Last Updated: May 2, 2020 (Refresh Now)
Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine 3 Axis Pcb Milling Machine Wood Router Engraver with Offline Controller with ER11 and 5mm Extension Rod
Last Updated: May 2, 2020 (Refresh Now)
6.3
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
133
Old Reviews
2
Unverified
11
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
USB
Review Analysis - 120 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ease of Use
25instructions, easy to assemble, switches, machine, limit
+92%
-8%
" ... Excellent compact and easy to operate machine. ... "
" ... Over all, this is a very easy machine to assemble and has quality in the areas that count. ... If they do burn out, they are very easy and cheap to replace. ... "
" ... The instructions for assembly are clear, concise and easy to understand. ... The manual control board is easy to figure out but BEWARE that the CNC has NO LIMIT SWITCHES! ... "
" ... Reasonably easy to assemble with the instructions on the cd. ... "
" ... The instructions were easy to follow even though there were few written words. ... To do more than very simple movements you need 3 things: ... One of the easiest to learn is Easel. ... "
" ... I added limit switches ,then proceeded to create projects from Easel .You can find easy to make projects on easel . ... "
" ... Reasonably easy to assemble with the instructions on the cd. ... "
" ... It is no difficult to figured it out. ... "
Build Quality
25aluminum, plastic, parts, assembled, spindle
+64%
-36%
" ... Build took me 2 hrs and was straight forward. ... "
" ... I've done some aluminum tests. ... "
" ... They all, like this one, have to be assembled! ... These replaced the M5x12 screws that are packaged with it. ... It's very durable stuff and this design makes assembly WAY easier and more accurate than the others. ... But for wood, plastic, acrylics and other "soft" materials, it does a good job and is surprisingly accurate and repeats very well. ... All the screws are good to go now! ... The new unit also came with wrenches for the spindle collet holder! ... "
" ... But everything did go together very well once I laid out all out, I test assembled with finger tight pressure. ... "
" ... I've done some aluminum tests. ... "
" ... I will update but packaging was good, I'm not done assembling but the parts are surprisingly well made, and very rigid. ... "
" ... It does have its limitations of course, and is best suited for softer materials. ... "
" ... I was concerned at first about the plastic frame sides but they are actually pretty solid. ... The whole thing is pretty solid all assembled. ... "
Setup
22assembly, software, easy, easy to assemble, unit
+91%
-9%
" ... Reasonably easy to assemble with the instructions on the cd. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and start running for a hobbyist. ... "
" ... Easy to assemble, I got the updated version, much better for strength. ... "
" ... I have not had any problems installing the software. ... "
" ... The instructions for assembly are clear, concise and easy to understand. ... "
" ... Machine was as advertised, easy assembly, software documentation not so great, hence the 4 stars. ... "
" ... The instructions for assembly are clear, concise and easy to understand. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and start running for a hobbyist. ... "
Software Platform
20gcode, code, program, grbl, took
+85%
-15%
" ... The software is somewhat intuitive ... "
" ... Then I found a web based CNC CAD software called Easel. ... "
" ... Took me a bit and a few crashes before I finally built my own limit switches-highly recommended since the software can be a bit quirky at times, epecially when converting mm to inch and back. ... Loads of free software and resources out there to get up and running and etching in no time. ... Google is your friend here, and YouTube as well. ... "
" ... Inkscape has gcode and laser code extensions available for download ... "
" ... Inkscape has gcode and laser code extensions available for download ... "
" ... You need additional software like fusion 360. ... "
" ... This is a validly updated version. ... I have not had any problems installing the software. ... "
" ... Then I found a web based CNC CAD software called Easel. ... "
Marketplace
15vendor, support, needs, look, amazon
+80%
-20%
" ... Excellent after sale support!!! ... I highly recommend this vendor!! ... "
" ... Liked it worked as advertised ... "
" ... I just ordered a new one. ... Look for how to: create/convert image to gcode with Inkscape. ... "
" ... I just ordered a new one. ... Look for how to: create/convert image to gcode with Inkscape. ... "
" ... In the photo, I have placed a part I was working on on the left, and the electrode I made on the right. ... Overall very satisfied with this unit and the support I got from the vendor. ... "
" ... Thank you Zhong for keeping up with my emails and needs. ... "
" ... I bought it from the seller - MySweety. ... "
" ... No big deal. ... Look at the pictures and make it look the same in real life. ... "
Apps
14grbl, cnc, files, cad, gcode
+79%
-21%
" ... Expect a week of research to find free software. ... "
" ... You need additional software like fusion 360. ... "
" ... The main software to control the CNC will load GRBL files to control the 3-axis movements of the CNC. ... Then I found a web based CNC CAD software called Easel. ... "
" ... if you don’t know anything about gcode, cnc machining, engraving, various design software . ... "
" ... if you don’t know anything about gcode, cnc machining, engraving, various design software . ... "
" ... The main software to control the CNC will load GRBL files to control the 3-axis movements of the CNC. ... Then I found a web based CNC CAD software called Easel. ... "
" ... Then the GRBL software (Win10) and all fine. ... "
" ... The software is somewhat intuitive ... "
Price
13good, waste, point, money, machine
+77%
-23%
" ... Very good for the price. ... "
" ... Happy with my purchase at this price range. ... "
" ... Now I think that's a pretty good machine for the price. ... "
" ... If you need more rigidity or higher accuracy, keep in mind you'll likely spend AT LEAST twice the price for a base model from anywhere else. ... "
" ... This product is a good compromise for the investment. ... "
" ... Overall, I am incredibly happy with the machine's performance, especially for the price. ... "
" ... Amazing functionality out of this price point though. ... "
" ... Amazing functionality out of this price point though. ... "
Cables
11wiring, wire, spindle, red, positive
+36%
-64%
" ... to make it worse, I had to buy to cables since the pins were not sit correctly. ... "
" ... I tried using a different USB cable and still no luck. ... "
" ... Found that the powers cable connector in the board was faulty. ... "
" ... I have a working knowledge of CNC machines this machine only decides what it wants to read also cable movement sticks constantly my opinion is DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY! ... "
" ... I have a working knowledge of CNC machines this machine only decides what it wants to read also cable movement sticks constantly my opinion is DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY! ... "
" ... Wiring diagram missing. ... "
" ... Wiring diagram missing. ... "
Returns
10trying, sent
-100%
" ... I sent it back. ... "
" ... While I've been trying ways to make this machine work my timeline for returning has expired. ... "
" ... help before I return ... "
" ... I returned unit. ... "
" ... I sent it back. ... "
" ... But I did not get a chance to assemble and start trying to use it it until late October and it was past the return date by a day!!! ... Wish I could return!!! ... "
" ... Sent MySweetie an email but have not gotten response. ... "
" ... I had to return for my full refund. ... "
Device Compatibility
9machine, laptop, controller, connect, tried
+56%
-44%
" ... Perfect little desktop cnc! ... "
" ... The advantage of the offline controller is it'll keep you from having to keep a laptop or desktop computer near a machine that can make a mess. ... "
" ... It frees up my laptop to do other things. ... Way cheaper than buying another computer. ... "
" ... That and the serial connection connects but doesn’t react to commands. ... "
" ... That and the serial connection connects but doesn’t react to commands. ... "
Product Reliability
7machine, line, defective, code
+29%
-71%
" ... it used to crash into the bottom at the beginning until I started deleting the "G28 G91 Z0" line of code (in the first paragraph of code, usually 6th line down) , and now it works fine. ... "
" ... But my board was defective and did not even start up. ... "
" ... My only gripes are that one of the slide bearings failed after about 30 hours of machine time. ... "
" ... My only gripes are that one of the slide bearings failed after about 30 hours of machine time. ... "
Product As Described
7+100%
" ... In the photo, I have placed a part I was working on on the left, and the electrode I made on the right. ... "
" ... Look at the pictures and make it look the same in real life. ... "
" ... Liked it worked as advertised ... "
" ... After this I was able to run the test shown in the video. ... "
" ... After this I was able to run the test shown in the video. ... "
" ... Look for how to: create/convert image to gcode with Inkscape. ... "
" ... Look for how to: create/convert image to gcode with Inkscape. ... "
Ports
7work, using, time, problem, machine
+14%
-86%
" ... I tried using a different USB cable and still no luck. ... "
" ... Do not have hand controller plugged in at same time as USB as will not function. ... "
" ... Do not have hand controller plugged in at same time as USB as will not function. ... "
" ... The problem I found was that you can't have the USB from the computer connected at the same time to the control circuit of your machine. ... "
" ... I couldn’t get it to respond from the serial/usb connection. ... "
" ... I couldn’t get it to respond from the serial/usb connection. ... "
Delivery
6+100%
" ... I like the way the unit arrived. ... "
" ... The description fully complies as indicated. ... "
" ... The description fully complies as indicated. ... "
" ... Received quickly and packaged well. ... "
" ... Received quickly and packaged well. ... "
Fit
6short, bed, spindle, screw, collet
+17%
-83%
" ... There are some screws below the platform that are short and make really hard to secure. ... Nothing a bit of glue can't fix. ... I think thread glue can fix it. ... "
" ... I adjusted the double stick layer to try to put it back but it kepped falling out. ... "
" ... The M5x10mm screws that hold the bed on the track are too short. ... I have, at best, 1.5 turns of the screw into the nut that holds the bed onto the track and screw. ... Two of the screws could not be attached at all. ... "
" ... The M5x10mm screws that hold the bed on the track are too short. ... I have, at best, 1.5 turns of the screw into the nut that holds the bed onto the track and screw. ... Two of the screws could not be attached at all. ... "
" ... The mill I received had many of the poorly made plastic brackets cracked and broken when it arrived. ... "
Comfort
6+67%
-33%
" ... In addition, you have to do that measurement it yourself without any provided block to help butt the arm against. ... "
" ... In addition, you have to do that measurement it yourself without any provided block to help butt the arm against. ... "
" ... But everything did go together very well once I laid out all out, I test assembled with finger tight pressure. ... "
" ... But everything did go together very well once I laid out all out, I test assembled with finger tight pressure. ... "
Size
5machine, easy, compact, machines, good
+100%
" ... Everything from small 5 axis machines to machines with 50 feet of travel. ... "
" ... Overall, it is a good investment for small projects, ... "
" ... Excellent compact and easy to operate machine. ... "
" ... Excellent compact and easy to operate machine. ... "
" ... Very compact, and very fast. ... "
Design
5+80%
-20%
" ... A good mechanical design. ... "
" ... might have gotten them across the finish line. ... "
" ... might have gotten them across the finish line. ... "
" ... Draws pretty well on metal and great for making jewelry. ... "
Gaming
4+75%
-25%
" ... Get a look at a web CAD/controller software Easel. ... "
" ... The offline controller can be a very good thing! ... "
" ... This is a nice little controller for GRBL. ... "
For Kids
4+100%
" ... I bought this one to start out with and I have made quite a few plaques with it for students in my school district. ... "
" ... I bought this one to start out with and I have made quite a few plaques with it for students in my school district. ... "
" ... This thing is a toy, best suited for kids with crayons. ... "
" ... This thing is a toy, best suited for kids with crayons. ... "
Storage
4loaded
+100%
" ... Copied it to a micro SD card. ... "
" ... By doing this I avoid messing with micro SD cards. ... "
" ... Loaded it into the included memory card and ran it that way. ... "
" ... Loaded it into the included memory card and ran it that way. ... "
Accuracy
4good, accuracy
+100%
" ... It seems to be as accurate as other machines that I've used costing $2,000 instead of $200. ... "
" ... There's only 1 dimension that needs to be fairly accurate during assembly. ... Use a tape measure and be as accurate as you can be. ... But for wood, plastic, acrylics and other "soft" materials, it does a good job and is surprisingly accurate and repeats very well. ... "
" ... For anything softer than aluminum its shockingly good and accurate. ... It went together easily and was very accurate with no tweaks. ... "
" ... For anything softer than aluminum its shockingly good and accurate. ... It went together easily and was very accurate with no tweaks. ... "
CD/DVD
4disk, software, included, package
+100%
" ... When I could not read the included CD disk, the seller contacted me and gave me http:// . ... "
" ... Like I said, the package came with a CD. ... It's on the CD. ... "
" ... I recommend creating a back-up disk of the supplied CD software . ... "
Display Clarity
4display
+75%
-25%
" ... I also ask if the Zhong has an a larger display for the controller and they send me one. ... "
" ... The addition of the controller/display is nice. ... "
" ... The addition of the controller/display is nice. ... "
3D
4+100%
" ... ArtCAM - This appears to convert pictures into 3D cuts. ... "
" ... ArtCAM - This appears to convert pictures into 3D cuts. ... "
" ... Learn Fusion360, 3D stuff ... "
" ... Learn Fusion360, 3D stuff ... "
For Running
3noise
-100%
" ... I will be back to elaborate after I run this thing for a while, and I might give it more stars then, but snagging thru holes, and short screws are typical of what often comes out of China. ... "
" ... I will be back to elaborate after I run this thing for a while, and I might give it more stars then, but snagging thru holes, and short screws are typical of what often comes out of China. ... "
Hair
3came, aluminum
+100%
" ... I am cutting MDF with ease. ... "
" ... Once you have all that you're ready to cut something. ... "
" ... First cuts came out really well. ... "
Network
3+100%
" ... Being new to cnc routers I was weary on purchasing one. ... "
" ... Being new to cnc routers I was weary on purchasing one. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
USB: Yes