Installation and settings

Note that in the original post by ZenziWerken, his gear reduction is 6:1, while ours is 3:1 (60 teeth against 20 teeth). When you add in the circumference of your workpiece, you will be able to determine how much linear travel in the 3018’s X axis each revolution produces. For example, using ZenziWerken’s 40 mm wheel, we can use the following formula:

40 x π (or 3.1415) = 125.66 mm

Taken against a 3:1 gear ratio, it’s 125.66 / 3 = 41.89 mm

Just as before, the motor plugs in place of the existing X-axis motor on the CNC machine, and just as before, the 3018 will think your round object is really flat and cut into it as such. Remember, if it seems like your axis is rotating backward, simply flip the plug on the 3018 board.

Whether you use your end mill or your laser, you can now fabricate on round surfaces that can be suspended above the work table.