Maslow

Maslow CNC instructions - v0.0.1 by Ben Norcutt (plexer)

What is it?

The Maslow CNC is a large format vertical orientation 8'x4' approx CNC controlled milling machine https://www.maslowcnc.com/

Be aware that it is a slow machine however the cost £500 for the large size makes up for that.

What can I cut with it?

Wood, primarily large sheets of plywood and MDF

What bits do I use?

You can use 1/4" shank router bits preferably such as this or this or 1/8" bits using the reducing collets or these

Safety

NEVER leave it alone while running fires have been started with Maslows left unattended
You will require ear defenders while using the Maslow the router is LOUD!!!
Safety googles/glasses are also recommended
A good filtering dust mask is advisable if cutting MDF
There is currently no build in extraction so use the small canister vacuum cleaner as you go to help keep the dust down

Workflow

As with any CNC machine there are 3 steps, Step 1: CAD, Design your part, Step 2: CAM, produce the GCode to run the machine, Step 3: Manafacturer, make the thing.

CAD

2D CAD software QCad, Fusion 360 etc.... output a DXF file

CAM

Fusion 360, Cambam, any software that enables you to specify a bit size and the operations that you want to do for example pocketing, drilling and profiling

Feedrate: 800MMM per minute equivalent to 30IPM

Plunge Depth: 1/2 the cutting diameter on a 3.175mm bit I use 1.25 just for a little bit more safety, this cuts 12mm MDF fine.

Speeds: The router speed cannot be controlled from the CAM it is fixed using the wheel on the router itself, put a value in if you want.

Manafacture

The sled will be hanging out of the way on a screw this is to relieve the tension on the chains and motors when it's not being used, lift the sled off and place it on the work area.

You can postion your work piece and screw it down to the backboard

The software that runs the Maslow is called Webcontrol this is an evolution of the original PC based software that was created for the Maslow.

Webcontrol runs from the Raspberry PI in the Maslow control box.

To connect to it once your device is on the Hackspace wifi use a web browser and go to http://10.0.0.222:5000

It's handy to have a phone also with the webcontrol interface loaded as this can be used to jog the Z axis when standing at the machine

More information about webcontrol can be found here