CNC Crash Course #1 – First Moves & M‑Codes
🎥 Video
📝 Overview
This first lesson introduces the essential first steps for operating a 3018‑style CNC router using Candle (GRBL Control). It’s designed for absolute beginners who want to understand how to home the machine, jog the axes, and send basic spindle commands.
The video demonstrates the exact workflow you’ll use every time you power up your CNC, making it the perfect starting point for the entire Crash Course series.
📌 What You’ll Learn
- How to home a GRBL‑based CNC machine
- How to jog the X, Y, and Z axes safely
- How to navigate the Candle (GRBL Control) interface
- How to send M‑codes such as:
- M3 — spindle on
- M5 — spindle off
- Why these commands matter before running any G‑code program
📂 Tools & Software Used
- 3018‑style CNC router
- Candle (GRBL Control)
- GRBL firmware
- Standard ER11 spindle
📘 Description
“Learn the basics of a 3018 CNC router using Candle (GRBL Control). In this quick CNC tutorial, I show how to home the machine, jog the axes, use the interface, and send M‑codes like M3 and M5 to control the spindle. Great for anyone starting with GRBL, hobby CNC, or desktop routers.”
💡 Key Takeaways
- GRBL machines require homing before accurate movement.
- Jogging teaches you how the machine responds to commands.
- M‑codes are essential for spindle control and safety.
- Candle provides a simple, beginner‑friendly interface for learning CNC fundamentals.