CNC Router Engraver - Software Question

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

It comes with a 1/8" collet and 10 cutters. I have broken 3 already!! I am trying to cut brass. I should learn to walk before running methinks

I'm planning on aluminium.
I expected the stock cutters to be poor tbh. Il get some decent bits ordered up for the material.

 

[MattF]

The engraver is this one:

VEVOR 3018 Pro CNC Router 3 Axis w/ Offline Controller CNC Engraving Machine 10000RPM | VEVOR UK

Discover 3018 Pro CNC Router 3 Axis w/ Offline Controller CNC Engraving Machine 10000RPM, Large Working Area and Powerful Motor at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.

www.vevor.co.uk

The type of labels are these:

Woz' really needs to add a warning tag to the forum to be used on thread titles for temptation tool threads.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Woz' really needs to add a warning tag to the forum to be used on thread titles for temptation tool threads.

I didn't fall into the trap. I'd had one in my basket for a couple of weeks. He did give me a cheaper option though.

Il cut my teeth on it and upgrade if it gets a lot of use

 

[My Old Landy]

Just to close this thread off from my point of view, I opted for Easel for design and Candle to interface with the unit. I did not use the software supplied as I have had issues in the past with viruses in such stuff. I found Easel on the Inventables site and Candle on the github open source site.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Just to close this thread off from my point of view, I opted for Easel for design and Candle to interface with the unit. I did not use the software supplied as I have had issues in the past with viruses in such stuff. I found Easel on the Inventables site and Candle on the github open source site.
View attachment 348742
View attachment 348743View attachment 348743

Playing around with Carbide ATM.

Have candle but not tested it yet.

Not sure about the holes. Probably should pocket to depth rather than contouring. Can imagine the loose slug would snap a bit.

More reading required.

 

[My Old Landy]

Playing around with Carbide ATM.

Have candle but not tested it yet.

Not sure about the holes. Probably should pocket to depth rather than contouring. Can imagine the loose slug would snap a bit.

More reading required.

View attachment 349176 View attachment 349177

I opened Carbide but couldn't get the toolpath to work for me. It is rather more complex than Easel/Candle but it does it all in one.
I agree, with more study it is probably the way to go

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

I opened Carbide but couldn't get the toolpath to work for me. It is rather more complex than Easel/Candle but it does it all in one.
I agree, with more study it is probably the way to go

It wont generate a toolpath if there's an issue. As I found out when the bit was bigger than the holes I wanted.
Unfortunately my PSu was dead on arrival. Pinched a laptop charger to test last night but it's only 19v not 24 and lower amps so don't want to test yet

 

[My Old Landy]

It wont generate a toolpath if there's an issue. As I found out when the bit was bigger than the holes I wanted.
Unfortunately my PSu was dead on arrival. Pinched a laptop charger to test last night but it's only 19v not 24 and lower amps so don't want to test yet

That's a shame, are they sending a new one?

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

That's a shame, are they sending a new one?

Waiting to hear back.
Pretty sure I have a switching PSU in the garage. Can't remember if it's 12 or 24.

A better power supply won't be a bad thing tbh

Apart from that everything went together well. Instructions could have been ordered better though but clear enough

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Gave up waiting for the seller to sort a PSU ordered up a 24v 10amp supply and having a play.

Y axis dialed in and running a test. Pulled the spindle power to keep the noise down

 

[My Old Landy]

I will have to get a proper power supply as the one supplied is arching every time I plug in.
I did these yesterday for my kids pets. Aluminium at 0.2mm depth, 2 passes.

 

[Dev]

On the software side another option is Estlcam, Ive been using it on a homemade CNC and haven’t had any issues.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

On the software side another option is Estlcam, Ive been using it on a homemade CNC and haven’t had any issues.

So far I'm using a combination of SketchUp for design. ( I know the software well)
Carbide for tweaking and setting up gcode.
Then candle to run the code.

Just grabbed a 1/4" collet so I can run tools I already have. Don't fancy surfacing an MDF spoil board with a 3mm endmill.


Will have a look at that

 

[My Old Landy]

So far I'm using a combination of SketchUp for design. ( I know the software well)
Carbide for tweaking and setting up gcode.
Then candle to run the code.

Just grabbed a 1/4" collet so I can run tools I already have. Don't fancy surfacing an MDF spoil board with a 3mm endmill.


Will have a look at that

I have had a bit of success with Carbide since my last post. I find candle really easy to use and even managed to edit some gcode on the fly when one of the letters was a little low and didn't cut.
I really need to sort a base board as my main problem is keeping stuff flat for an even engraving.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

I have had a bit of success with Carbide since my last post. I find candle really easy to use and even managed to edit some gcode on the fly when one of the letters was a little low and didn't cut.
I really need to sort a base board as my main problem is keeping stuff flat for an even engraving.

Got some decent MDF in the boot. (Passed the lockup this morning )

Will countersink and bolt it to the table. 18mm so should get at least 10 passes or refinishing before it needs changing.

Current projects first op is pocketing holes. So I've added a few around the waste. When the program pauses to change bits I can screw it down and remove the clamps.

Means I can get rid of the tabs and get a clean cut in one

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Messing about this afternoon.
A few false starts but got there in the end.

Found some good feed speeds for wood.

Il be ordering up a couple of decent bits fr the Ali though.

The circle (pockets) ran fine.
Contouring was a bit of a pita. Slowed the rates right down and it's nearly there. Spindle mountings a little too flexible when it meets a hard spot.

Will add a second vector so I can pocket them. Stop the bit snagging.

Will also track down some better bits. Need 2mm and 3mm

 

[My Old Landy]

This chap upgrades it by adding a linear rail for rigidity. I plan on doing the same.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

This chap upgrades it by adding a linear rail for rigidity. I plan on doing the same.

Was looking at a set of rails earlier. And wondering the same. Bought em for an aborted project last year

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Trim the hardened bar down both ends. Drill fixing hole. Probably need a spacer either end and a direct fit to the spindle mount.

Made to measure. Exactly to width of the unit.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Even the hole spacing is perfect.
Can get a couple of spacers in between the holes for a nice firm fit.