Maslow CNC Machine

[nelsonic]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1830738289/maslow-cnc-a-500-open-source-4-by-8-foot-cnc-machi

Sadly, I didn't hear about it until the Kickstarter had ended... 😞

[nelsonic]

Reserved on the waiting list: http://www.maslowcnc.com/reservations/ (for when they are available)

CC: @iteles (you asked what I got my credit card out for...) 😉

[nelsonic]

Great intro/test video on "Tested" channel: https://youtu.be/y60q6U7NjTQ

[nelsonic]

A full-size CNC machine ranges from a "super cheap" Chinese machine for $4,500:
http://ruijie.en.made-in-china.com/product/LqbxPyJuaoUH/China-Wood-Working-Machine-RJ-1325-.html

To the "Made in USA" versions which can cost 100k ...

[nelsonic]

Because Maslow are swamped with order backlog and they haven't (yet) solved the Z-Axis issue see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9SE5Ppo4BU

I'm considering a Kit from "CNC Router Parts": http://www.cncrouterparts.com/pro-cnc-machine-kits-c-47_54.html

Specifically the "PRO4896 4' x 8' CNC Router Kit"
http://www.cncrouterparts.com/pro4896-4-x-8-cnc-router-kit-p-253.html

I need to send CNC Router Parts a few questions ...

Note: I'm still super excited about Maslow and will buy my unit immediately when they get back to me!

[nelsonic]

finally ordered the Maslow: http://www.maslowcnc.com

(includes the Z-Axis kit)

So, some time in February 2018 I should have my CNC router...!! 😮

Sadly, the Maslow Kit does not include the Router!
I asked about it via email but got a "Computer Says No" answer:

So rather than the Router costing me $159 (+S&H):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-2-HP-1-2-in-Corded-Fixed-Base-Router-R22002/202739521

I will need to order it from ebay for more than double the price!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RIDGID-2-HP-1-2-in-Corded-Fixed-Base-Router/172836378087

Still it's cheaper than a table CNC machine.
And Maslow takes up considerably less space.
I'm excited!!

[nelsonic]

I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am to be getting a CNC Machine! 🌈 ☀️ 🌱
It means I revive projects such as: https://github.com/nelsonic/fruit-tea-shelf and https://github.com/nelsonic/standing-desk which were cost-prohibitive in the past ... 💸
I am going to make everything!! 🚀
Need to stay focussed on building the @dwyl App(s) until then! 🤓

[nelsonic]

@iteles can you imagine being able to walk downstairs to the "workshop"
and make any piece of furniture, "stationery organiser" or "signs" you want in minutes ...?! 😮

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPtK21NBHo8

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeojLjeHShM

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYpTTX8Fhpf (VIDEO!) shows the ability to cut "sharp" points:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeG2O2pHpH2/

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/maslowcnc/

[nelsonic]

It's occurred to me that I need specific Router Bits to perform the "smooth" cuts ...
http://www.maslowcnc.com/store/2flutecompressionbit

A similar Router Bit is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/EU_HOZLY-6X25mm-Carbide-Cutters-Compression/dp/B073RKDLDR/

Reviews are generally good, only one twit bought the wrong size for his router and then gave a 1-star review ... derp.
So this could be a good "backup option" ...

I've emailed Hannah @ maslow (requesting if I can still add them to my order):

[nelsonic]

Maslow are "unable" to add anything to my existing order ... so I placed a new order for the "Bits":

Obviously the additional $22 of "shipping & handling" is painful, but it's necessary. 👍

[iteles]

It's probably still a better deal than not ordering from the US and definitely worth it. Super excited to see this in action! 😍

[nelsonic]

Briefly considered getting an X-Carve because it looks much faster at cutting than Maslow:
https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve/customize

Mostly because this guy made an Automatic Tool Changer for it:
https://discuss.inventables.com/t/auto-tool-changer-works-great/22518

But realistically, it's not "production-ready" and to pay $2k for something with a 1000mm cutting length is kinda "expensive".

[nelsonic]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfweuanHVGl

Also: https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-chair-from-leo-salom/1814/6

Tell me this is not "The Future" of furniture ... 😮

[nelsonic]

This is the highest level of precision/accuracy I've seen cut by a Maslow:


goto: http://www.maslowcnc.com and scroll down to the "What are people making?" section.

if we can cut signs/letters
then I'm optimistic of being able to cut reasonably "sophisticated" wood joints ...
My plan is to make all our furniture using "Box Joints" for simplicity:

This will mean that there won't be any screws or bolts visible anywhere.
Which will mean that none of our furniture will look like "Flat Pack".

[nelsonic]

I'm planning to use Bamboo Plywood for my projects see: nelsonic/standing-desk#15
But it's unclear from the Maslow "FAQ" if it's possible to cut Bamboo Ply using the Maslow ...
So I've opened a question on the Forum:
https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/can-cut-bamboo-plywood-using-maslow/2807

[nelsonic]

Good News! The Maslow has been shipped!!

Status: "in transit" ⏳
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?qtc_tLabels1=CJ546490508US

Time to order the Ridgid R22002!
Thankfully, the price on eBay is a much more reasonable (closer the the "RRP") $180 ...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Ridgid+R22002

$249.54 including shipping and import duties:

My New Toys are on their way! 😮 🎉

[nelsonic]

Given that the Router is 120V @ 11 amps (i.e. 1320W)
I will probably need a Voltage Step Down Converter ...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Goldsource-ST-1500-1500-Voltage-Converter/dp/B00ADQIAF8

Will order one once the Router Arrives. 💸 🙄

[nelsonic]

One of the first things I'm going to build is this "enclosure" for the Maslow machine
so that the majority of dust will be "caught".
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfweuanHVGl

Keen on having linear actuators to open/close the "cover" ...
nelsonic/standing-desk#7

[nelsonic]

I'm a patient person, but this is getting kinda tedious ... 😕
I ordered the Maslow 1st December 2017 📆 180 Days Ago ...
the Maslow "shipped" over 2 Months Ago! ⏳
but the USPS Tracking page still says my package is "In-Transit" ...
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?qtc_tLabels1=CJ546490508US

If the package had shipped by Sailboat it would take less than a Month to arrive in the UK ...

The reason this is a "problem" is that we are no longer "at" the 16 Palmers Road Address ... 📦

Sent them an email asking for insight:

Not much more I can do to make this arrive sooner ... 🙄

[rub1e]

Everything's going to be OK

[nelsonic]

Got a prompt reply from Hannah:

Sadly no "closer" to receiving the Maslow. 😞
https://youtu.be/ErvgV4P6Fzc

[nelsonic]

Got a another reply from Hannah: (my Maslow was "return to sender" ...)

Super-frustrating!
I replied asking her to send it to my Parents' Address in PT.

[nelsonic]

Re-dispatched to PT:

No tracking number yet and no estimate of arrival ...
I have a lot of other work to do before I need the Maslow,
but I would really like it to arrive ASAP
because I need to setup the kit/machine and experiment/learn what is possible!

[nelsonic]

Given that:

• Maslow CNC is relatively "slow" (e.g: 4h to cut a chair or 8h for a desk!) ⏳
• We have a lot of CAD/CNC-furniture to make! 🏡
• If anything on it "breaks", ordering "spare" parts might put the machine "out of action" for months 💔
• The Maslow Founders are taking a "break" after the current batch: https://youtu.be/tTLAQBV_J6Y 📺

I've decided to order a second kit and a few "spare" parts:

It also means I will not be as "precious" about letting other people use the machine.
Not that I don't like sharing, on the contrary, I've always been the kid who shares their "toys" freely!
Just that when it comes to tools that can "wear" or "break" I'm super careful (after a few "bad experiences") but I hope to mitigate this completely in the future by having detailed training videos and "competency checks" for all my tools.

Anyway, the second kit will only be dispatched in July so only expecting it in August ... which is "fine".

[nelsonic]

New tracking number for original order:
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?qtc_tLabels1=CJ549515813US

[nelsonic]

Maslow Triangulation Linkage Kit

The Maslow Triangulation Linkage Kit is an "after market" kit:

Here's a video of it in operation: https://youtu.be/3__VClHnD8M

Relevant comment:

Description (from Etsy listing)

This is a kit to build a linkage system for a Maslow CNC machine that enables triangular kinematics (as opposed to quadrilateral kinematics) for more accurate cuts and a more stable router sled.

You will receive all of the laser cut parts and all hardware needed to assemble the linkages. Laser cut parts are 1/4" birch plywood and will arrive unsanded and unassembled. The pictures in this listing show the parts as well as an assembled linkage. There is a link for full instructions for assembly and installation at the bottom of this description.

The hardware in the pictures with white backgrounds is what will be shipping (the hardware on the wood background was an earlier prototype, but is similar) The technical drawing in the images above is to aid in assembly, some dimensions may differ in the final product.

This kit includes brackets for attaching chains!

Current wait time is approximately one week; this timeframe depends on many different factors such as availability of hardware and how many orders I am filling. If the timeline needs to change I will be sure to communicate with you.

If you need your kit sooner than the estimated shipping date I can expedite orders for a small fee. Just contact me and let me know.

Of course if you ever have any problems or questions you can contact me and I will do what I can to help you out!

Assembly instructions can be found here: https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Assembly-Instructions-for-Triangulation-Linkage-Kit

More information about Maslow CNC can be found at www.maslowcnc.com
More information about this linkage design can be found in the Maslow forums at: http://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/throwing-my-hat-in-the-sled-modification-ring/193/584

is supposedly $35:
http://www.maslowcnc.com/store/maslow-triangulation-linkage-kit

However on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/558743441/maslow-triangulation-linkage-kit
it's actually £48.53 which is $64.39 (almost double) when shipping is factored. 😞

Further Research

Triangulation linkage kits explained:
https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/triangulation-linkage-kits-explained/2736/6

I might not need it for my second kit ... but might for the original one ... 🤔
Just gotta wait patiently for the kit(s) to arrive...! ⌛️

[nelsonic]

Good Maslow overview: https://youtu.be/PopZ53YxXZY
Good to see someone else selling the kits: https://www.makermadecnc.com/

[nelsonic]

https://www.maslowcnc.com/assemblyguide
https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Mechanics/wiki/Choose-A-Frame-Design
Thinking of going with the "default" frame as it appears to be the one most people are using:
http://maslowcommunitygarden.org/The-Default-Frame.html?instructions=True

@iteles please keep me posted when you get the address for the wood shop from Chico. 👍

[nelsonic]

8 feet in cm: 243.84
10 feet in cm: 304.8
2" x 4" = 38 x 89 mm

obviously no wood shop sells anything in these dimensions in Europe ...
So I'm either going to have to glue together multiple pieces to make them up,
or I'm going to create my own design (for the wood available) based on the various available designs. 🤔

[nelsonic]

Ordered the wood for the Maslow Frame from https://www.mcmadeiras.net ✅
Expecting delivery next week (but no definite ETA...)

[nelsonic]

The total for the order of wood fromMCMadeiras was €233.05


This invoice includes 4 sheets of birch plywood ("Contraplacado Betula") of which I only need one for the Maslow frame. 87.50/2= €43.75
Then the cut and planed pine for the frame is €42.42
So in total the Maslow frame will cost €43.75 + €42.42 = 86.17 in wood.

The rest of the ply is material for making the first pieces of furniture! 😮

[nelsonic]

This is a really good playlist of videos for setting up the Maslow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DacB-VkkQRY&list=PLW94ypk_zqTN4yaP6217HHruCFNqwv1xv&index=1

[nelsonic]

How to remove the handles from the Ridgid Router:

https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/what-is-the-plan-for-the-new-ring-kits-for-existing-users/1750/61
5/16" Allen key = 8mm

[nelsonic]

Hi!
I have followed all instructions for setting up the default frame, electronics and router.

Using an original Maslow from 2018 with Z-axis and Ridgid R22002 Router:

While trying to run the Calibration, I am unable to control the Z-Axis.
The Z-Axis motor lowers (plunges) the router bit, but I cannot seem to raise it.
Then when I attempt to run the test cuts for calibration, the bit drags over the ply and scratches it.

I've tried everything I could think of in the Groundcontrol Z-Axis UI

"Raise" just lowers the sled and does nothing with the Z-Axis. 😞
I tried simply removing the Router from the housing to raise the router bit,
but that seems like an unnecessary workaround given that I've installed the Z-Axis ...

Question

How do I control the Z-Axis using GCode or Groundcontrol UI and specifically how do I raise the router bit so that it does not drag on the work surface?

Technical details:

• Original Maslow (kit from Bar & Hannah) with Z-Axis and ring (2018 model)
• Firmware-1.26
• groundcontrol-v1.26

Maslow Settings:

I am able to move the sled using the "Set Chain Length" UI so I think cables are connected correctly.

Closeup of Z-Axis: (which I believe is installed correctly ...)

Thanks for your help!

Posted on Maslow Forum: https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/how-to-manually-adjust-z-axis-to-raise-the-router-bit/10956

[nelsonic]

Got a few replies on Maslow Forum for my Z-Axis issue: https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/how-to-manually-adjust-z-axis-to-raise-the-router-bit/10956/2 🎉
Even got a reply from Bar (the creator of Maslow) 🦄
I've responded to each one with more info. 🔁
Hopefully they get back to me soon with advice on what to do next. 🙏

[nelsonic]

After loosening the router mount, the Z-Axis motor appears to be moving the router.
I made a quick video showing the "Test Motors/Encoders":

https://youtu.be/3bLxrKhNJmc

After re-attempting the calibration, I (still) get the following error:

"The sled is not keeping up with its expected position and has halted.
Click the 'Stop' button to clear the alarm. More information at:"
https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Firmware/wiki/Keeping-Up

I re-read the "Keeping Up" trouble shooting guide and the only other thing that I could try is substituting the power supply. I am using the default one supplied with the Maslow. It's connected to a stable power source.

What next? 💭

[nelsonic]

This thread pretty much summarises how I feel:
https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/i-am-getting-so-demoralized/11328

[nelsonic]

I've transitioned from Sketchup to Fusion 360 for CNC-focussed 3D modelling.
It's not been an "easy" switch because I've had to shift to a parametric modeling workflow
and I find the UX in Fusion 360 to be unnecessarily complicated.
I followed the official Fusion 360 mastery course/tutorial series online:
https://f360ap.autodesk.com/courses/getting-started-in-fusion-360/lessons/lesson-1-course-overview
I painstakingly followed all the examples and created all the models in the course:

This is my first design that will be useful for @home : https://a360.co/2p9idln

It's a basic storage box designed to be compatible with the IKEA KALLAX shelving system.
See: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/kallax-shelving-unit-white-80275887

Not that I intend to use any kallax units, (because I think we can make them better and cheaper),
but if we ever decide to use the compatible accessories,
it makes sense to be compatible from the outset.
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/ideas/home-visit-make-your-kallax-unit-truly-yours-pub67d7d0e8

My plan with the storage box is to make it lockable. 🔒
And for the lock to be backward compatible with the "official" kallax with a basic mod/hack.

[nelsonic]

Disasembled the Maslow Frame that had been collecting dust for 2 years in the workshop and re-used the wood to make a standing desk above the laser. If I could go back in time and tell myself how much of a pain calibrating the Maslow would be, I wouldn't have wasted my time on this ... 😢
I'm sure there are plenty of people out there for whom it works/worked but the precision is not good enough for anything more than "hobby" level projects.

Closing. ✅

[nelsonic]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maslow4/maslow4-affordable-compact-large-format-cnc-router/description

While the Maslow 4 looks much better than the original (which is now a dust collector for everyone that bought it!)
It still doesn't achieve the level of precision required to build furniture.
Signs are fine because they don't have interlocking joints.