Maker-Made-CNC-Router
MakerMade M2 CNC
⚠️ NEVER LEAVE THE CNC UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️
⚠️ EYE AND EAR PROTECTION REQUIRED WHEN MACHINE IS OPERATING ⚠️
⚠️ USE DUST COLLECTION OR WEAR A RESPIRATOR — MATERIAL DUST IS HARMFUL ⚠️
The MakerMade M2 is a large-format CNC router that uses a chain-and-motor system to move a router sled across a vertical work surface — designed to cut full 4ft x 8ft sheet materials. Unlike traditional CNC routers where the gantry moves on rails, the M2's sled hangs from two chains driven by motors mounted on a top beam, using triangulation to calculate position.
📄 M2 Resources Page — MakerMade's official resources, docs, and support.
📺 MakerMade YouTube Tutorials — Official video tutorials covering setup, calibration, and operation.
Machine Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Chain-driven vertical CNC router (Maslow-style) |
| Cutting Area | Up to 4ft x 8ft (1219mm x 2438mm) with standard frame |
| Router | MakerMade router (included); compatible with standard router bits |
| Controller | Arduino DUE microcontroller with MakerMade shield |
| Drive System | Two chain-driven X/Y motors + Z-axis motor |
| Control Software | Makerhub (formerly Makerverse) — free, open-source |
| Frame | Standard frame: 10ft top beam; cuts up to 4ft x 8ft |
| Sled Weight | ~20 lbs (sled + router + bricks) |
| Frame Dimensions | ~10ft wide x 8ft tall x 3ft deep (standard frame) |
How the M2 Works
The M2 is fundamentally different from a gantry-style CNC like the MillRight Mega V. Understanding how it works helps you troubleshoot and get good results:
- Two motors are mounted at the top of a large vertical frame, 10ft apart
- Chains hang from each motor sprocket and attach to the sled (the circular blue disc that holds the router)
- By winding/unwinding each chain independently, the machine calculates the sled's position using triangulation
- The sled rides against the work surface (called the wasteboard or canvas) and gravity helps keep it pressed flat
- Two standard bricks are attached to the bottom of the sled to add weight and keep it pressed against the canvas
- The Z-axis motor moves the router bit up and down to control cut depth
⚠️ Because position is calculated mathematically rather than measured by limit switches, calibration is critical. A poorly calibrated machine will cut in the wrong location even if everything else is correct.
Software
Makerhub (Required)
Makerhub (formerly Makerverse) is the control software for the M2. It connects to the Arduino DUE controller, handles calibration, and sends G-code to the machine.
📥 Download Makerhub — select your operating system
Important setup note: You must also install the Arduino IDE first to get the drivers that allow the DUE to communicate with your computer. After installing Arduino IDE, connect the M2 DUE board via USB — it will auto-detect and prompt you to install required drivers. Click YES. Then close Arduino IDE before opening Makerhub — do not have both open at the same time or they will compete for the same COM port and disconnect the DUE.
Design & CAM Software
Makerhub controls the machine but does not design files. You need a separate CAD/CAM program to create toolpaths:
| Software | Cost | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCarve Pro (Makerspace Edition) | Included with GRM membership | 2D cutting, profiling, pocketing, V-carving | See the MillRight Mega V page for VCarve Makerspace Edition notes — same workflow applies |
| Fusion 360 | Free for personal/hobby use | Complex 3D parts and toolpaths | Use the GRBL post processor when saving toolpaths |
| Easel (Inventables) | Free (browser-based) | Simple 2D cuts; beginners | Easy to learn; exports G-code compatible with Makerhub |
Post Processor
When saving G-code from VCarve or Fusion 360, use the Grbl (mm) or Grbl (inch) post processor. This is the same as the MillRight Mega V — the M2 uses GRBL-compatible G-code.
Connecting to Makerhub
- Open Makerhub on the laptop
- Connect the M2's USB cable from the Arduino DUE electronics box to the laptop
- In Makerhub, click Open under the Connection panel — select Controller: Maslow, Baud Rate: 38400
- The console should show connection messages — if it shows "No serial connection," check the USB cable and COM port
- When prompted "Is This A New Machine?" — click No (unless this is your very first setup)
- Click Unlock to unlock the motors — the machine is ready to jog
⚠️ Do NOT open Arduino IDE and Makerhub at the same time. They will compete for the COM port and disconnect the DUE.
Calibration
Calibration is the most important step for the M2. Because the machine uses math to calculate position (not limit switches), every measurement must be precise. Re-calibrate periodically and any time the chains are removed or the machine is moved.
Before You Calibrate
- Use a full 4ft x 8ft sheet of plywood or MDF for calibration
- Measure in millimeters for best accuracy
- Ensure the frame is level and square — calibration cannot fix a poorly built frame
- Weigh the sled (with router and bricks) and convert to Newtons for the Machine tab
Calibration Overview (Makerhub Calibration Tabs)
Click Calibrate in the left panel of Makerhub, then Let's Begin!
| Tab | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Machine | Set Chain to "Off Bottom"; enter Sled Weight in Newtons (weigh sled + bricks + router, convert lbs/kg to N); click Apply |
| Stock | Measure exact width and height of your stock sheet; find the exact center and mark it with a "+"; align center mark with center lines on top and bottom beams; enter dimensions; click Apply |
| Frame | Measure Motor Height (hook tape measure on back of top beam, bring down to top of material, add 31mm for bracket; ~494mm on standard frame); measure Motor Width (center of left sprocket to center of right sprocket; ~3010mm on standard frame); click Apply |
| Sled | Skip — standard 18in M2 sled values are auto-calculated |
| Z-Axis | Skip for initial calibration — auto-calculated; revisit later if Z is behaving incorrectly |
| Chains | Click Chains Previously Calibrated (if chains are marked); measure distance from top of sled to top of stock; input value; click Next; click Move to Center; measure X and Y error from center mark; input values; click Finish & Apply Results |
| Edge | Jog M2 to each of the 6 edge points on your stock; measure offset from edge for each; input values (positive if sled is within stock, negative if hanging over); click Calibrate when all 6 points are entered. Run edge calibration multiple times to improve accuracy. |
| Precision | Skip for initial calibration |
⚠️ Always click Apply on each tab before moving to the next. If you navigate away without clicking Apply, your settings will not be saved.
Setting the Chain Reference (Reset Chains / Set Home)
The Reset Chains button creates a save point for chain position — critical for recovering calibration if the machine ever loses its position or a chain slips a tooth.
To set the chain reference:
- Move each motor until one sprocket tooth is exactly at the 12 o'clock position — use 1mm jog increments, then 0.5mm, then 0.1mm to get it exact
- Use a paint marker to mark the sprocket tooth at 12 o'clock AND the center of the chain draped over it
- Drape each chain over its motor sprocket with the chain center at the marked tooth
- Click Reset Chains in Makerhub
To restore calibration later:
- Jog each motor back to the marked 12 o'clock position
- Align the chain center mark with the sprocket tooth mark
- Click Reset Chains — the machine will recognize it's back at the saved position
- Re-calibration is not required after resetting chains, but periodic recalibration is good practice
Startup Procedure
- Ensure the frame is against the wall and stable — the frame is designed to lean against a wall and can tip if freestanding
- Load your material onto the wasteboard and secure it centered on the canvas
- Connect the laptop via USB to the Arduino DUE electronics box
- Open Makerhub and connect (see Connecting to Makerhub above)
- Unlock the motors
- Confirm calibration is current — if the machine has been moved or chains disturbed, reset chains before running
- Load your G-code file: click Upload Program → select your file
- Turn on the router
- Turn on dust collection
- Click the Play button in Makerhub to begin
Running a Job
- Use the Upload Program button to load your G-code file
- The visualizer in Makerhub will show the toolpath — confirm it looks correct
- Use the jog controls to verify the sled is in the expected starting position
- Turn on the router and dust collection before starting
- Click Play to begin — stay by the machine for the full duration
- To pause: click Pause in Makerhub
- To stop: click Reset — note this will require re-establishing position before resuming
Workholding
Material must be centered on the canvas and secured. The M2 cuts vertically so gravity and the wasteboard surface hold the material in place. Common methods:
- Screws through material into wasteboard — most secure; screw through the edges of your stock into the particle board wasteboard panels
- Clamps at the edges — useful for thinner material
- Tape — low-tack or double-sided tape for light work
⚠️ Material must be centered on the frame — the M2's calibration assumes your stock is centered on the wasteboard. An off-center workpiece will cause position errors.
Materials Reference
✅ Approved Materials
| Material | Cut | Engrave/Carve | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood (birch, cabinet grade) | Yes | Yes | Most common material for M2; ideal for large format cuts |
| MDF | Yes | Yes | Heavy dust — dust collection essential |
| Softwood (pine, cedar) | Yes | Yes | Works well; watch for tearout |
| Hardwood | Yes | Yes | Slower feed rates; sharp bits important |
| Foam (rigid tooling foam) | Yes | Yes | Very easy to machine |
| Acrylic (cast) | Yes | Yes | Use straight flute bit; slower speeds |
❌ Do Not Cut These Materials
| Material | Why |
|---|---|
| PVC / Vinyl | Toxic fumes when machined |
| Steel / Hardened metals | Machine is not rated for ferrous metals |
| Any material of unknown composition | Always verify before cutting |
Safety Rules
- Always wear eye and ear protection while the machine is running
- Use dust collection or wear a respirator — material dust is a health hazard
- Never leave the machine running unattended
- Use caution when connecting and removing the sled — the assembly weighs ~20 lbs and the chains are under spring tension
- Wear safety goggles when connecting the spring — the chain can snap back if it slips
- Keep the frame against the wall at all times — the frame can tip over if not wall-supported
- Use proper lifting technique when loading and unloading 4ft x 8ft sheet materials
See Emergency Procedures on the main laser page for emergency contact and first aid kit location.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Machine cuts in wrong location | Recalibrate — chain position is likely off; reset chains to marked position and run Edge calibration again |
| Motor doesn't move or moves wrong direction | Check motor cable connections — even slightly loose cables cause malfunction; check both X/Y and Z motor connections at the electronics box |
| Machine loses position mid-job | Chain may have skipped a tooth; check spring tension; check that chain center marks still align with sprocket marks; reset chains and recalibrate |
| Sled moves in a strange arc | Chain lengths are unequal — redo chain hanging procedure; ensure chain center marks are symmetric on both sprockets |
| Won't connect in Makerhub | Check USB cable; make sure Arduino IDE is closed; try a different COM port; ensure DUE is powered on |
| Z-axis not cutting to correct depth | Recalibrate Z-axis in the Z-Axis tab in Makerhub; check Z motor cable connection |
| Binding or unusual resistance | Check that bricks are securely attached; check that chain tension spring is properly connected; inspect roller bearings for debris |
For additional help: MakerMade M2 Resources | support@makermade.com
Resources & Documentation
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| MakerMade M2 Resources Page | Official docs, downloads, and support | makermade.com/pages/m2-resources |
| MakerMade FAQ | Frequently asked questions from MakerMade | makermade.com/pages/faq |
| Makerhub Software Download | Free control software for the M2 | Download Makerhub |
| Standard Frame Setup Guide | Step-by-step frame assembly guide (PDF) | 📄 Open Guide |
| Makerhub Calibration Guide | Full calibration walkthrough (PDF) | 📄 Open Guide |
| MakerMade YouTube Tutorials | Official video tutorials for setup, calibration, and use | 📺 Watch Tutorials |
| GRM Discord / Volunteers | Ask for help with setup, calibration, or troubleshooting | Ask at the space or in Discord |
