tools, materials & knowledge for model makers
As much as I’ve upgraded the Genmitsu 3018-pro it has struggled to machine or engrave brass, therefore I thought I would try sprung d-bit engraving. This sounds a bit counterintuitive with a CNC machine, but this is a tiny CNC lacking in power. I thought that a small amount of compliance in the Z-axis would … Read more
Several people have commented on the radius arm for my ball turner and asked what the engraving bits are. I call them “D” bits as they are a half-round in cross-section. They are also called “V” bits based on the profile. You can buy them in lots of different angles and coatings. I tend to … Read more
First trials of the 3018 CNC after z-axis upgrades show it is all moving in the right direction. The z-axis linear bearing rail size was incorrect in the original as bought condition. Correcting this has had a significant effect. Increasing the spring stiffness of the backlash nuts on the X and Y axes has also … Read more
For my first venture into CNC I thought I would buy a Sain Smart Genmitsu Router 3018-Pro. This is the low end of CNC engravers and at the time mid-2020 was around £200. The reason behind the purchase is primarily to make brass nameplates for some of the engines, including the boiler door engraving for … Read more