Reveiw: Stepmores SM-3040 CNC Router/Mill

Hey guys.

I thought i would do you guys a reveiw and my findings of the SM-3040 CNC machine.

This is going to be my first OWNED cnc (but not the first i have used).

I will do this in several steps

• Pre-reveiw
• Machine out of the box reveiw
• First Run Reveiw
• How its been in the long run Reveiw

Pre Reveiw:

I have ordered my machine it is the SM variant of the CNC 3040, which has marginally better specs than most.

It is running 20mm rails and 16mm ball screws, 2.5amp steppers and a 1.5KW spindle(watercooled)
It has an offset gantry to make full use of the bed and extra supports, it also comes with a 4axis driver board.

The machine comes powdercoated to stop oxidization from the factory.

The machine cost was a total of £880 delivered, (plus import tax)

So far customer service has been quite good via MSN & E-Mail and whats nice is the sales lady speaks very good english too! (which isn't very common for most cheap exporting chinese companies).

I will leave it at this for now and update as i need required.

Stock photo
Attachment 6014

UPDATE:


http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...0529090600.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...0529090601.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...0529090602.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...0529090700.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...0529090800.jpg

Machine out of the box reveiw

Okay so i finally got this machine today (16/07/2012) its been a long struggle and got hit with £466 import duties, tax etc..

Here is how she stands after i got her set u and just did one quick test cut.

now i did have play in the X axis but it was nothing more than a spring loaded coupler being adjusted impropperly.

Test cut was @2.5mm deep and a feed rate of 1500mm a min with a 6mm 2 flute cutter. It cut like butter.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/P1120786.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/P1120787.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/P1120788.jpg
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First Run Review

Alright, so as we know CNC's can have teething problems...Nothing major but i had some issues with repositioning,I got that sorted(seemed to be software related)

Firstly just a test cut in some polystyrene just to test the repositionability and also its ability to cope with SUPER soft materials.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGeolJ0nE08" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGeolJ0nE08


Secondly Aluminium, This is 6061-T6 cutting @ 1050mm/m (pretty quick for a Chinese CNC)
Clean cuts and almost perfect reposition each time, I think this is by FAR the best CNC3040 Chinese machine!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUCNfpt_cPQ&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUCNfpt_cPQ&amp;feature=youtu.be

Pictures are at the end of each video.

Reserved for

How its been in the long run Reveiw

Looking forward to this :smile:

Hi,
Where did you buy it from? Have you got a link ?

RNR

I have added an update to this machine, please check the bottom of first post.

The factory sent me 'build' pictures of my machine.

You can already see how much better, sturdier and feature packed it is over the ebay models.

@rnr107, I got it from stepmores Google stepmores cnc

Craig

Hi Craig any update on how the machine is?
I`m looking at getting one if there aren`t any serious issues with the build.

Also did you buy through Alibaba or some other avenue?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ezekiel181

Hi Craig any update on how the machine is?
I`m looking at getting one if there aren`t any serious issues with the build.

Also did you buy through Alibaba or some other avenue?

---

Hello, Well my ships docks today (if its on sscheduel).

Unfortunatly, there was a large import/duty/handeling fee of £466 so you will have to bear this price on top of the inital cost.

It would bring the cost similar to eBay machines but still a better spec.

I should have the machine in hand around mid next week provding everything goes smooth from here on and there is no hang up at customs.

Craig

Updateed, please see post #2

Glad to hear on the surface the machine appears to be sound because I couldn`t wait for your update and put my money down yesterday :nevreness:

£880 plus £466 makes this about the same price as a 6040 with suppoted rails ?

Updated on post #3 First run

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John S

£880 plus £466 makes this about the same price as a 6040 with suppoted rails ?

---

It is, However Its not quite as high spec, You only get a 0.8kw with 6040 I got a 1.5kw Also i have 20mm Rails all around the 6040 is only on the Y axis.

Another bonus is that because of the laid back gantry and the subtle modifications the actual cutting size is 450x320 So its better than most which are UNDER their stated dimension.
Remember, mine has flood cooling and tub too, even came with the pumps and everything required for the full system.

The gantry rails are mounted much more securely with large 20mm clamps which are fully adjustable vs the 6040 rails which are just drilled & tapped with an 8mm screw

Another plus is the control box is of much higher quality than the typical 'eBay' models.

So really it comes down to budget and what size bed you need?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John S

£880 plus £466 makes this about the same price as a 6040 with suppoted rails ?

---

The typical ebay 6040 was just too big for my needs. Paying about the same for higher quality but smaller machine was an easy trade off as I`ll only be producing small parts up to about A4 size.
I would have liked supported rails but I never intended to cut more than aluminium anyway.

Okay it would apper its limit is around 600mm/m in 4mm aluminium or 1050mm/m in 3mm aluminium. that's if i really push it hard.

I would say safely and with a nice finish you can machine around 800mm/m @ 3mm deep in aluminium for a good finish.

All with a 6mm 2 flute HSS cutter.

Craig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UNprBEcp0U

Some good updates for you guys...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmIaObhW0Xg&amp;feature=youtu.be

I would play with feeds & speeds because your not cutting properly.? Your cutting and shoving.!! Look at the vid about 1:28 and you'll see the material being curled not cut.!! . . . Basicly it's being shoved out the way not cut.
Also the chatter and resonance is quite high even thou your (rightly) conventional milling, this dull tools quickly and puts extra stress's on the machine and spindle which will prematurely wear out bearings etc.!!

I can tell the cutting set-up is wrong from the sound, when it comes to cutting Aluminium then it's slightly different from other materials regards DOC etc so it's important to find the machines sweet spot regards spindle RPM and depth of cut (DOC). This you can tell from the noise and harmonics of the machine.

This is will be different for every machine or should say most machines that are not identical.? For instance no point me telling you my set-up for cutting aluminium because my machine is completely different. It also changes with cutter size and length, even the tools material makes a big difference.

Really You need to find the machines "Sweet spot" for the machines life and your pockets sake, not to mention finished quality.!! . . At the rate I'm hearing you'll wear this machine out very quickly.
It takes some trial and error but worth it if your going to cut lots of aluminium and believe it or not can result in you being able to cut deeper with less chatter by finding the natural harmonic balance of cutting tool and machine.? . . Trial and error is the only way but it can be done quickly if done in a methodical manner.

Check this out and while it's aimed at commercial machines the principles the same. It also gives a procedure to follow that will help find the sweet spot.
It works and the difference is noticeable in both sound has well has visual not to mention performance.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/maximum-aluminum

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

I would play with feeds & speeds because your not cutting properly.? Your cutting and shoving.!! Look at the vid about 1:28 and you'll see the material being curled not cut.!! . . . Basicly it's being shoved out the way not cut.
Also the chatter and resonance is quite high even thou your (rightly) conventional milling, this dull tools quickly and puts extra stress's on the machine and spindle which will prematurely wear out bearings etc.!!

I can tell the cutting set-up is wrong from the sound, when it comes to cutting Aluminium then it's slightly different from other materials regards DOC etc so it's important to find the machines sweet spot regards spindle RPM and depth of cut (DOC). This you can tell from the noise and harmonics of the machine.

This is will be different for every machine or should say most machines that are not identical.? For instance no point me telling you my set-up for cutting aluminium because my machine is completely different. It also changes with cutter size and length, even the tools material makes a big difference.

Really You need to find the machines "Sweet spot" for the machines life and your pockets sake, not to mention finished quality.!! . . At the rate I'm hearing you'll wear this machine out very quickly.
It takes some trial and error but worth it if your going to cut lots of aluminium and believe it or not can result in you being able to cut deeper with less chatter by finding the natural harmonic balance of cutting tool and machine.? . . Trial and error is the only way but it can be done quickly if done in a methodical manner.

Check this out and while it's aimed at commercial machines the principles the same. It also gives a procedure to follow that will help find the sweet spot.
It works and the difference is noticeable in both sound has well has visual not to mention performance.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/maximum-aluminum

---

Thanks for that, That should help me in the future.

Unsure if your aware but this is my first CNC machine so I am still quite a noobie, However i think a lot of the issue here is partly my cutter(fairly old) and also not enough HP in the spindle.

I need to reduce my feeds/get a better cutter.

Craig

Craig,

on the strength of your review, I've gotten a quote from Stepmores for pretty much the same machine (attached) for 1500$ US not including shipping. I think this is more than you paid (was your quote of some 866 pounds Sterling including delivery?). Can you comment?

Cheers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andre Germain

Craig,

on the strength of your review, I've gotten a quote from Stepmores for pretty much the same machine (attached) for 1500$ US not including shipping. I think this is more than you paid (was your quote of some 866 pounds Sterling including delivery?). Can you comment?

Cheers

---

Hi mate.

My machine was £880 yes, this was with Sea shipping (that only cost $15!) At the bottom of your quote it says 15 days delivery, Presumably yours includes air shipping (which I believe was another $350 or so but double check that one)

I have just checked on google for exchange rates and £880 is about $1420 add conversion fees on top of that and $1500 sounds about right.

Craig

Craig,

indeed. I got the quote for shipping by sea this morning; 115$. Surprising as many others ask 400$ or more (low balling their price and recuperating it in the shipping?). They also offered to extend the Z axis to 75mm (50$), a stainless steel sink/tub ($30). Are the latter worth it?

The controller board looks like a TB6560 (without a cooling fan!) and from what I read they're not very capable for Nema 23 steppers. Is this what you have as well? are they 23s?

Cheers & much thanks

Hi there.
Sorry for the late reply.

Stepmores seem quite honest in their prices, Not sure why $115 in shipping though as I was only charged $15!
Speak to a gentlman called Eric (tell him I put you onto him please)
The Steel sink/Tub if you haggle you can get for free, I did.

The Z axis I would leave be, More travel = more flex and only get the 75mm IF YOU NEED IT.

I think the weakest point of the machine is the Y rails, If you can afford the extra, upgrade to supported rails (ignore anything he pawns onto you, just get them)

As for electronics, i am not too clued up on this sorry, I have no idea if they are 23's But I do know the Y axis motor is twice the size of the other 2?

Thanks

Craig

Hi craigrobbo,I also ordered the router from Stepmores after reading your review and it's leaving China by sea soon.According to what I read online, there seems to be quite some work getting the router out of port. Did you use a customs broker? Can you describe what the customs clearance process is like?

Hi craig,

thank you for your review of your stepmores cnc. I´m in contact with eric about a 6040.
Are you still happy with your machine?
Do you have some pictures of the control box and did you had a look into it?
Maybe you can tell me if there is a label on the stepper motors?

Thank you for your help!
Greetings from Austria
Philipp

Hi there Phillipp/

The control box I can get pictures for you later on they are of a high quality compared to others.

I'v looked inside but only brief!

The steppers are blank with no labels sorry.

Hi craig,

great! thank you
maybe you have also some pictures from inside the box? eric told me that they use leadshine M542 drivers, hopefully they are genuine :-)

thanks
philipp

No problem - I am not really comfortable opening it up too much, i only had to open it last time as my water tank shattered and I had to clean it.

Please understand.

no problem, any picture from the outside will be good enough! only if it´s no problem for you
:-)

philipp

Hi, I was wondering how do you like the machine so far? any updates? would you recomend the paying the extra $ for this model?
Thanks!

hi dear friends. i am eric from stepmores cnc . very glad to be on this page. hope you are fine. our 3040 cnc machine has a lof of improvement on the structure , it become more stronger and durable. more precision than before. also more beautiful. if any friend is interested in our machine , please contact me by email [email protected] or we can have a talk on skype : stepmores these are some pictures of our 3040m machines pictures.

Attachment 13191 Attachment 13192

main futures:
1. mach3 controller with USB port breakoutboard can be used on laptop.
2.This is upgraded 3040 for metal engraving. Suitable for aluminum,brass engraving.
3. Aluminum casting whole body wont transform for long use.
4. variable functional parts: limited sensor, calibrator, led light.

.

hi guys. i got some inquiries for bigger machine. so i would like to show our bigger and strongger machine 600x400 600x900 version. X Y axis are both SBR25 supported rails and 25mm diameter ballscrew. whoe aluminium casting. very strong structure that some cutomers love it. we use mach3 USB port control board. yako stepper driver. see the pictures :
if any friend is interested in our machine , please contact me by email [email protected]

Attachment 13271Attachment 13272Attachment 13270Attachment 13267Attachment 13268Attachment 13269Attachment 13273Attachment 13274Attachment 13275Attachment 13276

see our control box. aluminum material . good for heat dissipation.:smug:

Attachment 13277 Attachment 13278

How much for a 600x900 with 1.5kW spindle shipped to UK?

hi friend. our 6090 is 2300 usd including shipping fee to UK.

Hi stepmores, have you thought about eBay? I would have bought either your SM6040 or SM6090 last week if I had known about them.

What is the exact X and Y travel on the 6090? It is very close to what I will want soon.

hi sir. we dont sell on ebay. our travel of x and y are both over than the model size. its 1cm or so at least more. i checked this issue before. but i can not remmber clearly, but only know it is more than 600x900. can you tell me your email or you can send me email [email protected] . we can talk by email to smooth our communication. thanks for your attention to our product.

hi guys. we make one ATC machine 6090ATC. see our machine pictures:

http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.ph...id=13500&stc=1

Hi Eric, if you just go ahead and put the price with picture it will save me the trouble of asking :)

Maybe you could outline the shipping process, including what you know about what a UK customer has to do. I'm sure other people will be interested even if they don't want your items. I buy lots from china using airmail but never tried sea freight yet.

If my 6040 ends up being returned to the ebay seller I will buy one of your machines, and even if it doesn't get returned I might buy that 6090ATC anyway.

Could you details the electronics for us please.

hi jim , to be honest, i dont want to let everyone in the world know our price. only customers who are interested in our product will send email to me to ask. hope you can understand. for shipping process. i dont know what will happen exactly in UK sea port. but as i know, once we send machine to sea port. shipping company will contact customers and help them to slove importing issue. of course,it will be more complicated than airmail. i am glad to know you are interested in our 6090ATC, and hope we can make deal. thanks