DIY cnc table plasma cutter

[acourtjester]

Hi All
Here is a cnc table I built with plasma cutting option. I am using my PM256 Multi unit for the plasma power.
This table was built with no plans using things I seen others do for their tables. I ran grounds from the computer/control cabinet, table base, and PM 256, wiring using shielded cables and farrite cores. This seems to have protected against the EMI from the PM256's HF start. Still need to fine tune it but it cuts very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJfW0...ature=youtu.be


have fun
Tom

[Rodsmachineshop]

That is so nice looking so how much total in parts and materials cost to build it. like the chain drive system . plus look not to heavy so easy to roll around to were you want it

[zoama]

Really nice work.... I like your videos, hope we get to see more of this table in action.

[Rodsmachineshop]

forgot what arc divider board did you use and controller for your table

[SeanMurphy265]

Look at you getting fancy with the cross drive! That's the way I wish I would have gone. Saves money and possible trouble. Are you using THC or touch and go? You have a very nice cnc table, I hope mine looks half as nice.

[acourtjester]

I don’t have a THC I am not planning on doing any big jobs with it. I a using a pilot arc so it is not a touch start it touches metal to get the distance. The software zeros out the Z distance when it touches the top of the metal and then lifts about .750”. And drops back to .035” fires the torch and delays to burn through and then starts the movement for the cutting.
I would say I have less then a $1000 in it $550 for the electronics and software I have a computer to use. The table sides and carriage are 4” aluminum channel I scrounged along with the steel legs. The chain drive is cheaper then other types I bought the stuff from Surplus Center (chain, idlers, and sprockets) #35 size chain. I cast the bearing sliders for the X & Y rails from scrape aluminum.

Have fun
Tom

[Rodsmachineshop]

what programs are you using , I had friend give me bobcad , sheetcam and mach3 . same here i am not using thc since all my stuff will be flat to cut. liked the video of it working have to post some more videos of it

[acourtjester]

I am using Mach 3 to run the table I have turbo cad but don’t know how to use it yet. I have heard good things about bobcad and sheetcam the software can get expensive. I’m out on a limb here so I need to learn these things by myself. Here is a pen I made to use on the table to check it operations before cutting anything. It fits the floating head for the plasma torch.

Have fun
Tom

[Rodsmachineshop]

this is free to learn cad i have been using this site will give you 2 sites to learn . http://www.learncadfast.com/signup.php or http://www.bobcad.com/videos . same here trying to learn cad before i get my plasma cutting table

[acourtjester]

Thanks I will check them out

[SeanMurphy265]

I think I'm going to use this THC. I think it will work with Everlast plasma cutters better. Is it hard wiring up your proximity switches?

[Rodsmachineshop]

pulled open my plasma cutter sorta goofy little ark divider board , sure be nice to have more information on this . looked all over the internet and could not find any information on it . think i will toss this one i found a better one on the internet

[acourtjester]

I did not use proximity switches I started out using a magnetic electronics switch but switched to normal micro switches. Hooking up the limit/home switches if quite easy with Mach 3 you go into a menu and tell it which switch you are working with (X home) and activate the switch and Mach see it and logs it for that use. Setting up the software is easy as soon as you get into their mind set or method for doing things.
Proximity switches are expensive unless you know of a cheap place to buy them.
I am using the everlast PM 256 multi-unit so I will not be using a THC. If I start doing lots of cutting I may buy a standard plasma cuter and a THC.

[Rodsmachineshop]

i am using the Power Ultra 250P so basically the same as what you are using but is 50 amp plasma instead of 60 amp

[sportbike]

Looks good. I like teh chain drive. Very similar to a large format printer / plotter layout.

Is that just a piece of DOM tube for the slide rail with conventional roller bearings riding on it?

What size is that? Looks abotu 3' X 3' or maybe 4' X 4'.

[Rodsmachineshop]

yes were did you get your Linear rail system or parts

[zoama]

I cast the bearing sliders for the X & Y rails from scrape aluminum.

Have fun
Tom

Did you cast the bearing sliders separately or as one long piece and cut them to length ? Did they require machining ?

[Rodsmachineshop]

what torch are you using on your cnc table . also do you know can you use a blow back torch or a pilot arc torch on the same machine . also found a cool mod to turn your s45 torch into a cnc torch ==its at the longevity so what it good information http://www.longevity-inc.com/forum/c...h-mod-cnc.html

[Rodsmachineshop]

these are cool bearing would make it simple to do rail 2 bearing 2 on top and 2 on bottom of round bar bottom rollers could be spring loaded to keep tight

[acourtjester]

The usable tooling area is 35” X 45” the footprint of the table is larger.
All the shafts are cold rolled steel the rails for the guides are 1” and the drive shaft is ¾”.
The linear bearing holders for “X” & “Y” are cast aluminum that I made and machined them.
The “X” are 6” long and the “Y” are 4-1/2” long they were cast a separate parts and them machined.
The torch I use is a Panasonic P=80 with 1.1MM tips it is a pilot arc start. The metal in the video is factory painted metal and the pilot arc when right through it fine. I have heard of buys using blow back torches but do not know how they work.
Neat looking bearings like all the DIY projects everybody does it a little different. I used skateboard bearing as they were cheap and easy to get.

Have fun
Tom