Hi everyone, First post here and brand new to the CnC world. Back in January or February, I saw a few videos on YT with DIYers and makers using desktop CnC’s that grabbed my attention. After watching a lot of videos, I decided to try one out and bought a 3018 Prover at the end of March, put it together, and tested it with one of the sample files from SainSmart. I was instantly hooked. Then I realized I needed to learn some form of CAD, and after trying a few, I decided to go with Carbide Create to learn the settings and other intricacies involved. In the past month(ish) I have done mostly engraving so I can learn the machine and I’m loving it, until that is, I was doing something on Acrylic and the bit plunged down too deep (I’m still figuring out plunge rate and speeds and feeds) and everything stopped working. I use Candle, because that’s what was included with the 3018, and I can still use the jog buttons, but nothing moves on the 3018. I saw a video where someone else had the same issue due to the spindle getting “stuck” and they replaced the control board and all was good. Welp, I bit the bullet and bought a new board, installed it, flashed the firmware, and BAM, still nothing. I was hoping some of you out there that have used a 3018 or a similar machine could help me out so I can get back to it. I have already been thinking about getting a bigger and better CnC, but before I drop almost $3000, I wanted to make sure this something I will stick with for a while (I have other hobby materials sitting around collecting dust and don’t really have a need for a $3000 doorstop).
I’m sorry that my first post is a plea for help, but PLEASE HELP!!