Maslow CNC
~$350-500 (kit, historically)
Pricing last checked February 2026
Our Take
The Maslow CNC is one of the most ingenious designs in hobby CNC. By going vertical with a chain-driven sled, it achieved 4x8 cutting capacity at a fraction of the cost of horizontal machines. It's perfect for furniture makers, sign makers, and anyone needing to cut full sheets. The trade-off: less precision and rigidity than traditional CNCs. Not ideal for intricate 3D work or metal cutting, but brilliant for 2.5D work in wood. The open-source community is passionate and helpful. The Maslow proved that thinking differently about CNC architecture could democratize large-format cutting. If you need 4x8 capacity on a budget and can accept ~1mm precision, Maslow is still a compelling option.
Maslow CNC Specs
- Price
- ~$350-500 (kit, historically)
- Status
- Active (community project), superseded by MakerMade M2
- Work Area
- 4' x 8' (full sheet cutting capability)
- Frame
- Vertical wall-mounted system with wooden backboard
- Drive System
- Chain and sled system (unique vertical design)
- Linear Motion
- Dual chain-driven sled on vertical surface
- Motors
- NEMA 17 or 23 stepper motors (2 top motors, 1 Z-axis)
- Controller
- Arduino-based with custom Maslow firmware
- Spindle
- User-supplied router (typically trim router)
- Collet
- Depends on router choice
- Max RPM
- Depends on router choice
- Enclosure
- None (vertical wall-mounted)
- Assembly
- Several hours to full day (DIY build)
- Software
- GroundControl (Maslow-specific), WebControl
What Stands Out
- • Unique vertical hanging design saves floor space
- • 4x8 foot cutting capacity at incredibly low cost
- • Community-driven open-source project
- • Can cut full plywood sheets, hardwoods, acrylics
- • Wall-mounted means minimal footprint
- • Active community forum and project gallery
- • Chain-driven system instead of rails
- • Requires user to provide router/spindle
- • Precision: ~1mm accuracy typical
- • Less rigid than horizontal CNCs but adequate for many projects
- • MakerMade M2 is the commercial evolution/improvement
What the Community Says
Deep respect for the design innovation. "Revolutionary for its time" is common. Users love the 4x8 capacity and space-saving vertical design. Frustration with calibration and accuracy compared to traditional CNCs, but most accept this as the tradeoff for the price/space equation. Strong DIY ethos in the community, people build boats, sheds, furniture. The community garden showcases impressive projects. Many users eventually upgraded to MakerMade M2 for improvements, but still credit Maslow for getting them started. "It works better than it should" sums up the sentiment.
Free Maslow CNC Feeds & Speeds Calculator
Skip the guesswork. Open our calculator with the Maslow CNC's specs pre-loaded and get safe starting RPM, feed rate, and depth of cut for your bit and material.
Open the Calculator →Other Machines to Consider
Guides for New Buyers
Own a Maslow CNC or thinking about one?
One email a week: real owner findings, feeds and speeds that work, and new free carving files.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.