CNC 3018 Pro Limit Switches and Software

[CrazeUK]

I'm surprised that you extract dxf from Aspire and use a separate CAM module - why not use the CAM in Aspire? I don't actually use Aspire myself - I use VCarve - but I can't believe that it's less powerful than vCarve and that's pretty good!

Can't comment on machine mods as I don't know it - just aware that there are lots of different variants of things with this label.

Hi Neale. Thanks for the response.

To be honest, I would class my self as an absolute beginner to cnc.

I've not used aspire to the fullest yet. I'll explore the CAM from it today.

I've heard VCarve is pretty good too.

Apparently the 3018 is a generic design, made by lots of manufacturers. Which has its pros and cons lol.


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[Neale]

Apparently the 3018 is a generic design, made by lots of manufacturers. Which has its pros and cons lol.

...and one of those "cons" is that no two of them are the same! However, the simplest limit switch for any machine like this is a mechanical microswitch. Small box, maybe 30x20x10mm, with (usually) three terminals and a tiny press-button or, more usefully, the same thing but with a lever that operates the switch. You arrange the switch so that it is triggered by something passing by - never by running something directly into the switch. That way, if the moving bit doesn't slow down in time, you don't crunch the switch. Most of us use proximity switches but those are just a touch more difficult to wire. The simple microswitches would get wired in series (just need to identify the correct pair of terminals to use). One wire then goes to the appropriate input pin and the other to ground or to the +5V supply, depending on how things are arranged. Need more info to tell that.

Any simple kind of bracket to hold the switch in place with a bit of adjustment possible will do the job. Doesn't have to be anything elaborate. 3D printers are great for that kind of thing!

Good luck, and do explore the CAM features in Aspire. Vectric make CAM about as easy as it can reasonably be.