Could perhaps be scheduled and done in batches instead of instant availability? Pay for each hour started etc. to make scheduling both possible and financially viable. Eventually, if the demand is there like indicated here, being a double win in revenues but also getting hours on the machines making parts.
I think the Maslow and now Maslow 4 are stepping stones to an “infantry proof” product for the masses eventually. There have been some very significant steps done just since I got my Maslow 4 already. I would not mind supporting those of you pouring hours into the Maslow 4 with a monthly contribution either as long as there is progress.
This is a thread about “How can we make money” - but I do feel that you deserve to be thanked for your efforts, energy and time that have resulted in this really handy tool. I for sure are now doing projects I would not have begun if you had not come through.
This is a thread about “How can we make money” - but I do feel that you
deserve to be thanked for your efforts, energy and time that have resulted in
this really handy tool. I for sure are now doing projects I would not have
begun if you had not come through.
Note, Bar created the maslow. I’m just a community member.
Funding will create cash to improve the system, e.g. for improved inection molds.
What would make sense to me for a new kickstarter would be the following:
(1) Change to the 65mm Makita style routers as default
(2) This is more accessible as they are more abundant and affordable and do the job for 98% of users, investment can be chanelled towards a cyclone/vaccuum for dust extraction which a novice will need e.g. dewalt cyclone plus some affordable vaccuum preferaby with some sort of HEPA filter. Also collets for different router bit sizes are more affordable.
(3) This will give some clearance to redesign the clamps, which have weak points on the wedge holders and the wedges themselves. Goal should be to remove the router from the setup with no more than two screws while providing a stable and durable clamping mechanism.
(4) Consequently the controller needs to move away from the top of the router to make it readily removable, this will simplify the handling a lot, also the mount will not be router dependent anymore
(5) Redesigning the posts could be an option, 8mm linear rods might also be sufficient and could gain some degrees to improve usable work area ber frame size. The other two rods could be made smaller but not sure if that alone will gain an advantage. Disassembling the cage with no more than 4 screws would definitely be a win. Same holds for removing the cage from the sled. M3nS nuts in slots as used in the Prusa 3D printers could help.
(6) Arms think dont have low hanging fruits but would be great if troubleshooting instructions would be clear and the arms could be tested independently before full assembly and materials for troubleshooting e.g. sanding/lubrication would also be included.
(7) Dust extraction adapter should be included, here in Europe 40mm are pretty standard
We are all ambassadors of Maslow CNC. How about we all try to market the machine.
One way to do this could be by personal discount codes between us and Bar.
Let say that I market an M4.1 together with my personal discount code. The buyer report the code to Bar and get a discount, say 20$. After payment Bar pays me a provision for the effort. say 10$.
We help you sell more machines and gets a small profit back. Win win
Yes it comes with some taxes and regulation. But it could be a way to boost the marketing with a low risk.
have you all tried contacting adam savages tested team and doing a ad of the m4 on there again? his channel is where i found you all years ago, i feel like they would love to see the progress of this amazing machine
I agree with all of those points, with one caveat. I think that it really really needs to not be a kit. That is my main focus right now is working on making a fully assembled version.
That is an excellent suggestion. It has been on my todo list for a long time to get back in touch with them, but it’s a great reminder.
I’m torn between it being something that we should do ASAP and it being something that I want to do once I have a next design ready to show.
@bar After seeing the $2-3k price for the Grodix, I would say you can safely raise the base price of the M4 to pull some additional revenue to keep the project going.
Since the goal is to make it accessible to everyone raising the price seems like the opposite of what we want to do. In fact if we can get the quantity up we might even be able to lower the price!
This is my plan for making something with more broad appeal:
It’s not making it less accessible to people but more accessible by making a fully built version as well as a diy. You aren’t removing the diy offer that is the cheaper alternative for those who can’t afford the fully built one but now, other people can access the machine that otherwise wouldn’t because they don’t think they have the patience or ability to assemble it.
I think to counteract this feeling, you should experiment with a even more diy version, where you aren’t shipping the bulky plastic parts that cost a lot in shipping, instead giving the 3D files to print or printable cutting templates to router since you know for a fact your clients have a router or will acquire one for this product. This way you could have both a cheaper DIY version to offer as you bring a fully built version to market.
For the fully built version, I’d suggest experimenting with an easily removable outer shell (in 4 segments tenon-mortice type pins to assemble disassemble without any extra screws or magnets), since at that point, that extra plastic shouldn’t add extra shipping costs since the dimensions of the box won’t change and it shouldn’t represent too much extra weight. It’s normal for the product to look diy if it is but when buying an assembled product, clients will have different expectations for the extra price. Putting a figurative “nice coat of paint” on a project goes a long way to make it more appealing for people that would be scared off by the rough aspect of the diy version, and accept paying more for a nicer more finished looking product.
Also, this has already been mentioned but making the project work with other routers is very important to broaden it’s appeal. If you already have a router, you don’t want to have to buy another one of another brand for this and people are very loyal to their chosen brand and battery platform. This, along with the fact the router is captured away in the Maslow is a big factor that can stop people from buying it. Having to have two palm routers, one that will be transformed into a CNC and another to do your chamfers and other small routing jobs, is I think a big downside of the project. Working on adding a plug and play system that would allow you to remove the router after use, that would work with several router models would greatly broaden interest for the machine I believe. The smaller form factor for storing and transporting it is also appealing.
