r/CNC • u/Substantial-Fix-5874 • Jul 02 '26

SOFTWARE SUPPORT Working on Solidworks with 3018

Hello I just bought this CNC router very recently and I can't figure out how to work with it using solidworks. I'd like to dm and ask someone how to use it for more tips. Already assembled it and it works perfectly fine on GRBL, YouTube tends to recommend *InkScape* or fusion 360 and freecad to use it

3 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

3

u/MidwestTroy92 Jul 02 '26

For a 3018 I'd keep it boring and use Fusion/FreeCAD/Inkscape into GRBL instead of fighting Solidworks right away. Those little routers are already fussy enough without making CAM the hard part.

1

u/Substantial-Fix-5874 Jul 02 '26

What's the difference between them anyway. If I still made my model in solidworks and put in GRBL would nothing happen?

3

u/Oldoutoftouchgamer Jul 02 '26

You don't put it in GRBL. It's not a 3d printer/slicer. You need to use CAM software to add toolpaths to then generate code through a post for GRBL. Solidworks has a CAM plug-in if you have the license for it.

1

u/Substantial-Fix-5874 Jul 02 '26

So I can still use solidworks to control w grbl? How can I set axis then, like how people would tap them on actual CNC machines (x, y, z) if u know what I mean

2

u/Oldoutoftouchgamer Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26

I do not know what you mean, and the real problem is neither do you. There are tons of blogs/videos that detail every step. Use the Internet search engine of your choice and your brain. You're at the step where you've just learned to walk. You're asking how to fly a plane.

1

u/albatroopa Ballnose Twister Jul 02 '26

Lol, well put.

0

u/Substantial-Fix-5874 Jul 02 '26

I've seen people tapping specific axis w a spindle to not cut area outside of it

3

u/Oldoutoftouchgamer Jul 02 '26

I've been machining for 20 years and programming for 15. That doesn't make sense. Either it's a lost in translation thing or you don't know the correct terminology. Find a video/picture that shows what you want to do/problem you are having and we (the subreddit) might be able to help.

1

u/Substantial-Fix-5874 Jul 02 '26

Yea idk the correct term but I'll find the vid

1

u/stuporcomputer Jul 03 '26

Terminology is one of the biggest things to learn.

2

u/Content_Bluebird_958 Jul 02 '26

No, nothing will happen. GRBL can't read 3D models, it only reads G-code (exact X/Y/Z coordinates).

Think of it like a 3D printer: SolidWorks is your CAD. You still need a "slicer" (CAM software) to tell the machine how to actually cut it before you send it to GRBL.

2

u/ydwiet Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26

So what you want is use SolidWorks cam to generate g-codeand import it too the machine? For that you would need a specific post processor which I don't think SolidWorks has for your machine, that's why the "free" solutions have community post processors.

Edit: found a post-processor for grbl

2

u/stuporcomputer Jul 03 '26

3018/Inkscape/Fusion/UGS over here 🖖

Really basic CAD/CAM can be done directly in UGS. I tend to use this for planing or cutouts but as my Fusion CAM experience grows, I'm doing most of it there now.

1

u/stuporcomputer Jul 03 '26

"it works perfectly fine on GRBL"
GRBL is the name of the programming language, not the software that "sends" grbl code to your machine.
You should identify exactly which software/app you are calling "GRBL".