First couple of projects weren't square. Turns out the left side of the z axis of the machine wasnt aligned square with the right (builder error) adjusted and cut true from that point on.The only downside mechanically about this machine is the carriage for the spindle. The lower bearing has some issues sliding. Its caught a few times and messed up a project. It eventually locked up and I had to return that first one (different seller they didnt respond until after I sent it back to amazon) the new one seems to have the same issue but doesnt seem to impeding the movement yet. It doesnt glide as smooth as the other guide rods so I'm keeping an eye on that.You will need a cam/cad software but that's up to you theres many to choose from check out YouTube for some great pointers in that area.Other than that it's a great machine, it opened me up to a whole new creative area in my wood shop. I'm now engraving and carving multiple differnt items and I'm constantly coming up with new ideas to throw at it. The hardest part was convincing my wife to let me buy it after I showed her what it could do I mentioned wanting a laser engraver and without hesitation she let me get that too. Next up is a 3d printer, but I've got enough with these two for now. ^_^The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is becuse of the lower bearing issue. Other than that it's a great addition to my shop.

The media could not be loaded.  I bought this for Fun. I come to this machine with decades of experience on a real CNC MillA nice machine for those learning the basics of CNC Milling and Gcode and doing projects suited for a machine this size (without upgrading the spindle motor and other).For convenience of using it in Home Office, I was willing to accept the step-down in quality of results (compared to using my real CNC Mill).I dialed-in the best process (tool-bits, speed/feed...etc) for making PCB’s. The Results are good enough and the only Complaint I have is the Offline Controller (see below).** Review *** Hardware:Nothing to complain about. It didn’t cost the thousands of dollars I spent 20 years ago for the real mill. Sure, it can’t do the same ‘real’ projects BUT, it can do small projects, especially Plastic, Wood and PCB’s (will assume Alum, Brass...etc with the right Tool Bit and proper Feeds and Speeds.* Software:I found the Candle software (online) for a Mac. It was O.K. but, I tweaked the “Settings.INI” file to customize it for improved user (me) needs. Image posted... Can also tweak the file for other platforms - It’s just a Text file.* Assembly:For me it was simple and photo instructions are good enough.I mounted the Control Board upside-down to enable better access to the Buttons (and added Button Caps) Image posted* Usage:• Main Complaint: Running from connected USB/Computer can loose connection, thus making it difficult for non-experienced users to recover and get back to where connection was lost. BUT, it’s not difficult if establishing a known Origin on a Tool Fixture and what to edit in the Gcode. (similar situation with most 3D-Printers, too)• Offline Controller:It works but, I would prefer a Better device that enables setting origins/feedrate/homing... and, larger with bigger buttons or TFT.• Backlash & Hysteresis: Not much different than a 3D-Printer. Don’t expect high precision and, if making thin traces on PCB, well, you can dial-in parameters to a reasonable degree but, don’t expect thin traces to workout well.Tips (all with respect to making PCB’s):• V-Bits will Not yield consistent trace and pad widths.• End-Mill Bits will yield consistent widths (I prefer 0.7mm to 1.0mm End-Mill Bits). Prepare to break some while dialing-in the best Feed, Speed, Depth of cut. Do some testing...• Edit the ‘settings.ini’ file and set the Acceleration to 2 !!!It’s default is much to high and will break bits and shake the machine unnecessarily. Reducing to 2 will Not affect the speed of the work (it effects only the momentary start movement).

I'd wanted to try a CNC for a couple years now and couldn't justify the cost. I also didn't have a real requirement for a tool like this until recently when I wanted to make some personalized blocks for a child and a plaque for my daughter.This kit was easy to assemble, and requires that you have a CD-ROM that will read a small CD with the included software. It also only comes with engraving bits, so i ordered a couple other bits for wood and other surfaces.Its size limits what it can produce. Learning the software that prepares the file requires the more work. Setting up the machine and kicking of the job is easy (and mesmerizing!), preparing the vector images and .NC files is the tricky part. I used all open source (i.e., FREE) tools for this; specifically Inkscape and makercam.com.Everyone who's seen this machine is impressed. I ordered the 1.75" blank wood blocks and have created a jig (to hold the blocks in place - printing all 9 numbers (0-9) at once. I've also created the files and tested them prior to the final printing. See photos. A better variety of bits, and a little less squeak would give this 5 stars.

Firstly, two of the "extras" that were supposed to be included were not, including the extension chuck and the bits.Then during assembly, there is supposed to be 10mm long bolts to attach the bottom plate, but what was supplied were 7mm, so I had to go and purchase a number of proper size ones.Finally, although I have been able to get it set up as per the poor instructions, there is no information on how to actually use the software, so I am at a standstill. If I can get it running , I am confident it will be good.

The Assembly Instruction manual is terrible:1) The pages are awfully small, making it hard to read -- had to use a magnifying-glass.2) The tiny illustrations are not much help: with no comments, it is hard to understand.I am still struggling to put it all together.The User Manual is even worse.In short, while the product is most likely an excellent one, it is a nightmare trying to assemble it.Much that I want it, I am seriously thinking of returning it.

I bought it for laser engraving. The laser module I bought at the same time is a too big to be hold in the cradle. I have to install it outside of the cradle.The CNC comes with a safety goggle, looks like for laser modules. And as advertised, it does not include a laser module. It comes with a USB stick with control software, and the SD card is pre-installed in the offline controller, there are three files in it for testing.Haven't have much time to play with it yet. So far it's good.The installation is not complicate, the instruction/manual is clear enough for me. I will recommend to use a power screw driver/drill with hex bits, it will save a lot of time.

Good machine for an intro to cnc, Shame some of the major parts are typically Chinese the poor little thing tends to shake itself apart if you dont keep a constant eye on it, The major thing i found wrong with it is the ''Z'' axis vertical bearings are not very secure and will be the first to want to leave the building.

Very difficult to start up, some kind of down load start up program would have been good