The M2 is a commercialized version of the open source Maslow CNC machine.
The M2 is a vertical machine, leaning back at 15 degrees. The spindle is mounted on a sled, driven by two motors and chains for the X and Y axes (left and right, up and down) and another motor for the Z axis (in and out). The spindle is usually a consumer-grade router.
The out-of-the-box installation cuts most of a 4′ x 8′ sheet of plywood. Longer chains and a bigger frame enable larger cutting areas.
Its upsides are lower cost, less space needed because of the vertical orientation and a large community of users. It’s also made in Arkansas, so there’s local support and parts.
Its downsides are lower speed and a more experimental approach to using, meaning there’s a lot to learn and a lot of tweaking needed. It’s also being heavily developed/improved by MakerMade and the wider community, which is both an up and downside.
MakerMade bundles MakerVerse, the controlling software (CAM). MakerVerse is fed by various drawing/modeling programs such as Easel, Sketchup, Fusion 360 and several others.