Two Trees TTC3018 Pro CNC Router Machine

About the Machine

The TTC3018 Pro CNC Router Machine is Two Trees' upgraded version of the TTC3018, with a 300 x 180 x 40mm working area. It uses a T8 4mm lead screw drive on all axes and an upgraded metal Z-axis module for added rigidity over the base TTC3018, controlled by GRBL. Two Trees does not publish a spindle wattage or stepper motor model 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.

Two Trees does not publish a spindle wattage or maximum RPM for the TTC3018 Pro, so check the plate on your spindle before you start. This machine's metal Z-axis module adds rigidity over the base TTC3018's plastic Z-axis, but it still rides on a T8 lead screw, so it does not have the stiffness of a machine on linear rails and ball screws. Depth per pass is where that shows up: 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. This machine falls short of that bar, so take shallower passes. 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. Two Trees does not state a maximum RPM for this spindle, so check the plate on yours and use its actual top speed in place of 16,000 if it is lower. With the bit maker's 0.025mm per tooth (0.0010 in): 16,000 x 0.025 x 2 = 800 mm/min (31 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.