CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control 3 Axis Plastic Acrylic PCB PVC Wood Carving Milling Engraving Machine, XYZ Working Area 300x180x45mm

I was just like you, reading reviews and contemplating if I should meander in to the world of CNC machines, a world that I know nothing about. If you're searching for these machines, you're already interested - so the only thing I can tell you is - get it.I have basic knowledge when it comes to electronics/hardware/software, if you're completely new to these things, the setup and usage may be slightly intimidating, but it IS easy enough that anyone can do it by following basic instructions. Like most mention - instruction manuals aren't the easiest to understand (for anything) but there are a ton of user videos all across the interwebs showing you how to set up/run the 3018. (seriously, if you need to learn anything, ever, about anything, ever, just YouTube or TikTok that ish)Out of box - I was a bit anxious. Any time you're opening a package that has hundreds of tiny parts it can seem like an uphill battle. If you dedicate a half hour or so of watching a set up video (all the way through), then setting it up while watching it again, it makes this set up a breeze. I had mine completed in about an hour, and after a minor issue was up and running. The V Bits that come with the machine are what I use most for cutting out designs. I also purchased some straight bits to use which, to me, are necessary if you're cutting out large pockets of material. As far as while this machine is running, people have mentioned noise quite often in reviews. I did not find the noise to be overwhelming. I have the 3018 set up in a room inside my house, and with the door shut, it doesn't disturb us at all.I use a Mac currently. I hate it, I was born and raised on a PC. So far I have found that Easel (it's a free application from inventables) is the easiest and most user friendly application to send G-Code, or your designs, to the machine. It's also incredibly user friendly for creating new designs for your 3018 if you're less than a novice and don't use any number of graphic suites (inkscape, illustrator, photoshop) along with Fusion 360 to create toolpaths for your designs. Windows users have a ton of more options to utilize your machine while connected to a computer, or you can upload your codes to the controller that comes with the machine to create your projects.I have used the 3018 quite often in the month I have had it. As always, there is trial and error involved. There is a learning curve when it comes to types materials to cut/carve at what speeds, and what types of bits to use. As you try a few projects here and there, you'll get much more comfortable about what to cut, and how to cut it. You can research and read about spindle speeds/materials/bits as much as you want, but you'll inevitably learn more from trial and error after having that basic knowledge from your prior research. So far I have mainly used MDF for my projects, though when attempting to use it on acrylic and copper, I can see the vast potential this machine has.CUSTOMER SERVICE for this product awesome. I had an minor issue during set up, and I was sent a replacement part incredibly quick. I was up and running the same week I received the machine. I have seen reviews complaining, but my experience reflects all of the glowing reviews about the help I received.This isn't a plug and play machine. You have to set it up. You have to learn it. At the price point, and with the capabilities this machine has - it is the PERFECT starter machine to get into the world of CNCs. All I can say is that you won't regret this if you try it. I'll upgrade the bed of the machine for larger projects, and eventually invest in the laser module to play with that as well. I would definitely recommend this machine and I would buy it again.

Background: I have a little bit of experience with manual machining in a machine shop during college, no formal CNC at all. I'm an electrical engineer by training and am decent at programming.TL;DR: Great machine to learn on, worth the money.Pros:- Easy to assemble. Instructions were very clear. The main frame members still had some sharp shavings on them, but no big deal.- Basic functionality right out of the box. What I mean by that is you get basic instructions to execute the sample g-code.- Compact- So far no damage to machine from simple mistakes (like driving a motor past its limits)- Very common machine. From everything I've seen this is kinda the 1993 Honda Civic of starter CNCs, everybody has them or knows someone who does.Cons:- Aside from assembly and running sample g-code, no instructions. I knew this would be the case as I was buying this for my own education but I can see where someone might have expected more.- No limit switches included. There are pin headers on the control board, and some purchase options (not sure if the vendor has them) which allow for easy expansion but they are not a part of this.- Only comes with engraving vee-bits. Most 3d work is better done with end mills.- The supplied bolt-and-plate parts for securing work to the table are a PITA. I haven't taken the time to work out a more convenient alternative yet...Other Thoughts:- There are hundreds of videos, blogs, forum posts, etc about how to get started. There's value in most of them, but don't expect a lot of consistency. It was my experience/impression that most of them are either so basic and vague that they were useless, or assumed a basic functioning knowledge of how CNCs work. I was able to piece things together, but be patient and don't expect masterpieces in the first month!- I personally recommend getting Fusion360 by AutoDesk as your CAM program to start with. It is free for hobbyists, you just have to poke at their website a bit to find that option. It has CAD functionality but I think it falls way short in that arena. It has logical tool and path definitions as well as toolpath simulation in the CAM environment which is super helpful for beginners to understand what all the various parameters do. Very much a graphical tool.- I use AutoCAD for my CAD environment. This program is NOT free for hobbyists however I have it on my work laptop and my employer doesn't care what I tinker with at home so long as I'm not making money from their license. There are open source AutoCAD copycats out there, I haven't worked with any of them.- While the handheld controller can send g-code, it doesn't behave 100% like Candle (the included software). I recommend using a PC as a g-code sender.