# Building the simplest frame? **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Tags:** frame\ **Created:** [June 19, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945 "2026-06-19T17:01:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gilly\_Barr](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/gilly_barr/32/31418_2.png) [@Gilly\_Barr](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Gilly_Barr)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/1 "2026-06-19T17:01:33Z")
New here, and thinking about buying a maslow cnc.. One of my concerns (which is why im considering it in the first place) is building a proper frame for it. I am handy, but not sure i want to build a vertical frame. I have a backyard and it seems to me like the most comfortable option would be to build a frame that i can lay on the floor/grass when i want to use it. All the frames i’ve seen in videos of the maslow being used look huge and overly complex. I just saw the video of[Diresta reviewing the Gordix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smw0NlQu2Ko)and was wondering if I can do something similar… What i have in mind is buying a 4x8 piece of mdf like he has. He connects these metal triangles to the corners - I think i can easily model and 3d print something very similar. Put long bolts in them to attach the maslow cords to. Then every time i want to use the maslow i will be able to just lay down the mdf on my grass/floor/deck outside, and use it. Is this a viable option ? Does anyone see any problem with this ? Also, is there a difference in accuracy between using it horizontally vs. vertically ? ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/2 "2026-06-19T20:52:39Z")
Gilly Barr wrote: > What i have in mind is buying a 4x8 piece of mdf like he has. He connects these metal triangles to the corners - I think i can easily model and 3d print something very similar. Put long bolts in them to attach the maslow cords to. Then every time i want to use the maslow i will be able to just lay down the mdf on my grass/floor/deck outside, and use it. > > Is this a viable option ? Does anyone see any problem with this ? you need more distance out from the edge of your work area and the anchors. you can play around with sizes using the web page I put up at [http://lang.hm/maslow/maslow4\_frame.html](http://lang.hm/maslow/maslow4_frame.html) try to keep your workpiece in (or mostly in) the green area > Also, is there a difference in accuracy between using it horizontally vs. vertically ? there isn’t supposed to be. David Lang ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2026, 8:46am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/3 "2026-06-20T08:46:44Z")
I run mine in my lawn area with a folding frame the frame folds up to four 2x8 beams and a bag of chains and the waste board I have set it up both vertically and horizontally. I tried to make a thinner one using steel pipe but it flexed too much. [New fast fold up frame experiment for 4.1 Updated with chain - #21 by wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/new-fast-fold-up-frame-experiment-for-4-1-updated-with-chain/25044/21) ![17819453388987650320607001038903](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/5/1/51394471ac46df2cfc74e022408d610875a9053f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2026, 9:16am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/4 "2026-06-20T09:16:39Z")
wouldchuck wrote: > I run mine in my lawn area with a folding frame the frame folds up to four 2x8 beams and a bag of chains and the waste board I have set it up both vertically and horizontally. I tried to make a thinner one using steel pipe but it flexed too much. [New fast fold up frame experiment for 4.1 Updated with chain - #21 by wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/new-fast-fold-up-frame-experiment-for-4-1-updated-with-chain/25044/21) has anyone gone through the threads and made a wiki page that links to all the different frame ideas? David Lang ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2026, 9:25am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/5 "2026-06-20T09:25:28Z")
I made a frame library in the git hub wiki with the designs I could find. [Maslow\_4/docs/FrameLibrary.md at Maslow-Main · MaslowCNC/Maslow\_4 · GitHub](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4/blob/Maslow-Main/docs/FrameLibrary.md) ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2026, 10:09am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/6 "2026-06-20T10:09:25Z")
wouldchuck wrote: > I made a frame library in the git hub wiki with the designs I could find. > [Maslow\_4/docs/FrameLibrary.md at Maslow-Main · MaslowCNC/Maslow\_4 · GitHub](https://github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4/blob/Maslow-Main/docs/FrameLibrary.md) that looks good, @bar, can we pin a link to that page on the frames topic? David Lang ---
**Author:** ![Nov27th2025](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/nov27th2025/32/29771_2.png) [@Nov27th2025](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Nov27th2025)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2026, 4:34pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/7 "2026-06-20T16:34:40Z")
When you make your frames and anchor point locations, whatever method you use, I recommend you allow your anchor points to be adjusted vertically so they are on the exact same plane as the sled.So you do your initial calibration with everything on one plane.Then you can raise and lower your anchor points depending on the thickness of your spoil board and the material that you are cutting.Additionally, in order for your Maslow to be accurate near the edges, it needs to be supported when the sled drives near the edge to prevent deflection. So having some material the same height as your cutting surface for the Maslow’s edges to be supported on when it cuts near the edge. ---
**Author:** ![jbr12](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/jbr12/32/31368_2.png) [@jbr12](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/jbr12)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/8 "2026-07-08T16:00:30Z")
How has this frame been working for you?? I am really struggling with the ‘original’ frame being portable. I need to be able to constantly setup / take down on a daily basis and this looks promising. ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2026, 4:58pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/9 "2026-07-08T16:58:28Z")
I think a portable or temporary frame is important for Maslow to have as an option. The fold up x shape with the chain had worked great for me. It is definitely stable and seems to cut well. Almost all of Maslow’s force is directed along the diagonals of the frames rectangle so it plays very well to that. I can even tip it up from flat on the ground to resting on the wall while it is put together. I just put it together again in the back yard this week. I just made some lawn anchors too which also seem to work well. Mine are rough but even so the machine started up with them. It takes me about half an hour to pull the 2 x 8 individually out of the garage and then string the chain through them and then screw the waste board on. I have counted and marked the links I bolt through but still run find anchors each time as it is so fast. I think one could streamline the process of setting up a bit but it is pretty quick. I like the chains in the holes in the center of the beams with a bolt slid through. The one thing i would change from my original plan would be to use stacks of mending plates instead of eyebolts to make the central pivot hinge. Here is a sketch. I recommend trying it. I have been happy and it is relatively inexpensive and easy to make. ![17835298352536796949149622507567](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/5/7/576f056c1c99455cf0cdac8923a1c316488223e3.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/10 "2026-07-08T17:02:02Z")
Here are the rough lawn anchors. [Lawn anchor frame](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/lawn-anchor-frame/26003) They are even faster to set up ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/11 "2026-07-08T17:41:41Z")
another one to try that should be very portable is the lite x frame. I made a CAD for it at (no login required) [Onshape](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/20374c29acfc54620a72c6ad/w/195bfd9d55ceaae5efbbcd33/e/8d6d7382a09808d59dade337) > **[Onshape](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/20374c29acfc54620a72c6ad/w/195bfd9d55ceaae5efbbcd33/e/8d6d7382a09808d59dade337)** > > Sign in to Onshape, the #1 fastest growing CAD system in the world. it has long rails that slot into sawhorses (a lot of them have slots to hold 2x material on edge) and then has two sets of X boards to hold the anchors. it’s a bit more work to build (you cut half-lap joints for the boards to join) but each board can be moved individually. I have not build this, but the initial poster of the design seems to have been very happy with it. ---
**Author:** ![jbr12](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/jbr12/32/31368_2.png) [@jbr12](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/jbr12)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/12 "2026-07-08T19:24:06Z")
Thanks for the info! I found your other post with details about what you’ve done. I’m excited and will dig into it tonight! ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 4:36am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/13 "2026-07-09T04:36:10Z")
The other really simple idea is just tying anchors to 5 gallon buckets ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 2:58pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/14 "2026-07-09T14:58:32Z")
wouldchuck wrote: > The other really simple idea is just tying anchors to 5 gallon buckets has anyone tried this yet? David Lang ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 5:42pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/15 "2026-07-09T17:42:59Z")
Sooo. A single bucket full of water on concrete doesn’t have enough friction At all. Maybe three buckets ![PXL_20260709_173655707](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/2/6/2666512c89d112fa51555d492a0137fc3dd2d370.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mr2quik22](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/mr2quik22/32/31474_2.png) [@mr2quik22](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/mr2quik22)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 5:58pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/16 "2026-07-09T17:58:41Z")
Each corner anchor applies 25–28 lb of tension in the PARK position, increasing to approximately 45–50 lb during machine motion. ![IMG_0691](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/3/0/308801d3b6caadf35f28786795109a747f65cb6a.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/17 "2026-07-09T18:00:58Z")
Buckets on grass do have enough friction. UPDATE nope ![PXL_20260709_174558478](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/1/a/1afced6b132880f4c4e21217347b7bf5a71d8024.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 6:09pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/18 "2026-07-09T18:09:46Z")
5 gallons of water weighs about 40 lbs no idea what coefficient of friction is for hdpe on concrete. But the practical experiment didn’t work ---
**Author:** ![mr2quik22](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/mr2quik22/32/31474_2.png) [@mr2quik22](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/mr2quik22)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/19 "2026-07-09T18:35:17Z")
Also, 3/8"-1/2"x 24" Rebar with a printed anchor mounts, works well for On-The-Ground large projects. Just like surveyor stacks. ![2026-07-09_13-28-43](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/c/b/cbb867f5e1071127a8473622d2de533f40f53fad.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wouldchuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/58956e/32.png) [@wouldchuck](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/wouldchuck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945/20 "2026-07-09T18:38:14Z")
If this has height do they flex? I needed 2 or three 10 in spikes for it to be stable [Next page](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/building-the-simplest-frame/25945.md?page=2)