My DIY Plasma CNC table

[acourtjester]

Hi
Here are some pictures and videos of my second Plasma CNC table. Shown with it is the controller box which has all of the electronics (computer, power supplies and drivers) on top are the keyboard and mouse. A usb hub is used to import G-code files or up-grades. The table is setup so I can put a 4’ X 4’ sheet with room for parking the moving parts out of the way so I can load material clearly. The water table is barrowed from my other table so I could make test cuts. One video shows testing operation of the floating head torch holder for automatic cutting position setup. I am setting up a plans package PM if interested.

Have fun
Tom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leWjHZe_rcc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B8neSI7xP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY_FW...TKpuRw&index=1

[agent4573]

I was really interested until I saw the xbox controller. Real men use PS3 controllers.



Actually, that doesn't look bad. Post up the details on the plans/package.

[Rambozo]

I like the chain drive. I was thinking of something similar using XL belt. Do you have a shaft to couple the two side drives or are you using two motors? I would love to see a picture from the other side of the gantry. Are you using a voltage based THC or just setting initial height? Is there some reason that the torch retracts so much after measuring the material height?

[acourtjester]

The other sid of the chain drive one motor only I used this on both table I have built. 3/4" shaft goes across inside the Y axis tube.
No THC yet not needed so far but may get one soon. The motion of the torch has not been fine tuned to reduct the high lift. You do want enough to clear cut parts that may be sticking up after being cut some tip when falling out and get cought sticking up.

Total cost is about $1300 plus an old deskto computer.

No PS3 but it sure works fine!!!

[Rambozo]

Thanks for the pic. I missed that it was inside the tube. That makes sense. I want to do the same thing. One less motor and no sync issues between two motors. I think I want to use servos instead of steppers, but that's just because I use servos all the time and like the options they provide.