Without arguing the point, I read it as the addendum is applied to the hardware files, which to my knowledge have not been previously published. Maybe I’m wrong.
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what’s to stop someone from opening a new company, developing their own Maslow4-like machine and then using the open source, …and then partnering with MakerMade. I guess nothing can really leagally be done at that point.
I’ve been working on my own version of the machine, maybe i should partner with them since they are probably already setup for manufacturing anyways. Bar did say that he welcomed people to make derivative machines. I just wonder if he doesn’t like the other companies that develop similar “Wall Plotter” Machines that he’ll decide they’ll be included in that a “it’s open source except for: company a, b and c (because i don’t like them and they hurt my feelings)”
Wall Plotter (effectively M2 type machine) is included with the main branch of FluidNC. The Maslow 4 and Cubiio X are wall plotters with two more motors added for stability and accuracy. I’m no patent lawyer but i don’t think you can really stop someone from developing their own Wall Plotter type machine.
I’m not trying to honestly stop anyone from doing anything. I’m just making a statement and having some fun 
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A little humor is always good. 
It’s no secret MakerMade has been developing new products, especially since management and ownership changed. Maslow4 made me think a little differently with the use of the motors.
Between Maslow-variants and MakerMade M2, there has been little in the sub-$1000 market for 4x8 CNC machines and keeping the costs low. Bar made that clear from his original Kickstarter and also for this latest one.
We have been developing a completely vertical “stand upright” CNC machine with all stepper motors, rack and pinion X-axis movement, and integrated laser/spindle. The sizes will be 2x4 project board, 4x4 “half sheets”, and full plywood sheets. Each has their own price point.
We identified the need to increase speed on the M2 machine by using clutched stepper motors instead of worm gear motors. That would use the same frame design and be gravity fed.
I’m not going to lie and say we haven’t considered a Maslow4 variant. We have been approached by ME’s who have developed similar machines. For me, it was really about seeing what the product would become, if it was going to evolve like the original Maslow and have other companies make it (that’s the reason why MakerMade was formed in the first place - as was East Bay Source and Metal Maslow). Did we want to pursue our gravity-based M2 system with the stepper motors, or something completely different? An ESP32 board runs our cnc500 machine (it has an MKS DLS32 board - meant to be open source and hackable). We had considered other boards and FluidNC. And a custom built board that could run everything.
I would like to see MakerMade go beyond just CNC machines. Adding in the product mix various “maker” products in the sub-$1000 category and “hackable” with various modifications users can make. I’m not in a rush at this point to do anything. I manage four other companies. So we’re just plugging along at the moment with our M2, cnc500 and 3D Printer sales.
@bar
Just letting you know that the device just arrived so no need for assembly.
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