(Archived) MakerMade CNC

This page describes some of the specifics of this CNC Machine.

For more general resources please go to the CNC_Routers page.

About our machine

• Model: MakerMade CNC (website)
• Control Software: WebControl 0.9.4
• Firmware: Maslow CNC
• Spindle: Ridgid R22002 Trim Router
• This machine was donated by John Dorlean, and assembled by Peter Boyd, Rob Speed, and other members.

Guides and Manuals

• Maslow CNC Wiki page - several videos dedicated to basic operation of the software, as well as calibration and troubleshooting.
• Using Fusion 360 for MakerMade/Maslow

MakerMade Operating Instructions

1. Pre-requisites
   1. Have your GCode file already made using your software of choice. We generally use VCarve Pro.
   2. Have your material ready and sized to fit on the machine you are using.
   3. Have your tool(s) for the cut(s) you are running.
   4. Have your safety glasses and hearing protection.

1. Power On
   1. Examine machine. Clean off chains if dirty. Vacuum up excessive dust.
   2. Turn on power by releasing the E-stop switch on the wall, then hit the green on button.
   3. On the laptop, open a browser and go to the bookmark labeled "Maslow"

1. Preparing the Machine
   1. For full calibration instructions, go to the Maslow CNC Wiki page
   2. Upon first starting, go to the "Actions" menu in the upper left, and click "Reset Chains". Follow the directions on the screen.
   3. When you have made sure it is aligned properly, hit the "Reset Chains" button.
   4. Repeat this operation - go to the "Actions" menu, click the "Reset Chains" menu again and click "Reset Chains". If you don't do this twice a software glitch may occur.
   5. Lower the router from its storage hook and gently place on the workboard. Ensure the V-groove bearings sit on the blue ring correctly (blue ring is in the center groove of the bearing).

1. Load File and Machine Alignment
   1. Go to the "G-Code" menu
   2. Select

Open a Gcode file (various extensions are: .gcode, .txt, .gc, .ngc, and so on). You should see a preview and the text of the code so you can check if it's the right one.

1. 1. Click on the red RESET button on the screen to enable the motion control. If it doesn't stop flashing, check that the big red button on the machine itself is raised and not pressed.
   2. Insert your tool into the spindle securely.
   3. Make sure your material is aligned and clamp it or tape it securely in place. If you try to move it while clamped and it shifts at all, it is not secure enough.
   4. Use the arrow keys and the PageUp and PageDown keys to move the the end of the tool to the corner or center of your material. Know where your design's reference point/origin/XY Datum is supposed to be.
   5. While in that position, hit the “Zero” button for the X, Y, and Z axis to set the reference point. From this point on, Mach3 will remember that reference point.

1. Start The Cut
   1. Details to be added. For now, review the Maslow CNC Wiki page linked above in Guides and Manuals.

1. After the cut
   1. Vacuum up the dust from the cut. Clean up on top of the machine, under the machine, the floor, and anywhere else dust went.
   2. Remove your material and any screws or clamps from the bed, leaving it completely clear.
   3. Remove the tool from the spindle and store it appropriately.
   4. Power off the machine with the E-stop on the wall.
   5. If something is wrong with the machine, say something! Things don't magically get fixed by walking away from them.

External Resources

• Assembly Guide
• FAQs
• Maslow Community Garden - Projects that you can do on the machine
• MakerMade Blog - Informative posts and featured makers that use their machine.
• Maslow CNC Forums
• MaslowCNC - Original creator, now a showcase for projects made using the machine.