Information Cleanup

geertdoornbos · December 1, 2025, 6:30pm

It might be wise to have the Maslow_4 FluidNC in an independent fork repo and have the rest in for instance Maslow4 repo. It looks to me it’s easier to keep the fork in sync (if that is a goal of course). The ‘firmware’ folder already is a major difference, feels like a pita to me (but I don’t know the code).
The FluidNC repo is required to be GNU GPL. The other repo can then be MIT.

Just my 2ct

geertdoornbos · December 1, 2025, 6:53pm

If the goal is to generate a site from the markdown files, have a structured folder build up from the root of the repo. For instance /assets/images/[area]/[subject]/[filename].

geertdoornbos · December 1, 2025, 7:01pm

You can of course generate a site on every commit or pullrequest and have that hosted for free at GitHub Pages. Attach your (sub) domain and go.

wouldchuck · December 1, 2025, 7:41pm

Having a link problem I wanted to make a link in the readme to this file: (changes and suggestions welcome on that too)

github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/HowToEditThisWiki.md

Maslow-Main

# WELCOME!
Maslow is a truly open source project.  Anyone can propose an edit to make it better. Anyone can branch it to make a new project. (see repo license statement) 


This is the Maslow 4 wiki. Maslow has an active and helpful Forum pertaining to all versions of the Maslow project.  This space is where we are trying to collect and organize all the information to make Maslow Version 4 work. It includes the firmware programming, the parts lists and part designs, instruction and user manuals, and libraries of projects, frames, alternate parts, useful software, router bits, router settings and other useful things.  As you discover or develop your own system, please share what worked for you here. This is a community of people sharing knowledge. 


Github can be intimidating if you have not used it.  The great thing about editing here is you can't mess anything up.  Anybody can propose and mess with changes which are stored as a copy or branch of the repository until you request that they are merged into the main repository. There is an automatic checking system as well as human checks before your changes are written back to the main branch. 


If you know programming, then you are probably familar with Github repositories and can propose changes to the programming. There is a Maslow Github Ai which helps write code in response to user prompts.  Try it. 


If you don't know programming you can still share your projects and designs and advice through these user documents. 

## Instructions for getting started using a web browser: 

1. Make a Github account by clicking on the **Sign in** button on the top right corner of the webpage.

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I have copied the link on my browser, I have copied the link from inside git, I have copied the structure of the other links in the readme but none of them seem to work. I renamed it with no spaces. I keep getting 404. Feeling dumb, how does one link to a file in the repo?

MartinJ · December 1, 2025, 7:46pm

You need to put the actual link in the parentheses. The friendly visible label is what goes in the square brackets.

MartinJ · December 1, 2025, 7:48pm

If you just want the URL, you can use angle brackets instead. < http.example.com >. (Without the extra spaces.)

Markdown Link - Markdown hyperlink - Markdown Documentation

wouldchuck · December 1, 2025, 8:06pm

Thank you I had read in the documentation that one could press Control k for links but I misunderstoond. Thank you for your help.

wouldchuck · December 1, 2025, 8:18pm

We may need to consider large file storage. I was playing with copilot asking it to move pictures from documents into an asset library and it said we couldn’t load pictures bigger thank 3.75MB. I have been pulling photos from the maslow website and those are what overloaded it. I will try by hand as I just burned through all of my copilot requests for the month and see what works. This could just be copilot limitations.

geertdoornbos · December 2, 2025, 7:44pm

Don’t think it’s a file storage issue, but a Copilot issue. You’re probably trying to move images through an AI chat protocol

dlang · December 2, 2025, 8:05pm

Geert Doornbos wrote:

wouldchuck:

We may need to consider large file storage. I was playing with copilot asking it to move pictures from documents into an asset library and it said we couldn¢t load pictures bigger thank 3.75MB

Don¢t think it¢s a file storage issue, but a Copilot issue. You¢re probably trying to move images through an AI chat protocol

Images are big, git repos were designed for text (source code) and have a pretty
small limit on their total size.

David Lang

geertdoornbos · December 2, 2025, 8:27pm

Images should not be so big (for web). Currently there are 7 images bigger than 1 MB in the docs (which can shrink a lot). Github file size is about 100Mb without LFS. The largest .STEP file is 5 MB in the maslow4 repo.

dlang · December 2, 2025, 9:13pm

Geert Doornbos wrote:

Images should not be so big (for web). Currently there are 7 images bigger
than 1 MB in the docs (which can shrink a lot). Github file size is about
100Mb without LFS. The largest .STEP file is 5 MB in the maslow4 repo.

but we are talking about adding a lot of pictures and CAD files to the repo as
we move things from stand-alone web sites to be part of the repo.

David Lang

geertdoornbos · December 2, 2025, 10:40pm

If you can get the repo full to it’s limits with files form current maslow site files, I’ll buy you a

dlang · December 2, 2025, 10:54pm

Geert Doornbos wrote:

If you can get the repo full to it¢s limits with files form current maslow site files, I¢ll buy you a

don’t forget pictures from the forums.

It’s also not just about what it is now, but how it will grow over time as we
have new versions of pictures in the future.

if the current repo is 100m, we are already at 10% of the recommended max size.

David Lang

bar · December 2, 2025, 11:14pm

From what I’m reading there is not absolute limit to a repo size, but github asks for them to be kept under 5GB. I don’t think it’s a big concern. They just don’t want people using Github to back up big files as free storage (which isn’t what we’re doing)

dlang · December 3, 2025, 1:09am

Bar wrote:

From what I’m reading there is not absolute limit to a repo size, but github
asks for them to be kept under 5GB. I don’t think it’s a big concern. They
just don’t want people using Github to back up big files as free storage
(which isn’t what we’re doing)

There is an absolute limit on some aspects of git, it uses 32 bit numbers
internally. Initially this meant that a pack file was limited to 2G, but I think
they changed it to 4G (unsigned vs signed numbers)

a total repo can exceed this slightly, but things get wierd when you do so.

David Lang

wouldchuck · December 3, 2025, 4:03am

So on the user experience end of making the maslow world work better I’ve finished making a series of library documents with intro text aimed at helping new users understand the basics. The documents may not be perfectly structured but I think they give us a place to start gathering wisdom from the forums in an organized way.

There are library documents for routers. Materials, bits, frames, and software.

Next step is to gather some data in them. My time comes and goes but I’ll start collecting entries in them as I can. If anyone has bits of time where you can add something that helped you get started with Maslow it will be cool to learn more about what people use and their experience. If you see ways to improve the intro texts please do. I know I have been missing typos (no spell check) But I figure even imperfect might help some people get started.

I am new to Github but I also tried to write a document to help people start adding to the user documents, It could probably be made better by people with more experience. I wrote it for the web interface first as that is universally accessible. We could add sections for the Apps and for terminal.

All of the library documents are currently in the docs directory in the maslow github.

Here are links: Anything is helpful.

github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/BitLibrary.md

Maslow-Main

# Bit Library

This is a place to list bits that the community has found useful, for each bit add materials and uses that it was effective for as well as speeds and recommending settings. 

Your Maslow kit needs a router DewaltDWP611 to work as well as a cutting bit to go in the router.  The Dewalt 611 has a very exact 1/4 inch hole in the chuck.  As sold it can only use router bits with a 1/4 in shaft. 

To change a Router bit, you will need to press in towards the center of the router on a yellow button that is in a semicircular recess in the bottom Maslow4 Clamp ring. This button pushes a metal rod into a cut out space on the shaft of the router to hold the shaft in place while you use a wrench to loosen the chuck nut which will let the router bit slide in and out.  This is a lot for just two hands to do. Maslow community members have designed a 3D printable button pusher stub to push into the hole to hold the button down while changing the bit. Be sure to remove it before starting. <https://www.maslowcnc.com/the-not-shop>


The most common cutting bit is a 1/4 in 2 flute spiral upcutting bit.  These are available in the Maslow website shop and in most hardware stores.  
<https://shop.maslowcnc.com/collections/router-bits-and-accessories>  
This bit will cut a 1/4 inch groove in plywood or other material, part way through to make pocket cuts or all of the way through to cut around the profile of a piece. It can also drill a 1/4 in hole by pecking in and out of the hole in stages but not very well. Buy one of these to get started. 


The 1/4 inch bit limits you by resolution and shape, many people buy a more delicate 1/8 upcut spiral to do smaller details.  From there you could do all sorts of things. V cutters are good for engraving signs, Longer bits are good for cutting through soft styrofoam, stubby drill bits (regular length drill bits don't quite fit)  for drilling holes.  Rounded bits for sculpting surfaces.  There are many options. 


Two common router bit adapters that Maslow community members have found useful are a 1/4 to 1/8 inch chuck adaptor so that you can use 1/8 router and carving bits (common size for Dremel tools and widely available)  And then an alternate chuck tightening system and nut as it is a bit challenging to change router bits in the tight space inside the Maslow. Some of these like MuscleChuck use a hex wrench or other tool, others use different tightening systems that also may be easier to use. 

# Saftey

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github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/FrameLibrary.md

Maslow-Main


![Maslow+Frame+Drawing_005](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/3379ff5c-6201-409f-bc3f-e986189d208a)
# Frame Library
![image2_006](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b9bc93a4-2504-4656-9bb4-4939ebc7665c)

# Intro

Maslow4 has to have four solid anchor points to pull on. They can be anchors drilled or glued into a floor, Pins attached to a tilted wall frame, hooks on the ends of spars, or even stakes driven into the ground.


This is a curated list of frame designs. If you have a good one make a branch and add your own at the end of the document then make a pull request to have it added. Add drawings, details and descriptions so that someone else could build your frame. Add links to cnc or .stl 3D printing files if the frame uses those as well as links to the forum if there is discussion of the frame there. 

## Frame calculators
As you plan 


Dlang has made a very useful and cool frame calculator here:
<http://lang.hm/maslow/maslow4_frame.html>

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github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/MaterialsLibrary.md

Maslow-Main

# Materials Library

Maslow was designed to cut 4x8 ft Sheets of flat material and up to 2 to 3 inches or 60mm deep.  It's flexible design means that we can cut a lot more stuff in interesting ways. This is a library to record tips and cutting setings for both standard materials and non standard materials. Please add tips or materials from your experience. 



# Material LIBRARY 
## To add a Material start a new entry with a title started by three ### hash symbols then add pictures, materials and description and links.  Still working on what is a useful format here, use your judgment. If we use the heading system built into markdown it will automatically create a table of contents in the top right corner of the reading pane. 

For each material add your experience with it. Cutting, engraving, .. What settings and speeds worked and what didn't


### Example Material entry heading text

PICTURE
- Material
- Links:
- Cuting bits include feed rates and plunge rates and anything else useful. 
- Add to the list if you have cut with different bits or settings. 
- Details:

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github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/RouterAndSpindleLibrary.md

Maslow-Main

# Router And Spindle Library

Maslow 4 was built aroud the DewaltDWP611 series router. Maslow uses it for the spinning blade but also as the structural spine of the machine.  This is nice in keeping things simple and reducing parts. Dewalt is a well established company that sells around the world and makes versions of the router for different voltage requirements. This is difficult because it locks us into using the Dewalt611. 


Many people in the Maslow community have swapped out the Dewalt for a different router. The key part is that the arms rotate around the motor cylinder of the router.  **The Dewalt611 cylinder has a diameter of 69mm.** Many other routers have different dimensions.  To change the router to one with a smaller cylinder one needs to make a cylindrical spacer to change between the size of the Dewalt and  the smaller router. Many people like the idea of coverting to a CNC spindle which is often quieter than a standard router and can be controlled by a computer. In either case community members have had some success 3D printing adaptors between their chosen router or spindle and the 69mm design size. 
Here is a link to the forum where people are discusing this.  
<https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/m4-router-mounter-be-gone-use-any-router-with-a-side-entry-cord/21202/48
>

This file is a place to share Routers and spindles and how they have been adapated to work with the Maslow. 

# ROUTER LIBRARY 
## To add a router or spindle start a new entry with a title started by three ### hash symbols then add pictures, materials and description and links.  Still working on what is a useful format here, use your judgment. If we use the heading system built into markdown it will automatically create a table of contents in the top right corner of the reading pane. 


### Example router entry heading text
PICTURE
- Overview:
- Links:

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github.com/MaslowCNC/Maslow_4

docs/SoftwareLibrary.md

Maslow-Main

# Software Library

Maslow needs **Gcode** instructions to work.  There are many ways to generate those. Gcode is a human readable programming language that consists of a list of instructions that are sent to a machine to tell it how to move. They are mostly x,y,z coordinates and how to move between them. Instructions include curves, straight lines, and speeds. 3D printers and many other robots use gcode. 


THere are many many options to get to a sucessful Gcode for Maslow4 Some programs can do all of the steps, some can only do one or two. 


Generally a design will start in a program that lets you draw or specify the shapes for your design. There are many options. You could use a **2D Vector drawing** program like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator or a **three dimensional program** like Blender or Autodesk. 
Key words for these programs are **Vector drawing or Computer Aided Design CAD** programs. Files can be .**svg .stl** but generally not .png or .jpg (bitmap pictures) 


Once you have a mathematcially defined shape, it needs to be translated into Gcode. The programs that can do this are often called **Computer Aided Machining or CAM** programs. Examples are Krabzcam on the web, a wondeful and effective 2 dimensional free project. Autodesk and Autocad can do this too. In these programs you would describe the geometry of the router bit that you are using and the type of operation that you would like to do to the wood, like drilling or a profile cut or a shallow pocket cut and then the program designs a pathway for that particular router bit to leave the wood or material behind that you need as it cuts. The resulting file needs to be a **.nc Gcode file**.  


There are many good programs that can do both authoring and generate machine instructions often called **CAD CAM programs**. (Also slicing into layers for a 3D printer or a stacked CNC design) 
Abundance is a sister project of Maslow that aims to make a procedural genrated design program that can then output meaningful Gcode files all in the web. <https://abundance.maslowcnc.com/>  


There are other odd useful programs like Pepkura Designer that is a specialized program for unfolding 3D polygon shapes into flat panels. It was designed for paper models but it is great for wood as well. What other odd programs have you found useful in generating desgins to cut?

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bar · December 3, 2025, 5:27am

This is looking fantastic! Thank you for taking that on.

I will work on removing the now duplicate pages from the website and pointing folks to the pages on GitHub to make sure everyone sees the versions which are editable

dlang · December 3, 2025, 5:39am

Bar wrote:

This is looking fantastic! Thank you for taking that on.

I will work on removing the now duplicate pages from the website and pointing folks to the pages on GitHub to make sure everyone sees the versions which are editable

I really hate having links start to fail. Is there any way that we can setup a
script that will publish the pages from git to the website?

David Lang

dlang · December 3, 2025, 5:48am

David Lang wrote:

Bar wrote:

This is looking fantastic! Thank you for taking that on.

I will work on removing the now duplicate pages from the website and
pointing folks to the pages on GitHub to make sure everyone sees the
versions which are editable

I really hate having links start to fail. Is there any way that we can setup
a script that will publish the pages from git to the website?

I created Issue 549 (which created
[WIP] Add action to publish markdown pages to website by Copilot · Pull Request #550 · MaslowCNC/Maslow_4 · GitHub ) to make a script to do this.

since publishing will require credentials, I don’t expect that I will be able to
fully test this.

David Lang

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Information Cleanup

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