Maslow
About
Funded in 2019 by RDCs Mental Health Fund
Maslow is a large (4'x8') CNC cutting machine designed to let you cut big, useful things out of wood and other flat materials.
MaslowCNC - originating site MakerMade - Supplier of EEH Maslow
Specs
- 8'x4' Bed
- 45mm max cut depth
- Spiral upcut bit fitted as default
- Bosch POF 1200 AE 650w Router
Software
The Raspberry Pi that controls the Maslow CNC runs WebControl.
There is a large community of Maslow users on the Internet and you can find information and ideas for using the in the Maslow Community Garden.
Using the Maslow CNC
We've tried to make the Maslow relatively easy to get on with, but like all CNC machines there is a degree of learning involved before you can expect good results.
Before you switch anything on, the Maslow must be pulled forward so that the cutting bed is at an angle. The whole thing is hinged at the top, pull it out and swing the props back so they hold it in place. You should use the bolts to make sure they can't move. See the picture on the right.
Once it's pulled forward, you should be able to see a Raspberry Pi computer in a NES style case fixed on the left hand side behind the cutting board. Push the on/off button (the bottom one) and it will switch on the rest of the Maslow CNC with a relay.
It will take a few minutes for the Raspberry Pi to start. Once it is ready, the WebControl interface for the Maslow CNC is available from any computer connected to Hackspace WiFi.
Once you are done with the Maslow CNC, you must shut it down by pushing the on/off button on the front of the Raspberry Pi case again. This will shut the Raspberry Pi down properly and disconnect power to the rest of the Maslow CNC. DO NOT SHUT IT DOWN BY JUST SWITCHING THE POWER OFF AT THE WALL. If you you do this it may corrupt the software on the Raspberry Pi and make the Maslow CNC unusable for the next person. Which might be you.
Topics to Expand
- router bits
- how to check the calibration of the machine before use
- how to recalibrate the machine: X & Y, and Z after bit change
- password details to the web interface
- tips on routing
- tips on material
- tips on attachment to the wasteboard
- how to handle dust
- z-axis control
- post processor for our software