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
You can build either a horizontal frame if you have enough area to spare, or a vertical frame if you want to save space. Check out The Not Shop — Maslow for 3-D printable parts that might be useful for constructing a frame.
Horizontal Frame
Examples
Vertical Frame
Note that it is recommended for a vertical frame to be angled at least 15 degrees from vertical when the Maslow is in use.