I can’'t edit the FAQ, I think these need to be updated , I’m not sure if this is right place to post however-
What will I have to purchase once my kit arrives?
You will need to buy two bricks, two sheets of 3/4 in plywood, and three 10’ 2x4s. You will also need a fixed base router. We recommend the Ridgid R22002 or the AEG MF 1400 KE if you are based in the EU.
correction ( you Need Four 2x 4’s)
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What kind of end mill should I use?
That depends on the job at hand, but I’ve been enjoying using these 1/8th inch end mills for general cutting. They are cheap and well made.
correction ( I would suggest metioning these are 1/8th inch and depending on the router you have you may need to buy and additional 1/4 to 1/8 inch addaptor, this is inclludded with the suggested RIDGID Model # R22002 but may not with other brands )
I also suggest you add an option to include a “Starter Bit” with the kit in the store.
I will be getting a set of bits from Maslow as soon as I have my mine up and running.
Perhaps A deluxe kit could be offered with a “Set of Bits”
FWIW I got a 1/2" collet set from MLCS that includes 1/8". Looks good but haven’t tried it yet. Have a fair collection of 1/8 endmills for the Zenbot Mini, sourced from the Drillman on eBay, that work well with the ZB. Plan to try them on the maslow
That depends on the job at hand, but I’ve been enjoying using these 1/8th inch end mills for general cutting. They are cheap and well made."
this is the one shown in the FAQ -
I like the one shown in the Wiki because it’s 1/4 inch and it’s stated they work for a good 2 weeks non stop. This is why I chose to wait for that one.
I have the 1/8th inch ones shown above for my Shapeoko 3 - but I figured starting with 1/8th inch is asking for trouble as a noob it’s probably easier to break them. I’m learning 2 different CNC routers at the same time.
This all took place before the bits were added to the Maslow site.
Can anyone weigh in on 1/4 vs 1/8 inch and durability?
I’ve only run 1/8" engraving bits on my machine so far. Haven’t had any issue with breakage on the machine, but when I went to change tools on my last run the wrench slipped and I broke the tip off the engraving bit when it fell into my steel hardware cabinet next to it. Note to self: make sure there’s no steel within slipping distance when changing tools in the future
Personally, I find the 1 flute 1/4" bits from the Maslow store are perfect for the machine. I tried 2 flute 1/4" bits first and the machine doesn’t have enough feedrate for them. The bits just end up wearing out rather quickly. I wore one out just trying to do calibration tests and cutting my first sled. Maybe it would seem like too much of a plug, but I would recommend the 1 flute bits make it to the FAQ.
@Bee Thanks for the reminder to update the FAQ. I’ve given it a read through and made the changes you recommended along with a few others.
I pretty much exclusively use the bits we had made at this point so I am totally biased, but I do like the 1/4 inch bits more because you can take off more material with each pass. I have also used 1/2 inch bits for doing larger pockets.
1/8th inch bits can be nice because they are CHEAP. I would like to explore using something like a rotozip bit to cut all the way through material in one pass at some point in the future.
Once again thank you for the input. All of my ups shipments that were quoted for today have been moved to Monday from variouse sources. I do work with microcontrollers and had UPS quote me or I would have taken 3 day. it’s ood that Home Depot and Adafruit shipments to california were posponed. I’m chomping at the bit to get started, see what I did there? I’d have ordered from Maslow but I figured they were getting the kits out and it may take more time. My bad, it would probably be here, sigh. I ordered the linkage kit on Etsy too, but I don’t think it shipped yet.
It’s all a bit much to get my head around, trying to follow my own build & think of all the other variable possiblities to document when I get a chance.
I’m also building 2 3D printers right now too. So many machines so little time.
Believe it or not, but ours is 18mm too. Well, the last sheet I mic’ed was 17.959mm, but programming for 18 would be close enough. 3/4" is just the nominal size, much like 2x4’s.
I need to drill a large number of 1/2-inch holes in some work pieces. I’m only seeing fairly expensive 1/2-inch router bits (~$40+). Is this what I should expect to pay or are there lower cost options… I just need to drill holes at this point and I’d rather not try to “route out” 1/2-inch holes using a 1/4-inch bit.
If anyone is interested, did some quick searching for the cheapest Diablo 1/4" up-spiral bits reccomended on the Wiki and found these for 36% off. Not sure how long it will stay.
Also, I used code “WELCOMEMAX” for 10% off, and bought 6 bits, which give you free shipping (over $75).
Ended up being $77 for 6 bits = $12.83 per!
