An open-source mobile CNC workshop for MAKERS DIY-ERS TINKERERS TEACHERS DESIGNERS ARCHITECTS EVERYONE
. . . and those who want to become
About
What is ConvivialCNC ?
ConvivialCNC is a mobile low-tech CNC workshop for large-scale woodworking projects, which can be operated by beginners and experts without long preparations – so that risk-free and local production, experimentation, building and tinkering can be done. As an empowering tool, ConvivialCNC aims to show designers and consumers alternatives to a society in a mania of increase and introduce them to the benefits of DIY practices. It is a meta-design that spans a framework by which people can get creative. It opens up possibilities, challenges the status quo, is an avant-garde counter-design, a seed form for something new. ConvivialCNC can be temporary, move on, adapt. It is open, because it does not anticipate the type of use, its potential lies in the application by as many different people with diverse ideas as possible.
To this end, the 18mm plywood frame was designed so that its basic version can be built onto a standard trailer with internal dimensions of 2500 x 1250mm. The A-shaped frame creates two inclined surfaces, on each of which a Maker Made M2 is mounted as a CNC router. In the resulting space between them, there is room for woodworking tools, exhaust, material, laptops, fire extinguishers and so on. This means that once ConvivialCNC is built and equipped, it only needs to be driven to the site of the project with a suitable vehicle – and immediately the local production of furniture, decorations, components, toys, etc. can begin. ConvivialCNC is also ideal for workshops, teaching sessions, lectures and barbecues.
Can be built on a trailer or as standalone
2440 x 1220 mm workspace for large projects
Maker Made M2 as operating unit
A-frame provides lots of space for materials and tools
Made from standard 18 mm plywood
What else do I need?
On this site you can download the wooden frame at no cost, which is the base of your custom CNC workstation. Additionally, you will need at least one Maker Made M2, an average Laptop or Computer, and a few basic tools (e.g. electric screwdriver) to start cutting.
The cool thing: To make ConvivialCNC even more accessible, Maker Made offers you 10% discount on your next order, if you use the code CONVIVIAL in the Maker Made shop [and I will get a commission].
Depending on the type of projects you want to create, you also might need different wood tools, like a sander, an electric screwdriver, a carpenters plane, a jigsaw, or chisels. And if you plan to move your ConvivialCNC around, casters or a trailer would be useful.
Is ConvivialCNC only for beginners?
No!
Because the mobility of the milling machine increases the radius of use – and thus makes CNC milling accessible not only for amateurs, but also offers professional makers and long-time Maker-Made users maximum flexibility to implement their projects on site or under changing conditions. In addition to wonderful milling sessions in the summer evening sun, you also gain the opportunity to share your knowledge. That’s why ConvivialCNC is also explicitly aimed at experts who can build a ConvivialCNC frame themselves using their M2 or another CNC machine.
How it started
ConvivialCNC is the result of a master thesis, which was written in 2021 at the MSA (Münster School of Architecture) with the title: “Convivial Numerical Architecture – Convivial Technology for Building in Existing Contexts” under the Professor Jürgen Reichardt, who holds a degree in engineering. Roughly summarized, it was about participatory self-build architecture that can contribute to a more sustainable building industry and production in general in the face of the looming climate catastrophe. ConvivialCNC positions itself here as a rolling real laboratory that makes new forms of production practically possible, even beyond the creation of architecture. More details can be found at KNOWLEDGE.
I was very lucky that Maker Made (predecessor: Maslow CNC) provided a large-scale low-tech CNC, so that the thesis could include many practical projects from the beginning. It quickly became apparent: it’s just a whole different ballgame when you’re not just sitting at your laptop and developing a design theoretically. The creative thinking, the fun at work and the appreciation for the result increase immediately when you get your hands dirty, can feel the material, experience the development process up close and have to solve one or two problems.
But it’s also clear that not everyone has the money, space, time or courage to get a large-format CNC router. And not everyone knows for sure whether they are comfortable and enjoy working with their hands. Especially with the Maker Made M2, in addition to the project-related hurdles, a certain level of craftsmanship is needed to build the base frame, join the individual parts and calibrate the machine. It also quickly became clear in the theoretical work of the thesis that low-threshold infrastructures are needed to turn as many people as possible into Makers – and this is precisely where ConvivialCNC comes in.
How do I get ConvivialCNC?
Right here!
Option 1: On this page you can download dwg-, dxf- and SVG-files for local production with a CNC-mill for free under the Creative Commons license CC BY-SA. That means roughly: The files may be used for private and commercial purposes as long as the author is named and changes, improvements and modifications to the original version must be made available to the general public again under the same conditions. So any owner of an M2 can simply mill out a frame for themselves. Or you can hire a local maker who owns a CNC mill, or visit an open workshop / FabLab / Makerspace. Click here to download.
Option 2: In the long run, there should be the possibility to rent ConvivialCNC locally on this site. However, there are still some hurdles to be overcome for this…these are technical, organizational and also financial.
Finances
This brings us to the topic of finances. Of course, nothing is for free (except the production files of ConvivialCNC 
), so for example this website costs money every month. If you like the idea and the approach of ConvivialCNC and want to support the future development, but also want to contribute to the work already done and the running costs, I would be happy about a donation.
Moreover, I´d be happy if you use the code CONVIVIAL for your next Maker Made order – you will save 10% and I will get a comission.
To make ConvivialCNC even more accessible,
you get 10% discount by using the code CONVIVIAL in the Maker Made shop