3018 Pro 3-Axis Desktop CNC Router DIY Kit - GRBL Control, 775 Spindle, 300x180x45mm Area

Specifications

• Working Area (X x Y x Z): 300mm x 180mm x 45mm

• Frame Material: Aluminium Extrusion & Bakelite Resin

• Spindle Motor: 775 DC Motor (12-36V) / 24V @ 10,000 RPM

• Spindle Collet: ER11 (Usually ships with a 3.175mm / 1/8" collet installed)

• Stepper Motors: 3x NEMA 17 (1.3A, 0.25N.m)

• Drive Mechanism: T8 Stainless Steel Lead Screws with Anti-Backlash Nuts

• Control Board: GRBL V1.1 Compatible

• Software Support: Candle, GRBLControl, Universal Gcode Sender (UGS)

• Supported OS: Windows XP/7/8/10, Mac OS, Linux

Key Applications and Projects

• Custom PCB Prototyping: Using the included V-bits to precisely isolate copper traces on blank FR-4 boards, eliminating the need for messy chemical etching.

• Woodworking & Sign Making: Carving personalised names, logos, or 2.5D topographic maps into solid wood blocks or MDF.

• Acrylic Light Panels: Engraving edge-lit acrylic sheets for custom desk lamps and glowing neon-style signs.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• The Laser Engraver Upgrade: The 3018 Pro is actually a 2-in-1 machine in disguise! The GRBL control board has a dedicated 3-pin PWM laser port. By purchasing a 5.5W or 10W diode laser module, you can easily swap out the 775 spindle motor for the laser. This instantly transforms your CNC router into a laser engraver, allowing you to burn dark images into leather, cut thin balsa wood, or customize cardboard packaging!

Package Includes:

• 1 x Complete 3018 Pro Frame Kit (Aluminium profiles, bakelite plates, linear rods, lead screws)

• 1 x 775 Spindle Motor with ER11 Collet Chuck

• 3 x NEMA 17 Stepper Motors

• 1 x Upgraded GRBL Control Board

• 1 x 24V Power Supply Brick & AC Cable

• 1 x USB Data Cable

• 4 x CNC Bed Hold-Down Clamps

• 10 x 3.175mm (1/8") V-Shape Engraving Bits

• (Note: This is an unassembled kit requiring manual assembly).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Does this machine come fully assembled? No. The 3018 Pro is an unassembled DIY kit. You must bolt the frame together, attach the motors, and route the wiring yourself.

2. How long does it take to build? With the improved "Pro" design, most users can fully assemble the machine in 1.5 to 3 hours using the provided manual.

3. What materials can this CNC cut? It is highly capable of cutting, routing, and engraving wood (balsa, MDF, plywood, hardwoods), acrylic, plastics (PVC, nylon), and PCBs (copper-clad FR4).

4. Can it cut metal like steel or iron? No. The 3018 Pro is a desktop router, not a heavy industrial mill. It cannot cut hard metals like steel. With very slow feed rates and shallow passes, it can engrave soft aluminum or brass, but it is not recommended for deep metal cutting.

5. What software do I need to run it? The machine uses GRBL firmware. You design your parts in CAD/CAM software (like Fusion 360, Easel, or Vectric Carve) to generate G-Code. You then use a G-Code sender program (like "Candle" or "Universal Gcode Sender") to send the file from your PC to the machine.

6. Does it work with Mac computers? Yes. While the included software on the USB stick is often Windows-focused, Mac users can easily download and use Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) to control the GRBL board.

7. What is the ER11 Collet? The ER11 collet is the precision metal clamp attached to the bottom of the 775 spindle motor. It holds your cutting bits securely.

8. What size bits fit in the included collet? The standard ER11 collet included with the kit holds 3.175mm (1/8 inch) shank bits. You can purchase other ER11 collet inserts cheaply to hold different sizes, like 4mm or 6mm.

9. What are the bits included in the box for? The kit includes ten 3.175mm V-shape engraving bits. These are perfect for fine detailing, v-carving text into wood, and isolating traces on PCBs. You will need to buy flat-end mills separately for deep pocket clearing.

10. How does the machine connect to my computer? It connects via a standard USB cable directly to the GRBL control board.

11. Do I need to leave my computer plugged in while it cuts? Yes, normally the computer must stay connected to "drip-feed" the G-Code line by line. However, the GRBL board has a white 8-pin header that allows you to plug in an optional "Offline Controller" module to run files from an SD card without a PC.

12. Can I add limit switches? Yes. The GRBL board has dedicated white headers on the side specifically marked for X, Y, and Z limit switches (endstops) if you choose to install them later.

13. Can I attach a laser to this? Absolutely. The red 3-pin port on the control board (marked 12V/GND/PWM) is perfectly designed to plug in a standard 12V diode laser module.

14. What is the working area? The maximum travel distance is 300mm on the X-axis (left/right), 180mm on the Y-axis (front/back), and 45mm on the Z-axis (up/down).

15. How do I secure my material to the bed? The kit includes four metal hold-down clamps. The aluminum bed features T-slots; you slide the bolts into the slots and tighten the wingnuts to clamp your material down.

16. Why are the lead screws squeaking? The T8 lead screws are metal-on-brass. You should occasionally apply a light machine oil or white lithium grease to the threaded rods to ensure smooth, quiet operation.

17. Is it loud? Yes, a 775 spindle spinning at 10,000 RPM while cutting wood or plastic produces significant noise, similar to a small vacuum cleaner or router. Eye and ear protection are recommended.

18. Does it have an emergency stop button? This specific stock version does not usually feature a giant red physical E-Stop button, though you can easily wire one into the reset pins on the board or rely on the software stop button on your computer screen.

19. What are the red modules on the control board? Those are the A4988 stepper motor driver chips. They interpret the signals from the main processor and send high-current power to the X, Y, and Z stepper motors.

20. What is a spoilboard, and do I need one? A spoilboard is a flat piece of MDF wood that you clamp down underneath your actual workpiece. Because the bit will occasionally cut all the way through your material, the spoilboard protects the expensive aluminum T-slot bed from being accidentally routed into. It is highly recommended that you add one immediately.