Welcome to the forum Bill.
Carriage Problems
I just lost a project because the carriage on my 3018 Prover stripped out and would not control the up down of the motor. Has anyone had the same issue. I know that it was plastic but thought I should have gotten more hours of use out of the unit. I have ordered the upgrade carriage and motor but now the cost is where I could have gone another way.
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Such is the gambling game with some tools. I have one of the original CNC Sharks. The router mount was all plastic. With the heat of a router body and time it basically broke in several pieces. I've replaced the broken plastic clamp with a baltic birch part I made with the CNC. So far it has worked flawlessly. Best strategy I've some up with is to get the upgraded parts before you need them. Replace them when you do have time rather then when in a rush to finish a project that relies on the CNC.
4D
4D
Thanks for the reply. I really thought that metal was molded in that part of the carriage. I should have known better. Hope the new one is better.Such is the gambling game with some tools. I have one of the original CNC Sharks. The router mount was all plastic. With the heat of a router body and time it basically broke in several pieces. I've replaced the broken plastic clamp with a baltic birch part I made with the CNC. So far it has worked flawlessly. Best strategy I've some up with is to get the upgraded parts before you need them. Replace them when you do have time rather then when in a rush to finish a project that relies on the CNC.
4D
Glad you got an answer. Welcome to the gang.
Sadly, the 3018 type machines were never designed for durability. Even the advanced model - the ProVer - is every bit as flimsy. I bought a 3018 for $100 from a very frustrated newbee and did an evaluation of it. The rails are super flexible and the spindle is basically a hobby motor with a collet. I suspect most 3018s wind up in the back of a closet or other junk location. I use it for a 5.5W diode laser which is fine because there is almost no stress on the machine.
To get a decent CNC router that will last a bit longer (and be more readily repairable) you will need to spend at least $1000 USD. I'd suggest a workbee type machine in that price range. For a really solid machine, expect to spend around $2K USD.
To get a decent CNC router that will last a bit longer (and be more readily repairable) you will need to spend at least $1000 USD. I'd suggest a workbee type machine in that price range. For a really solid machine, expect to spend around $2K USD.
A time honored rite of passage in the CNC world is to use your machines to upgrade itself. You might want to try cutting an aluminum mount.Such is the gambling game with some tools. I have one of the original CNC Sharks. The router mount was all plastic. With the heat of a router body and time it basically broke in several pieces. I've replaced the broken plastic clamp with a baltic birch part I made with the CNC. So far it has worked flawlessly. Best strategy I've some up with is to get the upgraded parts before you need them. Replace them when you do have time rather then when in a rush to finish a project that relies on the CNC.
4D
G'day Bill, and welcome to the forum.
I feel your pain.
I bought the 3018 prover and it seemed ok. First cnc so what did I know. It was to learn on and see if this is something I wanted to do. It is.
I made a lot of mistakes. Buried the bit into the probe and broke it. Stuff like that. But then the controller failed.
I'm still learning but I think some of the problems I'm facing are machine limitation.
I'm looking at the Long Mill. Hopefully my learning will progress more smoothly.
I bought the 3018 prover and it seemed ok. First cnc so what did I know. It was to learn on and see if this is something I wanted to do. It is.
I made a lot of mistakes. Buried the bit into the probe and broke it. Stuff like that. But then the controller failed.
I'm still learning but I think some of the problems I'm facing are machine limitation.
I'm looking at the Long Mill. Hopefully my learning will progress more smoothly.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
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