makermade M2 Automated Cutting Machine Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- makermade
Table of Contents
makermade M2 Automated Cutting Machine Instruction Manual
INTRODUCTION
Thanks for buying the M2 CNC Automated Cutting Machine, welcome to the MakerMade family! The following instructions are intended for beginners – with no prior CNC experience.
Here are some notes on the layout…
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Setting up the M2 can be broken down into three main parts: building the M2, building the frame (or mounting it on an existing Maslow frame), and calibration. This guide covers building the M2.
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I’m Drew and I made this guide! My notes are tips and tricks to help you along. They are in a different blue font and look like this:
Drew’s Note: Let us know how this guide can be improved for beginners. We love to hear from you!
They are meant to answer some of the “why” questions you might have and give you tips to get started. We suggest printing the guide in color, if you want a paper copy. -
Each step contains written instructions, a visual rendering of those instructions, color coded pictures of sub-steps or parts needed for that step, and the hardware bag where you’ll find the parts you’ll need.
Here’s me and Spaghetti, he’s not impressed with CNC
Like this Bag G in orange
PARTS NEEDED
Tools needed for building and operating your M2 (that didn’t come with your kit):
Router 13mm Combo Wrench (or any adjustable wrench)
Phillips Screwdriver/ drill Tape Measure/Digital Caliper
Two Standard Sized Bricks (to that attach to the M2 for weight during
operation)
Dust Collection System
Drew’s Note: Check out the M2 Video Playlist for an overview of what’s in the box and other how to-videos!
You’ll have to supply your own router for your M2. Here is the recommended list:
| Router | Clamp Size | MakerMade Tested | Community Tested |
|---|
Bosch Colt 1hp
(PR20EVSK)
| 71mm (included with M2)| Yes| Yes
Bosch 2.25hp
(1617EVS)
| 91mm (included in M2 Upgrade Kit)| Yes| Yes
DeWalt 611 1.25hp
(DWP611)
| 71mm (included with M2)| Recommended| Yes
DeWalt 618 2.25
(DW618M)
| 91mm (included in M2
Upgrade Kit)
| Yes| Yes
Makita 1.25hp
(RT0701C)
| 71mm (with 3D printed
adapter)
| Yes| Yes
Ridgid 2hp
(R2202)
| 91mm (included in M2
Upgrade Kit)
| Yes| Yes
Ridgid 2hp
(R22002)
| 91mm (included in M2
Upgrade Kit)
| Yes| Yes
The following is what came in your M2 CNC kit!
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
ASSEMBLING YOUR M2
The M2 kit comes in several pieces to assemble.
Drew’s Note: We recommend reading this entire section before beginning assembly.
Check out this video playlist on how to build the M2!
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There are three sets of countersunk pilot holes in the sled. Place the ring carriage in the center and align with the pilot holes. Align the L-brackets with the ring bracket attachment on each set of holes, with the tall sides toward the center. Screw the aligned L-brackets into the sled, oriented with the ring carriage, using a Phillips screwdriver and the tiny silver screws.
Drew’s Note: We will use the last two tiny screws in step 16, so don’t lose them! -
Attach the three L-brackets to the rectangular brackets on the ring carriage using four small black bolts and locking nuts on each bracket. Use the smallest (2mm) hex wrench on one side and the flat wrench on the other.
Drew’s Note: The ring carriage is adjustable for the thickness of the material you’re cutting! For now, we’ll attach it at the top. -
Hang a roller bearing carriage on each side of attached ring carriage.
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Assemble both roller bearing carriages by inserting the shoulder bolt through larger carriage hole, then through a washer, the ring bearing, another washer, and out though the smaller side of the roller bearing carriage. Use the largest (5mm) hex wrench on one end and 13mm combo wrench (or any wrench) on the other to tighten.
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Remove the protective plastic on each side of the acrylic dust cover. Then place it over the dust collection slot.
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Attach the Z motor (from the motor box) to the Z motor bracket. Align the motor shaft in the slot closest to the end of the bracket. Use the small black bolts and the 2mm hex wrench.
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Attach the large gear to the motor, just above shaft base, ensuring one large set screw is on the flat side of motor shaft. Attach with the two large set screws using the second smallest (2.5mm) hex wrench.
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Attach the small Z axis gear on the Z axis assembly’s lead screw, with the top of lead screw about 1/4in (6mm) beneath the top edge of the gear. Tighten it using the two smaller set screws and the 2mm hex wrench.
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(A) Loop one end of the belt around large gear. (B) Loop the other end around the top of the small Z axis gear. (C) Using the Z axis assembly as leverage, push the bracket down until it is flat and parallel with the top of the Z axis assembly. This will ensure the belt is tight.
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Attach the Z motor bracket to the Z axis assembly using the four silver bolts and locking nuts. Hold the nut with the flat wrench and tighten from the top using the 2.5mm hex wrench.
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Ensure that the gears are level, with the belt between them.
If they are not level, loosen the set screws on the gear that is taller, and push it down until it is level with the other gear. Re-tighten the grub screws at the new height.
Drew’s Note : Be sure that your belt is tight and level between the gears! If the belt is loose or not level, the Z axis on your M2 will not move properly.
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Attach the router clamp to the Z axis assembly using the bolts that are screwed into the clamp. Unscrew them and attach the clamp to the Z axis assembly as shown with 3mm hex wrench.
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Insert the eight bolts into the holes from the outside of the base of the left and right sides of the Z axis assembly. From the inside of the z-axis assembly, hand tighten the M5 T-nuts half-way onto the bolts.
Drew’s Note: The Z axis assembly attaches to the sled with T-nuts. They are marvels of engineering that are specially designed to hold different materials together. Some even turn sideways (perpendicular) when they are tightened! Ours fastens the z axis assembly to the aluminum extrusion rails “feet” that are attached to the sled. -
(A) If attached, pop the caps off the ends of the sled rails. (B) Rotate the T-nuts, so they are parallel with the inside of the sled rails. (C) Slide the Z-axis assembly onto the rails, with the T-nuts sliding into the slots on the outside of the rails. Stop when the router clamp is centered with the center sled hole.
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(A) Tighten the T-nuts using the 3mm hex wrench. The z axis assembly should be securely attached and not move or wiggle on the rails. (B) Replace the end caps on the Z Axis.
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Attach the dust hose bracket in the best orientation for your particular dust hose, using the two tiny screws leftover from step 1 (from the Ring and L-Bracket Hardware Bag). (A) For hoses smaller than 2” (51mm) in diameter, attach the bracket closer to the sled edge, aligned with the pre-drilled pilot holes. (B) For larger diameter hoses, attach the bracket against the Z axis assembly.
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(A) Attach the black or orange, shorter Velcro dust collection strap to the dust hose bracket. (B) Loop the two longer Velcro brick straps by feeding them through the slots on the sides of the Z axis assembly. You’ll attach the bricks (and cinch them tight) after you mount your M2 to your frame.
Drew’s Note: The M2 needs about 8-10lbs (4kg) of weight to move properly and safely keep the bit held to your material using gravity. That’s why we use two bricks!
ATTACHING YOUR ROUTER (NOT INCLUDED)
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Loosen the hex nuts on the front of the router clamp using the 3mm hex wrench. Attach a router bit to your router and insert it into the router clamp. Tighten the clamp. The bit should be just above touching the surface of the table that you’re building your M2 on, about 1/4” (6mm) up.
Drew’s Note: You can adjust your router up or down in the clamp later to accommodate for large adjustments to how deep you can cut into your material. -
Align the bit to the center of the center sled hole. The easiest way to align is by sliding the Z-Axis assembly forward or backward until the distance is exactly the same from the bit to each edge of the front and the back of the dust collection hole.
Drew’s Note: It’s very important that the router bit is in the exact center of M2 sled hole! All of the triangulation math for the M2’s GRBL code is based off the assumption that your bit is in the exact center. If it is off, even by a few millimeters, it will result in your M2 cutting incorrectly
APPENDIX – TIPS
Click here to check out updates on our Resources section!
The MakerMade M2 CNC kit is used to assemble a large format CNC machine. It is designed to use a router (or another tool) to cut 4’ by 8’ sheet materials. When used correctly, this machine is very safe. However, some safety precautions must be taken to prevent injury. These include but are not limited to:
- Always follow the safety guidelines and instructions included with the router or other tool you attach to the kit.
- Always wear ear and eye protection when running your machine.
- Use adequate dust collection or wear a respirator. Breathing material dust can be harmful.
- Use proper lifting techniques when loading/unloading materials.
- Always use caution when connecting/removing the sled. This assembly weighs around 20 lbs.
- NEVER leave your machine running unattended!
We’re excited to have you in our community of makers and can’t wait to see what you create.
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