MakerMade M2 CNC
~$600-800 (base kit)
Pricing last checked February 2026
Our Take
The M2 is what the Maslow wanted to be. MakerMade took the brilliant vertical chain-driven concept and refined it with better hardware, improved Z-axis, and dedicated software. For ~$600-800 (plus your own router), you get 4x8 cutting capacity that would cost $8,000+ in a traditional horizontal CNC. The catch: you sacrifice some precision and rigidity, and you need to supply your own router. Perfect for woodworkers making furniture, large signs, templates, or architectural pieces. Not for metal work or super-fine detail. The M2 occupies a unique niche: large-format capability for people with limited space and budget. US-based support is a plus.
MakerMade M2 CNC Specs
- Price
- ~$600-800 (base kit)
- Status
- Active
- Work Area
- 4' x 8' (3.8" depth)
- Frame
- Vertical wall-mounted system with wooden backboard
- Drive System
- Chain and sled system (improved from Maslow)
- Linear Motion
- Dual chain-driven sled on vertical surface
- Motors
- Stepper motors (upgraded from original Maslow)
- Controller
- Upgraded electronics and controller
- Spindle
- User-supplied router (not included)
- Collet
- Depends on router choice (accepts 1/8" to 1/2" bits)
- Max RPM
- Depends on router choice
- Enclosure
- None (vertical wall-mounted)
- Assembly
- 5 hours to 2 days depending on skill level
- Software
- Makerverse (dedicated software)
What Stands Out
- • Modernized and upgraded version of original Maslow CNC
- • 4x8 foot cutting range at budget price
- • All-metal Z-axis (improvement over original)
- • 40 inches per minute cutting speed
- • Built-in customizable dust collection
- • ~1mm accuracy typical
- • Can cut hardwoods, plywood, acrylics, nylon, thin aluminum sheets
- • US-based customer service
- • Laser engraving upgrade kit available
- • Space-saving vertical design
- • Less sturdy than horizontal 4x8 machines but much cheaper
What the Community Says
Positive reception as the "Maslow 2.0." Users appreciate the improvements: all-metal Z-axis, better electronics, dedicated software. Common sentiment: "Does what it promises if you understand the limitations." Furniture makers and sign shops love it. Some frustration with calibration (inherent to the vertical chain design). Customer service gets praise. Often recommended with the caveat: "If you need 4x8 and can't spend $10K, this is your machine." The community shares impressive projects (chairs, sheds, boats) that showcase its capabilities.
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