Quick Start • DWC3648

DWC3648 CNC — Getting Started

This page covers the first setup steps for your DWC3648: Assembly & Setup, OmniControl (PlanetCNC TNG) installation, and Vectric CAD/CAM installation. Follow the steps in order for the smoothest first start.

Install OmniControl Install Vectric Need Help?

Assembly & Setup OmniControl Install Firmware & License Limits & Homing Vectric Install Support

Assembly & Setup

Commercial unit setup (≈ 1100 lb)

Place the DWC3648 on a level foundation.
Use the leveling feet to adjust until the machine is level.

What’s Included (DWC3648): Use this checklist to confirm your shipment.

(1) DWC3648 unit
(1) 6-foot USB cable
(1) Flash drive with software setup files
(1) 4-inch dust hood
(1) 60° V-bit
(4) Hold-down clamps
(1) Spanner wrench for changing tools
(1) ER-20 spindle nut
(1) ER-20 1/8 collet
(1) ER-20 1/4 collet
(1) ER-20 1/2 collet
(1) Water tank for cooling system
(1) Coolant pump for cooling system

Optional add-ons: Any additional accessories you purchased may be included and will vary by order.

Cooling System (Required): Fill the cooling tank with a minimum of 4 gallons of distilled water or RV antifreeze.

Do not use tap water.

Step 1 — Install OmniControl (PlanetCNC TNG)

Software that runs the CNC

USB Flash Drive Contents (Standard):

Files

Vectric Registration and License Info.txt
PlanetCNC License Key Code.txt

Folders

DWC SetUp & Information (Vectric setup files & more)
3648 complete (OmniControl Profile)
PlanetCNCWin_<Latest_Release> (PlanetCNC installer)

If your USB contents do not match, use the official download links below.

Insert the USB Flash Drive into your PC.
Verify its contents match the USB Flash Drive Contents listed above.
If the contents do not match, click here to download the DWC3648 setup files .
If the PlanetCNCWin_<Latest_Release> folder is missing, download PlanetCNC from planet-cnc.com/download.html.
Open the PlanetCNCWin_<Latest_Release> folder and run PlanetCNC_Installer.exe.
If Windows blocks it, click More Info → Run Anyway.
During install, uncheck auto-open (do not launch immediately after install).
For the next steps, it helps to have two File Explorer windows open side-by-side.
In one window, open the 3648 complete folder. In the other, open C:\Program Files\PlanetCNC.
From 3648 complete, copy the Profiles folder into C:\Program Files\PlanetCNC.
In the C:\Program Files\PlanetCNC window, navigate to your Desktop folder.
From 3648 complete, copy the 3648_OmniControl shortcut to your Desktop.
Close both File Explorer windows.
On your Desktop, right-click 3648_OmniControl → Properties → General tab → check Unblock (if prompted).
Click Apply, then OK.
At the CNC, connect the USB cable with the machine OFF.
Double-click the 3648_OmniControl shortcut to open OmniControl.
In OmniControl: File → Settings → Connection → double-click your USB PlanetCNC board/serial option.

Safety: Keep the machine OFF until firmware + license steps are complete.

If you’re not at the machine yet: You can install PlanetCNC and copy profiles/shortcut now. Complete steps 15–17 when you are at the CNC with the USB cable connected.

Firmware & License

Finish setup and confirm the green status light

Firmware Update

Go to Machine → Controller → Firmware Update.
Run the update and wait for success.

Activate License

Go to Help → License Management → Licenses.
Import the key code from your USB license file.
Ready state: bottom-right status light is solid green.

Goal: Solid green status light = all systems go.

Limits & Homing (Required)

Verify limit switches are functioning

Good news: Limit switches are included on the DWC3648 and are configured at the factory. No changes are required in Limits settings.

After OmniControl is installed and licensed, power the CNC ON.
In OmniControl, run Machine → Home.
Verify each axis moves toward its limit switch and stops cleanly.
Successful homing confirms your limit switches are working properly.

Safety: Keep clear of moving parts during homing. If anything moves the wrong direction, stop immediately and contact support.

Step 2 — Install Vectric CAD/CAM

Design & toolpath software

On your USB Flash Drive, locate Vectric Registration and License Info.txt.
Copy the Registration URL and paste it into your browser.
Complete the registration form and click Submit.
Check your email for an automated response from Vectric Ltd.
Click the link in the email to finish account setup and create a password.
Log in to your Vectric V&Co account dashboard.
Click Your Software → then click the Click for Details button.
Download the Vectric installer.
Run the installer → follow prompts.
At the end of install, use the Machine Setup prompt to download your Machine Post Processor and Tool Database files.
Launch VCarve or Aspire when finished.

Video: The updated Vectric install video will be linked here once the new version is published.

Need Help?

We’ve got you

If you run into any issues during setup or installation, contact support and we’ll help you get up and running.

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