In this part of the 3018 Desktop Router project, I setup a permanent home for CNCjs on a Dell Wyse 3040 thin client. I’m running CNCjs as the CNC control software and G-code sender (the CNC’s grbl controller is actually doing the motion control). I’m using mjpg-streamer to add a USB webcam to the CNCjs web UI, with nearly no load on the CPU to encode. And I’ve setup a script to launch ffmpeg to record the mjpeg stream when g-code is started and stopped (also using nearly no load on the CPU to transcode).

My dad bought a Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROver CNC router over a year ago, but never really set it up or learned how to use it. Since I enjoy the role of creating and maintaining tools and infrastructure, I decided to help him set it up and operate it to cut thin polycarbonate sheets. In this first episode, I hook the machine up to my laptop and try to cut out a representative model from 1.

In this project, I explore the setup, operation, and ’tricking out’ of a desktop 3018 class CNC router. My Introduction to CNC - 3018 Desktop Router In this video, I setup the machine and try to cut out a part using CNCjs. I quickly learn that it’s not the easiest thing in the world, makes a huge mess, and is loud. But I will continue on! CNC Router Web Control Appliance In this part of the 3018 Desktop Router project, I setup a permanent home for CNCjs on a Dell Wyse 3040 thin client.