Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine, Mcwdoit Wood Router Engraver with Offline Controller + 5mm ER11 PCB +20PCS 3.175MM CNC Router Bits + 4 Sets CNC Plates

I am a first time user and was a bit daunted on receiving my self assemble machine but no need,The instruction manual is very clear and easy to follow the actual build took me just over two hour'sbut I put that down to the fact I am sixty two with poor eyesight anyway the software was quite easyto install even though I am not computer literate and with a bit of help from You tube which has plenty of demonstrations on setting up CNC 3018 pro and soft ware there are also suggestions for different apps to use with your machine and if that's not enough the customer service is excellent and will reply to any email enquiries with helpful advise on CNC bits, installation or any other queries, Brilliant machine well worth the money and to anyone considering a CNC machine I would recommend this one.

Arrived next day, instructions were easy to follow regarding assembly.Carried out a test cut using one of the supplied .nc files via "Off Line Controller" with good results.Next converted a photograph of Grandson to 3D image saved as a .nc file - the result was excellent showing all the features of the original but with true depth. This has since been repeated with other photographs but changing default values in the programs.When engraving you must set the spindle speed and Feed Rate to suit the grain which is easily achieved by modifying the .nc file. NC code manuals are available on the web.I have not connected the Engraver direct to my laptop as with the Off Line Controller I see no need.I initially had a minor problem with the "Off Line Controller" Control Page which the seller (Doris Direct) has corrected for me by sending a replacement part. I found their Customer Service first class.Cannot wait to upgrade by adding a laser module.

Arrived next day after order; pretty much as described. Packed well. Only guide to set up and software was on a mini cd-rom that my computer doesn't have! So used the link in the sellers description and set up from there. I can't comment on if the software had a virus or not because as soon as I read it might I went straight to the actual source of the grbl controller and downloaded that.I am completely new to this but can do a bit of diy. I found the assembly okay and was done in a couple of hours. Having installed the grbl controlled on my win10 machine and plugged the usb into the machine and then the computer I could see the device in device manager, wanting to communicate at 9600 on com5, but grbl wanted to talk to it at 115k so that's what I did.I mounted a standard 1/8 upcut that came with the machine. Setting the zero z, x and y is simple provided you don't go beyond the machine's limits, which I did and then the axis you have exceeded doesn't respond, but if you toggle another one, then for no apparent reason the one that wasn't responding is responsive again the direction opposite the non-responsive one.I had no cad experience so I used easel by inventive, which is a superbly simple place to start. The supplied motor is not very powerful and can stall or judder if over-worked. I have messed about solely with mdf thus far and found a spindle speed of 500, feed rate of 500mm/min, a plunge rate of 150mm/min and a passing of 0.4mm is as much as is okay. I am sure you could push it more, but why bother!For some reason the spindle won't start up, so I searched the forum and you need to use the command m03 s500, which starts the spindle running at 500, to stop it the command is m03 s0. Also the scale of what is was trying to carve was well off and I found the command $10=1 allowed me to carve a 25mm square at the right size. I haven't worked out the home setting yet - that's next!I think the device overall is good value; but don't underestimate the learning curve if you are new to this - I can see that people might rate the device less well by lumping the effort to learn on to the machine in some way.I would have given 5 stars if they simply had a step by step guide to making your first carving and troubleshooting around that.Its ideal if you want to do some small sizes and generally dip your toe in the water.

Received the product in good time. I did not have time to open and construct straight away. Two weeks after delivery, I managed to unpack ready to construct. I found that there were some parts missing. Amazon customer service put me on to the supplier who, right from the start of contact, have been fantastic. Without any hassle, the missing parts are on their way to me. I am sure that when they arrive and the construction of the machine is complete, that it will be just what I need. I have friends that have the same machine that are very pleased with it. The service offered by the supplier has been second to none. I would highly recommend them.

Found instructions okay for the construction of the machine, which like other people took a couple of hours. No instructions on how to use the software or converting files, but managed to cope with that side okay. Again no instructions about which tool should be used to cut into the wood, so do not know if using the correct tool, just guessing by watching videos on you tube. Have tried the examples supplied and some downloaded and one I made up, and all I keep getting is no engraving on the wood, just a mess, where the wood has been scratched to bits by the tools, and also tools being snapped in half. Have tried to email the company MCWDOIT, but they do not seem to exist. It is looking like I am going to be £180 out of pocket and having to buy a better machine from a firm that hopefully does exist.

So far I haven’t run into any problems with this machine. The setup instructions were clear and concise (supplied on a CD) and the build took just under 2 hours. I’ve done several tests pieces on MDF and had remarkably sharp and accurate results. The machine is a little loud, but quiet in comparison to other desktop CNCs I’ve used in the past. For those who like to tinker, this machine is infinitely upgradable. So far I’ve added limit switches and a Z-Probe. My only warning would be to take care when tightening the grub screws onto the lead screw - I threaded one side out by over tightening, but it’s had no effect on performance.