2-in-1 3000mW Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro with 20 Bits GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine, 3 Axis Pcb Milling Machine, Wood Router Engraver with Offline Controller, with ER11 and 5mm Extension Rod

First off, I'd like to mention that before I purchased this I had absolutely ZERO experience working with cnc machines. I had no idea what grbl was or even knew anyone that had used a cnc router before so this was a learning experience from ground zero.I wanted a beginner machine to learn on that could do both drill bit carving and also laser engraving/cutting and found this package. Everything you need to get started comes with it and seemed to be at a very comparable if not better price that the rest of the options.When the package arrived I unboxed everything and noticed that the reviews were indeed correct. Lots of metal shavings on everything and a bit greasy here and there. No big deal though it was easy to clean off and honestly for the price it wasn't even bothersome. I did notice that one of the axis motors had some scuff marks on it and decided to just hope for the best and install it anyways. I also only got 10 of the v bits with the package and not the other 10 that it showed in the contents. I haven't yet contacted the seller so I can't leave a review on the customer service yet. The instructions are basically just pictures on a few pages showing what the steps look like. Wasn't very difficult to follow, but I did take my time and from start to finish it took about 2 hours. I installed the rotary motor first and decided to learn the laser portion after.Before plugging it into the computer I went ahead and plugged in the offline controller because I was giddy about finishing the build and wanted to see this thing move! Again, it was very straightforward and was able to move it around with the X,Y and Z axis. SUCCESS!Then I unplugged offline controller and plugged into the computer. I popped in that cute little mini cd it came with and installed the drill software while reading the instructions. It comes with an opensource software called GRBL candle. There are a ton of videos on youtube you can watch to get your the basics of controlling your device from it. I like to figure things out on my own so I tinkered with it before watching videos and was able to get a few test cuts out. I set up my machine with some basswood plywood about 2.5mm thick and got to work. It comes with a few test images to cut and those seemed to come out alright. Not as clean as I would like but there are controls for your speed, depth, rotations and all that stuff so it takes some trial and error before learning what a good setting is. Key tip: always have test wood available to make your corrections on, then when you're dialed in switch to a clean piece. At this point I was happy to get a few tests done but wasn't at the impressed part yet. A lot of potential for sure, so I'm going to try again with some new wider V bits I ordered backed with some instructional youtube videos.The laser part however has been AMAZING! I spend an entire Sunday learning how to use the laser and it was totally fun the whole time. After fooling around with the laser software it came with I wasn't really getting results I was satisfied with so, again I turned to youtube. After a few videos I ended up downloading the trial version of lightburn and things got SO MUCH better. It's a very easy program to use and has more control(or perhaps easier control) over your settings. I recommend watching the lightburn youtube videos because they explain everything. After trying out variations of speed, power, depth, and passes I finally get the hang of it and have been beyond happy with results. It took one weekend to get the basics down and produce a few pieces I was pretty happy with.I still have much to learn but all in all, this machine has met all my expectations in allowing me the capabilities to learn on. This machine is more of a hobby/learning one and isn't great for mass production. But, at the price you really can't beat it. Even with the great results, I still have to give it 4 stars overall because of the missing bits mixed with the vague instructions, scuffed motor and metal shavings.EDIT*I contacted the seller about the missing parts and they gave me a refund enough to purchase an extra set of bits. Very happy with the customer support.

This is my first CNC router.Good Stuff:Great instructions which are mostly pictures and very easy to follow. Finished my build in under an hour. Came with all tools needed to build and use.Laser is a sweet extra, I'm using it to cut perfect outlines in foam for tool box and drone case, using router to cut carbon fiber for drone frames.My biggest hurdle was finding the right software. There are lots of expensive and difficult to use options out there. I like SketchUp with the SketchUcam plugin. Everything I need to design and make cnc files for the GRBL software included with machine and lots of support for SketchUp on YouTube.Not so good stuff;No mention in instructions of need to level bed to X-Axis gantry. (Use cutting tool as a guide, loosen and adjust round bed rails to suit.)Brass nuts in each axis have some play.Plastic housing for spindle motor not rigid.UPDATE: Cutting carbon fiber with no problems, nice clean cuts, look very professional.

This machine is nicely designed and parts are solid. Motors are a bit basic but hey, it works. The only issue I had with assembly was that the springs (2) were smooshed together and looked like one, you have to be MINDFUL on how you attach certain things like the base platform so it lines up properly (there are no guides for this) and also the instructions are missing the part for the four little screws that hold the motors in place - I saw the screws and the holes, but if you follow the instructions you will miss it. I also had an issue attaching the control board to the back of the machine, it wasn't milled properly and the screws were not loose, which made it hard to get the clamps to connect to the support. I had a couple extra pieces parts also which was nice.No need to worry about calibration, you can set the starting point on the object right where you need it.I had no issues installing the Laser Software on an old Windows 7 (32 bit) Computer.Like others had mentioned I did have a software issue with the Router grblController (Candle) installing/running, I would double click, give the okay for install, then nothing.Software Troubleshooting:NEW Windows 7 Computer (64 bit) = Ran fine, No issuesOld Windows 7 Computer (32 bit) = Had to run in compatibility mode, 256 Colors, when I did this it told me there was an error, a .dll file was missing from my computer which may have been the problem, however the program worked running in 256 Color compatibility mode. - It may not look pretty but it works. I was able to control the machine fine and run one of their test designs without wood or tool just to see if it would run.I did not try installing it on a Windows 10 computer, assuming it would work fine and if it didn't to try the compatibility settings again.Although I haven't made anything yet, so far besides the software scare, it is up and running and I'm giving it 5 stars currently based on the value for what it is. I will update if I run into any major issues. Plan to use mostly for the router, and only as a back up to my other laser if necessary.Tips for Creating G-Code Files:I use Corel Draw X4 or any program that can make an SVG file will work - or a lot of clipart used to be SVG files. You will need to be mindful of grouping/ungrouping shapes so that you have the lines you need (and not any extras or overlaying shapes). You should convert everything to curves (online tutorials for this).Once you have a clean SVG file, you can use JSCUT (free online program) to generate the G-Code, so far it has worked fine for me. It automatically creates outlines, or complete shape fill code quickly and the machine software reads it fine. The machine notes it should only run for 30 minutes max, you can see how long the G-Code is estimated to run in JSCUT before you download the G-Code which is nice (I save mine as .TXT file using Notepad, works fine).NOTE: The router will not turn on when using the G-Code files from JSCUT - all you have to do is turn the router on using the control panel on the computer BEFORE you send the code to the machine, otherwise it operates fine. Will update if I run into any other issues.