3018MAX

[Zambody]

Hi, been looking for a small cnc for some time and studied all those videos and comments.
Using my table top as my workspace determines the max size  and I found something like
the 30x18 – class to be what I can handle, with the limitations that implies.
I found many complains on stability for the models with a lot of 3D printed parts and I’m looking
for a little more rigid model.
Found this named 3018 MAX or 3018 Pro-Max, on Ali-express. All metallic but spindle motor is probably a bit week? 40x40 profile for frame should be better than 25x25 I think?
Has someone any experience with this model?

[Zax]

I have one with the 3D printed parts, no complaints about that aspect of them but the spindle was a joke (maybe cut foam but that was about it). I replaced it with a high frequency spindle and it's a different beast, of course that cost more than the whole machine but I had a spare from my previous CNC.

[Zambody]

Ok, that's my plan to, to keep the motor holder and find a better spindel motor with 52mm diam. 400 - 500 W will be more wight to move but I think it will work.

[Stonemull]

The main issue with my 3018 is the x carriage rails flex, imagine lifting the spindle motor and those rails flex substantially, this causes chatter on anything metal except tiny cuts with small tools on aluminium. For this reason I even considered making the machine smaller or adding bracing that would reduce the machine size.
Now I think mine are only 8mm and the pictured one looks like maybe 10mm rails?
I have mine in bits currently to add a larger spindle motor (had a 600W lying around for a year) and I was considering the supported 12mm rail (sbr12), as soon as you do that though then you start thinking of bracing this, bracing that, 4020 instead of 2020 and before you know it, you have just about rebuilt the entire thing.
So I think I was currently cutting my losses and pretty much reassembling my current one while perhaps using it as a learning experience to make a decent metal capable version.
That max does look more robust though..



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[Stonemull]

Is it this one?

http://s.aliexpress.com/UnQBJjqM

12mm rails, nice improvement.

Just remembered I did a video showing the flex.
https://youtu.be/Ixc6rcPByog



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[Zambody]

Yes its that model, should be more ridgid, I have ordered one and as soon as the virus problem admit, they will ship it. I will be back with some form of when its built and tested

[Zambody]

Long awaited my 3018 arrived yesterday and most looks very good but  of the linear bearings for the Y-axis don't slide easy along the axis. Seams to be som kind of misalignment inside? Is there som kind of fix for that or do I have to wait some weeks for a replacement?

[Zax]

You may need to adjust the bearings slightly, are they just tight or does it feel like the bearing is seized?

[Zambody]

Cleaning and lubrication made it usable and when I contacted the seller they decided to send me a replacement. 

[ggallant571]

I just replaced the controller on a 3018 and having a complete brain fart getting the direction and limit switches working. For starters, where is 0,0,0?

[Zambody]

After some adjustments, a lot of experiments, now it works and I am satisfied, so far.

[Hokuro]

great

[irishwarrior58]

I bought a POS from Amazon and after too many headaches and a manufacturer that wants me to get the laser repaired on my own..I am returning the whole shootin match for a full refund.
I am looking for a reliable and WORKING model.
Please let me know the manufacturer is reliable and what to expect when I buy the 3018.
I am so tired of dealing with foreign POS that isn't worth the money.
David Monaghan

[ggallant571]

It is my opinion that:
  1. Laser diodes are sorted by quality by the manufactures. The best go into medical/scientific
      products, the OK go to industrial, the reset go to hobby.
  2. Chinese mass marketing is all about who can tell the most exaggerated tale.

Are you looking for a diode etcher or another 3018 style fixture?