MADE WITH MASSO Date: 26 March 2026
Made With MASSO: Meet Stam
Meet Stam, our October 2025 MASSO Makers winner — a passionate Canadian maker whose workshop journey spans woodworking, CNC machining, 3D printing, laser engraving, and metal fabrication.
Stam first discovered his love of building as a teenager working on projects in his father’s garage. Decades later, that same curiosity has grown into a fully equipped home workshop where traditional making meets modern digital fabrication.
For Stam, making is about solving problems. If there’s a power tool that can help bring an idea to life, he’s ready to use it — combining precision, efficiency, and creativity in every project.
From First CNC to a Custom Steel Machine
Like many makers, Stam’s CNC journey started with curiosity.
After seeing a CNC router demonstration at his favourite tool store, he knew he wanted to build one. In 2019, he constructed his first CNC machine using 3D-printed parts, following French-language plans and tutorials.
It was a great learning experience, but it also highlighted the limitations many first machines face — particularly when it comes to rigidity, power, and reliability for machining aluminium.
By 2022, Stam was ready to take the next step.
He designed and built a new heavy-duty CNC machine from welded steel, tailored to the space in his garage and capable of handling more demanding projects.
It’s a journey many builders recognise — starting small, learning the fundamentals, and gradually building toward a more capable, professional-grade machine.
Why MASSO?
While researching CNC controllers, Stam came across MASSO while comparing options online.
What immediately stood out was the standalone touchscreen interface — eliminating the need for a separate PC — along with clear documentation and an active user community.
After experiencing reliability issues with lower-end controllers in the past, having a purpose-built CNC controller designed for stability and simplicity was a major factor in his decision.
With MASSO, the focus shifts from troubleshooting control systems to spending more time building and creating.
Favourite Project So Far
One of Stam’s favourite CNC projects was designing and machining a custom template for measuring stair treads — inspired by a commercial product.
By creating it himself, he was able to tailor the design exactly to his needs while saving money and enjoying the process of solving a real-world problem with his CNC.
With his new machine and MASSO controller now at the centre of his setup, he’s already planning more ambitious projects ahead.
Lessons Learned & Advice for New Makers
Like most CNC builders, Stam encountered his share of early challenges — motors stopping mid-job, software learning curves, and the trial-and-error that comes with building a machine from scratch.
But those hurdles are all part of the process.
His advice for beginners?
“Start small.”
Learn the workflow, understand your tools, and focus on building your skills before investing heavily in more complex equipment.
Choosing a machine and controller that can grow with you means your CNC setup can evolve alongside your capabilities.
Tools & What’s Next
Stam currently uses Vectric and Fusion 360 for his CAD/CAM workflow and has also been experimenting with newer tools like MillMage.
Looking ahead, he plans to expand his CNC capabilities with a rotary axis and eventually an ATC spindle — continuing to build out his machine as his projects become more advanced.
With MASSO at the core of his setup, those upgrades are already part of the plan.
Follow Stam’s Builds
You can follow Stam’s workshop and projects here:
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@stamcnc
🧑💻 Facebook: facebook.com/stamshopdiy
Stories like Stam’s are exactly what the MASSO Makers community is all about — builders around the world learning, upgrading, and creating incredible things with CNC.
We can’t wait to see what he builds next.
For more from MASSO, see what’s new at masso.com.au or email us on newsletter@masso.com.au
MASSO CNC Australia, Ingleburn, NSW, 2565, Australia, masso.com.au
