Vevor 3018 CNC Router Machine, 500W Enhanced

About the Machine

The 3018 CNC Router Machine, 500W Enhanced has a 300 x 180 x 80mm (11.81 x 7.08 x 3.15 in) working area and a 500W spindle rated at 12,000 RPM, with an extended 80mm Z-axis stroke for thicker material. Vevor does not state a stepper motor spec or a drive system for this machine.

Cut Settings on this Machine

Every cut starts with one formula: Feed Rate = Spindle Speed (RPM) x Chip Load x Number of Cutting Edges (flutes). Chip load is the thickness of material each cutting edge removes in one revolution of the bit. This number comes from the manufacturer of the bit, which publishes a chip-load chart for each bit diameter and material. Look up your exact bit and material, start from the middle of the published range, and you have the third number in the formula. The chart below shows the recommended spindle speed for each material and bit type.

This 500W spindle is rated at 12,000 RPM, so treat the chart below as a starting point and cap any recommended speed at 12,000 RPM. Depth per pass is where the machine's build matters. A truly rigid machine with a powerful spindle can cut as deep as the bit is wide in a single pass, but that takes real spindle torque, a drive train and clamps that hold firm, a gantry that will not flex, and enough mass to soak up vibration. Vevor does not publish a drive system for this machine, so until you know otherwise, treat it as a light-to-mid desktop machine and take shallow passes, especially with the taller Z-axis stroke adding more leverage for the bit to deflect under. Push too deep and the bit deflects and chatters, leaving scalloped edges, or it rubs instead of cutting and burns the material. The fastest way to dial in a cut is to see what has already worked for other people.

Worked example for feed rate: 1/8in (3.175mm) two-flute solid carbide end mill in hard wood. The chart says 16,000 RPM, but this spindle tops out at 12,000 RPM, so use 12,000 RPM. With the bit maker's 0.025mm per tooth (0.0010 in) and a 12,000 RPM spindle: 12,000 x 0.025 x 2 = 600 mm/min (24 in/min) feed. For depth per pass, start shallow and check Community Cut Settings in Easel for what works on this machine. If the cut sounds strained, reduce the depth, not the feed. Slowing the feed below the chip load makes the bit rub instead of cut.

Community Cut Settings shows the spindle speed, feed rate, and depth per pass other makers actually run for your machine, material, and bit.