This is the wiki for the Belt Maslow (a.k.a. Maslow 4). It is currently in the very early stages, and contributions are welcome. To keep this wiki clean, a discussion topic for organizing the manual can be found at Belt Maslow Manual Planning. A topic for collecting material relevant to the troubleshooting section can be found at The Big, Bad M4 Troubleshooting Problems/Solutions Thread
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1. Introduction
The belt Maslow (referred in shorthand as the M4) is a 4-motor variant of a large area 2.5D CNC router designed by Bar Smith, the original Maslow designer. It can be framed up to work in horizontal or vertical orientation or at some angle between. The key difference between the M4 and previous chain-based designs are:
- The sled is supported by 4 belts rather than 2 chains. This results in more positive control of the sled position. The 2-chain designs tend to have difficulty controlling sled position in the lower corners of the work area. The belts provide a more consistent positioning of the sled as compared to chains resulting in better repeatability in sled position. In addition, the 4 belts eliminate the dependence on gravity for X-Y positioning, meaning that the M4 design can be mounted vertically (upright) or horizontally (flat)
- X-Y positioning motors are mounted on the sled rather than the frame. This makes the M4 more compact and self-contained.
- When the belts are retracted, they are stored on spools built into the sled.. This allows the belts to be stored in the sled when the sled is not installed on the frame.
2. Getting Started
Is Maslow right for me?
The Maslow is a low-cost 2-1/2-D* CNC router system. Due to its low cost it is an attractive option for individuals and small businesses who have moderate CNC needs. However, it requires more effort from the user to build and operate than most commercially-available CNC routers. Building your own Maslow does not require an engineering degree or years of experience. There is a community of users and the Maslow team available through these forums to support you. However, it does require time to assemble and adjust.
The Maslow is probably not for you if:
- You are a business that needs machines for production work. The Maslow will probably require too much time to build, will operate too slowly for efficient production, and has not yet proven its reliability for a production environment.
- You need to start cutting right away.
*By 2-1/2-D we mean that while the Maslow has a Z-axis, it is limited to a fairly shallow depth both by the length of travel of the Z-axis, which is around 63 mm (2-1/2"), and by the fact that the Maslow sled rides on the surface of the work piece.
Safety
The Maslow is designed to be a low-cost, no-frills machine. As such, it does not inherently have some of the safety features of an expensive commercial machine. In particular, if the sled get hung up or the bit gets too dull, it is distinctly possible to ignite a fire when cutting flammable material. It doesn’t happen often, but it has happened to a few users. It may be tempting to leave your Maslow to run unattended. Don’t! Keep a fire extinguisher handy near the exit of your workspace. Give serious thought to how you will manage dust in your workspace. Search these forums for the terms “Fire” and “Lungs” to learn from others’ experience. This paragraph is not meant to scare you away from the Maslow. Safety hazards come with any equipment, but it’s important to understand the Maslow’s risk areas in this regard.
Buying an M4 kit
The source for M4 kits is The Maslow Shop. As of late May 2024, the backlog of Kickstarter orders has been fulfilled and the kits became available in the shop.
Building a frame
Other components and add-ons (bits, hold-downs, e-stop, dust control, what else?)
3. Assembly & Mounting
An Assembly Guide with instructions, pictures, and videos can be found on the Maslow website.
4. Firmware
The firmware package comprises three files to be installed on the Maslow: firmware.bin, Maslow.yaml, and index.html.gz. The firmware package also includes compress archives of the source code and fluidNC package on which the Maslow firmware is built. The latest and previous versions of the firmware package can be found at Releases · BarbourSmith/FluidNC · GitHub. Instructions for installing the firmware package can be found on the User Guide — Maslow.
When the firmware is updated, it is strongly recommended that the other two files (Maslow.yaml and index.html.gz) be updated as well. If the M4 has been previously calibrated, the values in the old Maslow.yaml file that start with “Maslow” be copied to the new Maslow.yaml file to retain the old calibration.
Resetting (Wiping Out) the Maslow’s Firmware
It is sometimes useful to reset the maslow to “factory state”. There are several ways to accomplish this.
- Via USB with included zip file.
- Via USB or wifi with the Maslow source code and platformio
- Others?
Via USB with included zip file
This method only works on a windows machine. You will need to attach your maslow to the computer with a USB-c cable, then extract the zip file in the release. there is a README there with instructions. This is the easiest method.
Via USB or wifi with Maslow source code and platformio
If you are not on windows or just want to use this method, you can download and install platformio (Your Gateway to Embedded Software Development Excellence · PlatformIO), then you can download the maslow source from GitHub - BarbourSmith/FluidNC: The next generation of motion control firmware - either with git or download a zip file. NOTE: if you download a ZIP it will be of the current Maslow-Main branch in git which will be the most recent release. if you want another release, first select the tag from the dropdown / tags
When you have the source, (and are on the right tag if using git) launch a command line in that directory. You can then decide which operation below you want to do, and whether you want to do this over wifi or via USB. The “options” on the below commands will be -e usb --upload-port <portname> for USB or --upload-port <ip_address> if using wifi. portname will be the device name from the output of pio device list. --upload-port <ip_address> is only needed if you are using something other than maslow.local for your maslow.
- wipe out/reset the files (index,maslow,etc, not gcode)
pio run -t uploadfs <options> - build and upload the firmware
pio run -t upload <options> - erase everything
pio run -t erase <options>(you will then need to upload and uploadfs)
5. Toolchain Software
This section discusses software for designing and cutting projects. In general, you will need some type of design software (unless you are using someone else’s design without modification), and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to convert the design into the gcode instructions that the Maslow follows to cut the design.
Design software can be as simple as drawing software that creates a 2D pattern which can be combined with the user’s instructions on how deep and with what bit to cut each part of the pattern. Conversely design can be done in Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) software which models the shape of the final product, typically in 3D.
In the tables below are software packages which can be used for design and manufacture.
Design Software
| Name | Type | Source | Operating Systems | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alibre Design | Commercial - https://www.alibre.com/ (Windows) | Parametric 3D CAD | ||
| Aspire | Commercial - Aspire 〡Vectric | 2D and 2.5D CAD/CAM | ||
| AutoCAD | Commercial | Parametric 3D CAD | ||
| FreeCAD | Open source - https://freecad.org/ (Mac / Linux / Windows) | Parametric 3D CAD software | ||
| Fusion | Commercial - Autodesk Fusion | 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, & PCB Cloud-Based Software | Autodesk () | CAD / CAM / CAE software; products include Fusion3D and Fusion360 | ||
| Illustrator | Commercial - https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html | Vector graphics editor | ||
| Inkscape | Open source - https://inkscape.org/ (Mac / Linux / Windows) | 2D drawing software for vector drawings. Produces drawings in Scaled Vector Graphics (SVG) format | ||
| Inventor | Commercial | Parametric 3D CAD | ||
| Ondsel | Parametric 3D CAD based on FreeCAD | |||
| OnShape | Commercial - https://www.onshape.com/ (browser-based) | Parametric 3D CAD software | ||
| Photoshop | Commercial - https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html () | Raster graphics editor | ||
| Solidworks | Commercial | Parametric 3D CAD |
CAM Software
| Name | Type | Source | Operating Systems | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estlcam | Commercial - https://www.estlcam.de/ () | CAM software - One-time purchase | ||
| Fusion | Commercial | Autodesk Fusion | 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, & PCB Cloud-Based Software | Autodesk | CAD / CAM / CAE software | |
| MakerCAM | Open source / MakerCAM (browser based) | Reads SVG | ||
| Krabzcam | Open source / GitHub - mkrabset/krabzcam: Online CAM tool for generating G-code from vector graphics and bitmaps | KrabzCAM | Reads dxf/svg | |
| OpenBuilds CAM | Open source / GitHub - OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM: Online CNC CAM System - | https://cam.openbuilds.com/ |
6. Operation
The Maslow M4 User Guide can be found on the Maslow website.
Calibration resource: https://m4cal.etskinner.com/ can be used to perform the calibration calculations (for example after a calibration that failed to reach the acceptable threshold).
7. Add-Ons
Bits
Right where the machine meets the material, the bit is very important to the operation of the Maslow. There are many factors that determine how a bit will perform and often there is not one “perfect” bit, but a generally acceptable bit would be a 1/8" single-flute upcut bit with a high flute twist. The highly simplified reason is that the Maslow moves relatively slowly which makes it harder to maintain sufficient chip load to be cutting the material rather than grinding it. A much more detailed discussion of this can be found in the Routers and bits that can be usted on the maslow 4 topic.
Another type of bit that can be used is the V-Carve bit, which makes a v-shaped cut, often used for signs as well as to relieve sharp cut edges. [Link to example]
Z-Probe
One item related to the bit is a z-probe. This is a device for setting the zero depth to the surface of your work piece. @Andith wrote Instructions - How To Make And Set Up A Z-Probe On The M4
Hold-Downs
Safety Components
E-Stop
An emergency stop is a useful device to provide an easy-to-reach way to halt all operations by cutting power to the router and control board. The typical e-stop has a big red button that can be pressed to stop the flow of electricity.
Fire Extinguisher
While Maslow fires are rare, they have happened. Typically they are caused by excess friction between the bit and the work piece, due to a work piece that is not properly secured, poor choice of feeds and speeds, or a dull bit. Having a fire extinguisher close at hand is critical to keeping a small fire from becoming a big one. Here are a few tips on using a fire extinguisher.
- If the Maslow is installed in an enclosed space, position the fire extinguisher near to the exit. This will mean that if you go and get the fire extinguisher, you will automatically be positioned between the Maslow and the exit so you can head for the exit if the fire extinguisher fails to control the fire.
- Get to know your fire extinguisher and how it operates before you need to use it. If you have questions about how to use it, consult the manufacturer or your local fire brigade.
- Choose a fire extinguisher intended for wood and other carbon-based materials (class A) as well as electrical fires (look for the spark symbol).
Dust Control
Inhalation of dust can have serious health consequences. Using a dust collector such as a vacuum or other dust collection system is strongly recommended.
The Not Shop
The Not Shop is a list of commercially available accessories from vendors other than Maslow.
3-D Printable Parts
The Maslow 4 3D printed parts thread is a place to find files for accessories that can be 3-D printed.
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Troubleshooting
| Topic / Symptoms | Diagnosis / Solution |
|---|---|
| Boot-Up Errors | |
| Encoder not detected Motor not detected |
* Connector not fully engaged - try unplugging the ethernet cable connecting the encoder board to the controller and plugging it back in * Bad controller port / ethernet cable / controller board - try swapping the ethernet connections and see if the problem follows the encoder/motor or the controller port. Try swapping ethernet cables to see if the problem moves with one of the cables. * These errors generally have been fixed by replacing the problem component. Send a message to anna@maslow.com to describe your issue and get a replacement. |
| Belts extend after a “Retract All”, “Extend All” series but not far enough to reach the anchors | * The Maslow thinks the frame is smaller than it is. Check FluidNC → Maslow Settings Maslow_tlX: should be a small number, say < 20 Maslow_tlY: should be about the height of your anchors Maslow_trX: should be about the width of your anchors Maslow_trY: should be about the height of your anchors Maslow_blX: 0.000000 Maslow_blY: 0.000000 Maslow_brX: should be about the width of your anchors Maslow_brY: 0.000000 * The Maslow is mis-measuring the belts. This could be caused by the magnets loose or not positioned over the encoder module. |
| Calibration | |
| General comments | Calibration is figuring out exactly where all the anchors are. It should only need to be done once and is saved in the maslow.yaml file. If you lose the maslow.yaml file (including overwriting it without saving the maslow_* values), or change your frame size, you will need to do it again. |
| The maslow from dimension is defined as the lower left anchor being at (0,0) and the lower right being at (Maslow_brX,0) | |
| The Maslow has a built in process that figures out the locations of the anchors by taking multiple measurements of the belt lengths. | |
| My sled dropped to the floor | Incorrect horizontal/vertical setting. Check that your Maslow is set to vertical orientation. Vertical (upright) is where the sled is hanging from the belts and will fall to the floor if the belts extend. Horizontal (flat) is where the sled sits on a workpiece that on the floor or a table-like frame. |
| One or more belts won’t fully retract during “Retract All” or Belt movement is uneven | • Increase current limit during retraction and calibration |
| • Adjust the motor position (what is meant by this?) | |
| • Extend and retract the belts a few times to wind the belts on the spools more evenly | |
| • If belt movement is uneven, check that the magnets are installed in the roller that is positioned over the sensor on the encoder board. (This will require opening up the arm assemblies) | |
| Unable to move errors during calibration | • Check that the width and height between anchors is accurate in the settings (Xbr and Xtr should be close to your width; Ytl and Ytr should be close to your height) |
| • it helps if the frame is very near square (measurements of the diagonal match), but it will work if the frame is not square or even close to a rectangle. | |
| • Try increasing the above settings slightly | |
| Sled falls off of workpiece during calibration | This can happen if you set the calibration size too large; try again with a smaller calibration size. |
| Arms strike the uprights during calibration | The workpiece is too large for the frame. If two arms of the Maslow hit the plastic frame trying to go in different directions, the system cannot detect this and the actual distance to the anchor will be shorter than the system thinks it is when it pulls the belts tight. The jury is still out on how badly this affects accuracy when cutting, but it will throw off calibration. |
| Z errors | The maslow instructs you to run the Z axis all the way down to have the frame against the stepper motors before you run calibration. If you do not do this, the Z distance between each of the belt arms and the anchors will be incorrect. This will result in the actual distance to the anchor being less than the system thinks it is. |
| • If you have a non-standard router, you may need to alter the Maslow_**Z values in the configuration (“Setup” → “Config”) | |
| • If you have an unusually thick spoilboard/workpiece under the sled it will make the default values (which assume 3/4 plywood spoilboard and nothing else) incorrect. | |
| • If you stack the arms in a non-standard order, the default Z values will be incorrect. | |
| Poor fitness or a successful calibration that does not produce accurate cuts. | Frame flex If the anchors move as the belts tighten, this will cause errors as the belts will be pulling in different directions at different strengths depending on where the sled is on the workpiece. |
| Error “Grid spacing is too large. Please reduce the grid size or increase the number of points” | The distance between the planned calibration points is too large, which means there is the risk that the belts will get too slack during calibration and get damaged. The maximum grid size is n * 200mm, where n = the number of grid points in each direction. |
| Software issues | |
| • Calibration takes place both on the device and in the web browser. During calibration it is important to have your web browser active for the whole session. Make sure you don’t disconnect and only access the maslow during calibration from one device. If you have multiple web browsers then they can both respond to the calibration events, causing issues. | • Capture the serial messages after calibration (success or failure!) using the “Save Serial” button. This can be very useful in the forums if asking for help on calibration issues. |
| Error Codes | |
| “What does error code: x mean?” | FluidNC error codes (may or may not help  ) Alarm and Error Codes | Wiki.js |
| Error:82 | It seems the error:82 is somehow related to using Mavericks OS (10.9.5) with Firefox 78.15.0esr, the errors are gone with High Sierra OS (10.13.6) with Firefox 115.10.0esr. More details at (Having trouble after calibration) |
| General Operation | |
| “Push to extend bug” – To extend the belts during the Extend All operation you must push on one or more of the belts rather than pull them. | Current hypothesis is that this behavior is caused by a pin on the encoder chip not being grounded. More details at (Push to extend bug?). Try soldering connections to ground or request an encoder board with the pin grounded from Maslow. For an illustrated guide to soldering the connection, see (Soldering Floating Encoder Board Pin) |
| “Extend All” does not extend far enough to reach the anchor points | If you have updated your Maslow.yaml file (probably when updating firmware), you need to enter the calibrated anchor points into the config dialog. From the Maslow main screen press “Setup”, then on the setup pop-up press “Config”. Copy the values for tlX, tlY, trX, trY, blX, blY, brX, and brY from your best calibration into the corresponding boxes and try “Retract All”, “Extend All” again. |
| One (or more) of the belts does not retract when “Retract All” is pushed | Try increasing the “Retraction Force” setting. 1300 is default; try 1500 or 1700. You can safely go up to 2500. |
| One (or more) of the belts does not retract when “Retract All” is pressed and/or Belt over-extends when “Extend All” is pressed and/or [MSG:WARN: Magnet not detected on Top/Bottom Left/Right] | Roller containing the magnet is improperly placed. Disassemble arm to ensure that the magnet is positioned over the detector on the encoder board |
| Panic with message “no heartbeat detected” | The community is still trying to figure out what is causing this. To recover, 1. power down, 2. power up, 3. click “alarm” to reset, 4. in setup, release tension, 5. disconnect the belts from their anchors, 6. retract all, 7. extend all, 8. reconnect the belts |
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9. Specifications
Basic Kit with Dewalt 611 router, without accessories or add-ons
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Kit Shipping Dimensions | |
| Weight of assembled kit | without router: x; with router: y |
| Sled Diameter | |
| Minimum Height | |
| Maximum Height | |
| Z-Axis Range | 72mm (2.83 in) |
| Belt Length | 4420 mm (14’ 6") |
| Belt Weight | 58 g |
| Belt Spool Weight | 45 g |
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A post was merged into an existing topic: The Big, Bad M4 Troubleshooting Problems/Solutions Thread
A post was merged into an existing topic: The Big, Bad M4 Troubleshooting Problems/Solutions Thread
The contents of this post were copied into the Firmware section above.