• Free Grbl Controller Software
• Grbl
• Grbl Download

Introduction

This compendium is the collection of resources for Genmitsu 3018-Pro provided by SainSmart and community members.

Grbl includes full acceleration management with look ahead. That means the controller will look up to 18 motions into the future and plan its velocities ahead to deliver smooth acceleration and jerk-free cornering. Licensing: Grbl is free software, released under the GPLv3 license. For more information and help, check out our Wiki pages!

• If the maker movement was an industry, Grbl would be the industry standard. Most open source 3D printers have Grbl in their hearts. It has been adapted for use in hundreds of projects including laser cutters, automatic hand writers, hole drillers, graffiti painters and oddball drawing machines.
• Feb 25, 2020 GRBL is an in-built software or firmware used in Arduino. Through this, one can use the Arduino easily. Now, this GRBL firmware can be installed in any version of the Arduino controller. For instance; Arduino UNO, Nano, Duemilanove, etc. So, it is now understood what a GRBL is! Now the question is, how GRBL will be connected to the device?

You can join our Facebook group for discussions and project ideas for your new CNC machine. Adobepatchinstaller.exe free.

Assembly

• 3018-Pro User Manual: PDF version of 3018-Pro user manual
• 3018-Pro Assembly Notes: Written by a member of the community, this was created as an aid to those assembling a SainSmart Model 3018-Pro CNC Router.

CNC Controller Software Installation

• How to Install Candle/GRBLControl for Windows
  • GRBLControl/Candle 1.17 (For Windows): Link downloads a .zip file containing a full copy of Candle, the software you can use to run your CNC through your computer. Must unzip entire folder to use.
  • CH341SER Driver (For Windows): If windows does not do so automatically when you connect your CNC to the computer for the first time, this downloadable file is the Driver which is needed for your computer to be able to communicate with your CNC.
• How to Install Candle/GRBL Control for Mac(Except for Catalina & Big Sur)
  • Please Note if you Have Mac OS Catalina or later: Unfortunately, due to recent security changes in Catalina and Big Sur, Candle has been unable to run on these systems. At this time there are no fixes, as a lot of the issues are related to how Big Sur changed what software is acceptable, and what is not. Since Candle has not been updated for Mac in some time, it is unfortunately not permitted by the operating system anymore even though it is 'Mac Compatible' in every conventional sense of the term.
    What we have been advising Mac Catalina & Big Sur users to do is to migrate to Easel, a browser-based variant of Candle which is also free to use.
  • GRBLControl/Candle 1.17 (For Mac): Zip file containing a full copy of Candle, the software you can use to run your CNC through your computer. Must unzip entire folder to use, instructions on how to install is included in .zip file.
  • CH341SER Driver (For Mac): This driver will not install automatically and must be installed as dictated by instructions included in the .zip which this link will download.
  • PDF Instructions For Mac Installation for Candle: Included in the files for Candle itself, this link goes directly to a PDF for those who want a printable/offline copy of the instructions.

Free Grbl Controller Software

Configuration & Testing

• Gcode Sample: Originally provided on the Disc that came with your CNC, these are pre-made test cuts users can use to try out their machine, or to help troubleshoot issues with other files.
• 3018 Pro Troubleshooting Supplement: Having issues with your CNC and hoping it's a quick fix? This supplemental document goes through a number of common issues and how to fix them.
• Guide to Uploading Firmware to SainSmart CNC's (Links to Factory default firmware included)
• Intro to CNC for a Total Novice: The Basics (Based on the works of Graham Bland)
• Intro to CNC for a Total Novice: Tuning GRBL (Based on the works of Graham Bland)

Machine Operation

• Caleb Builds 3D YouTube Videos:
  • How To do Your First Engraving with any SainSmart CNC: A great video that shows users in detail how to use Candle to operate your machine for the first time and run the SainSmart test files.
  • How To Design & Cut Your First CNC Project Using Easel: Directly following up on the prior video, this one walks you through designing and cutting your first project, step by step in a way that's easy to follow.

Laser Guides & Instructions

• Intro to CNC for a Total Novice: Setting up a Laser (Based off the works of Graham Bland)
• LightBurn Quick-Start Guide: This guide walks you through the installation and use of LightBurn, a powerful and affordable GRBL controller meant specifically for lasers

Troubleshooting

• GRBL Error Code List & Meaning: Whenever something is going wrong with your CNC, GRBL tries it's best to provide you with an error code to help you in diagnosing and resolving the issue you are having. This information is invaluable in getting your CNC back up and running so we suggest that you keep an eye out for error codes and make sure to include this information if you need further support from us.

Upgrading Your 3018 Pro

• Making a Motor Noise Suppression (MNS) PCB for Your Sainsmart 3018 Pro CNC Machine: The 3018 PROVer CNC comes with a circuit board integrated into the spindle to help prevent electrical noise from going from your spindle to your controller board. This guide covers how to make your own for your 3018 Pro CNC.
• How to Install Limit Switches in your Genmitsu 3018 Pro with Only Your CNC: Limit switches are one of the best upgrades you can add for your 3018 Pro CNC, allowing you to use the limit switches for more complex projects and what separates this project from the below is that you can fabricate the mounts with your CNC!
• Adding Axis Limit and Emergency Stop Switches to a SainSmart 3018 Pro CNC Machine: Similar to the guide above but requires a 3D printer for the mounting brackets. This also covers adding an emergency stop switch as well.
• Genmitsu CNC Y-Axis Expansion Guide for 3018 Series CNC Router: One of our most popular upgrades! With this upgrade kit, you can drastically increase the total size of your Y-Axis to allow for larger projects.
  • The Genmitsu 3040 Aluminum HDF Spoilboard Extension Kit is strongly recommended for those who get the expanded Y-axis. Not only does this double your CNC bed size, but it also includes a spoil board!

Other Software

• Fusion 360 Guides:
• Carveco Maker:
• Easel:
  • Link to Website (No download necessary, registration required to use)

Grbl

Misc. Download Links

Grbl Download

• Full Contents of 3018 Pro CD (308 MB): Included with your 3018 Pro packaging is a CD with much of the above content, as well as video instructions and more. Meant for those who lost their CD or do not have a CD drive on their computer.