Choose A Frame Design

The Maslow community has created several versions of the machine frame. Each offers different strengths and weakness. Take a look at the options below to choose the one which is right for you, or go with the default frame if you don't want to make a decision.

Note that many of these designs are community contributions and we have not tested them all.

The Default Frame

Designed by the Maslow community and in particular dlang and madgrizzle this frame is sturdier, quicker to build, and requires fewer tools than the old default design.

• Cost: $90
• Time: 5hr (plus some downtime for glue to dry)
• Tools needed: Saw, Screwdriver, Square
• Carpentry skill needed: Medium
• Assembly Guide: Here
• Digital OnShape Model: Here

Alternative Frame Designs

The most critical part of any design is that the motors are spaced apart and held firmly in place, that the chains are kept in plane, and that it be something which you feel comfortable building. Here are some other designs the community has come up with.

Bar's Bolt Together Design

The use of bolts to hold this design makes it go together quickly and precisely, but requires additional tools. The strategic use of bolts and factory edges for alignment makes measurements less critical resulting in a very accurate frame.

• Cost: $80
• Time: 4hr
• Tools needed: Saw, Screwdriver, Socket or Wrench set
• Carpentry skill needed: Very Low
• Assembly Guide: Here
• Digital OnShape Model: Here

Bee's 80/60 Frame Design

This design created by Bee costs only $80 and goes together in 60 minutes.

• Cost: $80
• Time: 1hr
• Tools needed: Saw, Screwdriver (*cordless optional), Pen/Pencil
• Carpentry skill needed: Low
• Assembly Guide: Final copy - Build Manual

(Photo of frame design) (Link to assembly instructions) Build Manual

The Original Frame

This design has the greatest number of hours on it and was the default for a long time, however it's lack of a top beam makes this frame somewhat outdated and nolonger recommend.

• Cost: $90
• Time: 10hr
• Tools needed: Saw, Screwdriver, Router
• Carpentry skill needed: Medium
• Assembly Guide: Here

How To Submit Your Design

If you have a new design for a frame that could benefit the community please add it to this list!

Here is how to go about doing that.

1. Come up with a frame idea

2. Write assembly instructions and take photos. The wiki cannot host photos directly so any photos in your assembly guide will need to be uploaded by making a pull request. This process is a little bit of a hassle, but it keeps all our documents in a central community accessible place, and it will add your name to the list of collaborators!

   To upload your pictures follow the instructions under "How To Contribute" except instead of editing the software add to the hardware repository here. Please place your pictures in a folder to keep things organized. Once your pictures have been uploaded you can reference them here.

   If the process of creating a pull request is too complicated if you email your photos to [email protected] we will upload them for you.

3. Add estimates for cost, time to build, tools needed, and skill level. Because Maslow is an international project the cost and time to build will very by location but assume $35 dollars for a sheet of 3/4 plywood and $5 for a 10 foot 2x4.

4. Give yourself a pat on the back for contributing to an open source project

Next Step: Sled