We may want to split this thread in two - one for “Strategy and Roadmap” and the other for executing on the next controller iteration.
Most any entity engaged in large-scale consumer product development such as automotive, electronics, pharma, cpg all have a product range with (using Honda here) HondaJet, F-1 Racing, to the Civic, Fit, and your lawnmower. New ideas start out on a small scale where “win at any cost” is the attitude, and innovations here make their way downmarket overtime. Concept cars have a role here as well, but more for the aesthetic / experience vs engineering.
While I was initially attracted to the Maslow project by sheet size x cost, I am now excited by the community support and the pace of innovation. I will avoid adding up what I have spent on my Maslow at this point. And I have yet to make a cut towards something other than a better Maslow. But I’m hooked, and will be spending more. BUT - the price got me to start.
All of this is background to reiterate the idea behind my Accuracy Rankings post, which is to create a vehicle to:
- Clearly communicate the state of quality of the machine
- Set clear expectations for what you get for a given level of investment
- Drive development progress forward
The “unlimited” class could spur new thinking from unexpected places (like @Mike_Thomas Death Star sled, the Metal Maslow, etc). The middle class ($1000? $2500) could show what you could do for the same as an entry-level x-y CNC. These classes may also be in a position where they have more money than time and could help to support a commercial ecosystem.
And of course the original $500 price point. I would hope that innovations that occur because of the no-limits thinking at the top level would filter down to the lower levels over time. Meticulous designs originally conceived at higher levels may be replicated (often with an investment of time) at lower price points by those with the time to noodle on them. And constraints at this level can drive innovations for all.
I propose a simple 3-tier system that helps us all to focus on what we are building towards. As a new design comes into focus, it can be “slotted” in to where it fits. For example, the Meticulous-Z would seem to be a reasonable upgrade for a budget minded Base Maslow. It is getting to where there that thread has a solid BoM and enough experience to say "You can spend another $50, 6 hours, and improve the Base Maslow accuracy by 20% on average - with reference measurement on file for review.
For the mid-priced user, or the user that may not have 6 non-cutting hours to spare, then $150 and 1 hour will get you 25% better accuracy. It helps understand the best choices available for your situation.