2-in-1 Upgrade 3018 Pro-M CNC Router Kit, 5500mW Engraver GRBL Control 3 Axis PCB Milling Machine, Wood Router with Offline Controller+CNC Router Bits+ ER11 Collet Set

6 Month Review:This machine is capable of creating some accurate parts, but will require some modification to do so. To be fair, this CNC isn't designed for anything other than engraving wood, PCBs, plastics, etc. However, if you want to do more with this machine it is definitely possible.I would like to address some criticism with the machine; it's not user friendly. It's true that it's not super easy to learn on since the software is open source (and was corrupt on the USB stick that came with it). If you intend to engrave with this machine—go for it. If you plan to make functional parts with this machine—sleep on it. If you have a decent background with 3d printers and/or creating files on Fusion 360, Solidworks, etc, go for it. Just know that this CNC will take significant amounts of time to pull off nice parts even with an upgraded spindle motor. Without an upgraded motor, it likely won't do anything to 6061 aluminum (never tried before upgrading motors).I made a few small gears for my lathe with this CNC, but not before changing out the spindle motor for a 500W motor, adding extra rails and custom printed braces, and a slew of other things. The gears turned out dimensionally accurate, with okay surface finish. The lathe has been running great on them for about six months. To clarify, the gear portion in my photos are what the CNC did, and the round/smooth portion is done on a lathe, so don't expect a mirror finish with parts made on this CNC.My biggest gripe with this machine is that the brass nuts used to translate the carriage around have a lot of slop in them (not in the threads, but in the "I" portion that seats in the plastic so that the brass can't spin). If you're looking to make accurate parts then that backlash must be minimized.From an average user's point of view, the USB stick containing the software that was sent with the CNC (sketchy by the way) was corrupt on arrival. Candle wouldn't open, and the files were all corrupt. I had to download all of the software by searching around the web. Not a big deal at all, but not great quality control on the software-side of things. If I contacted the seller, they'd probably have sent me another copy.As a recommendation to anyone/everyone, I recommend greasing the bearings and leadscrews. They come dry and will squeal significantly if not greased before use. Watch a few review videos and you'll see what I mean.Ultimately, this CNC is moderately capable of simple things right out of the box. At very least, it provides an okay foundation to build up in terms of modifications. It's a great addition to those who like to make things. Just beware its limitations and how far you can realistically push this very small machine.

The machine is serviceable. The assembly instructions are awful. I'm technical and good at putting things together but struggled a bit with this one. Email the tech support and not a word back. Had to download a third party program to operate.

It has little to no instructions on use limited instructions for assembly.Would not recommend

I am 62 years old and rarely have I come across a bigger piece of expensive junk. Where do I begin. 5 parts were missing from my initial package. The e-mail given to me for customer help blamed it all on Amazon and Amazon very kindly sent a new one. After 5 days of struggling to put it together with instructions as useful as something written in ancient Sanskrit....I finished the assembly.I approached customer services for a few more questions since very little was in the package on operation. No answer or denial of any faults. The Memory stick has more corrupt and non-useable files that good material. So here I am a full two moths after purchase with a machine that will not even turn on with a very nice computer. I have tried over 50 online sites for help and .....STILL.....a non-working piece of junk.DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS COMPANY!Unless you want to be ripped-off, disappointed and be bitterly angry at the money you just wasted.100% garbage

not going to be a short one.....but here goespretty easy to assemble overall....for sure use blue loctite your gonna back pedal a few times. Some issues i have had....10000 rpm motor go slow, slow, slow its really only good enough to get you going well..and then buy the 20000 30.00 motor....my board burned up pretty quickly. but they did answer right away i didnt want to wait so upgrade #2 was not needed but i am impatient. i am using only the free version of carbide create i dont use the controller everything on my computer just better for me while i was learning you can see mistakes...your gonna make a good scrap pile at the start....the deck.... mine was lower left rear after some playing around i got it level....but then bought the extension for the y axis....so did it all again i just used the bit in the motor and z axis for each corner to find what needed help.... spoil boards are a must have....if you buy the y axix 3040 extension that is not a spoilboard it goes under to create a solid base for the now 2 part table i just bought a second 3018 spoilboard and all set then with that. taping 2 the spoilboard works great for wood sucks on the thinner acrylics and thin basswood etc....biggest thing i had to do was slow down in everything .009 is deeper then you think when engraving...lol....that built up my scrap pile and junk bits more then anything....NOW FOR THE BIGGEST ISSUE.....it started cutting like crap engraving looked terrible upon watching it on the z axis guides (the vertical ones behind the motor and at the bottom of the carriage) i saw two about 1/2 by 1/2 inch "STOPS" or so i thought they were they were actually 2 bushings that had fallen out of the motor carriage...allowing it to basically bounce some (alot) took apart z axis a little cleaning and they slid back in this time with some superbond epoxy...have had no further issues and cut alot with it...overall i feel even with the upgrades i have done so far....i am still on the good side of a buy. oh and the noise is crazy ...some 3/16 wafer poster board and a hot glue gun 3x30x20 sheets and then some sticky insulated duct wrap from hardware store....and bam cut it in over 1/2