5' X 12' CNC Plasma Table

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I've been working (off and on) on building a 5X12 CNC plasma table at work for a little more than a year. Since it is nearing completion, I think it's time I start putting up some pictures.(click all images for larger view)Some of the first pictures of the base/table:The water tray slopes from one end of the table to the other. It is 3" deep on the shallow end and 8" deep on the drain end:Here's me welding in the bottom of the water tray (this table uses a water tray instead of a downdraft blower):Here's that last section of the water tray welded in. I put two slight bends in it so it not only slopes to the end of the table but also towards the center (press brakes are handy). I hadn't cut the drain hole yet:Here's a better view of the holding tank. It holds about 180 gallons of water which is slightly more than the capacity of the water tray. The tank isn't welded to the table itself, instead it has flat bar welded along the sides that sit on top of the two lengths of 3x3x1/4 angle so, if necessary, it can be removed (I doubt it will ever be necessary).Visit Tensaiteki.com
Reply:how far have u gotten on it?
Reply:What's the purpose of the 180 gallon tank?  To circulate and cool the water so it doesn't evaporate as fast?My name's not Jim....
Reply:It is probably to raise and lower the water level.
Reply:I'm interested to see your gantry design and what you are going to do for controls.  Keep the pictures coming!www.lindgrensupercars.comMiller Dynasty 350Miller Dynasty 200DX - retiredMiller Millermatic 210Miller Spectrum 3080Miller "Power of Blue" stool  Miller Syncrowave 180SD - retired
Reply:feel free to send me your cad drawings you going with linear rails or linear bearings?ESAB Heliarc 252
Reply:Originally Posted by maroon pridehow far have u gotten on it?
Reply:Thats awesome ive had the motors and drives for a year now and havent started my build hope it works great for ya !I forgot how to change this.
Reply:I suddenly feel the urge to attempt casting something, don't know what to cast, but it looks like a lot of fun.
Reply:So when you went from the router to the mill, did you just change the tool offsets and add the bearing recess or write a whole new program?My name's not Jim....
Reply:Why not just skip the casting part and machine the parts directly from billet?
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120Here I was thinking...."A year so far ????" ....the guys certainly in no hurry.But.....after seeing your pics and how involved the build is, all I can say is, good job so far.I wouldn't have the patience to get that involved but, I can certainly appreciate what you've done.
Reply:when u mean a crane in the back shop do u mean a small over haed crane or what?
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120So....are you making the table for yourself or the boss?I hope it's the former.........
Reply:How much do you think you'll save over one of the many "kits" on the market? Any expectation of time for the "debugging" of the system (gantry)
Reply:Hey Tensaiteki, if i could get up every morning and go to work doing stuff like you do i would work for free and live under a bridge , your one sharp cat !keep the pics coming AWESOME work man ! Chris
Reply:Are  u useing   drive modules  for each  of the  axis   ?     im guessing each   motor  has  a encoder  built in  for positioning  .        what  are u useing  to   process  and run it all ?            oh and do u have a cost   on  the motors  and the pulley setups .>Innovations are what i leave behind for History
Reply:Hey man, I dont know the first thing about CNC plasmas, but that one looks great to me!! Nice job [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Looks like giant steppers... You using gecko drives w/ mach3 or emclinux?how are you going to go about bringing everything into the same plane?ESAB Heliarc 252
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardHow much do you think you'll save over one of the many "kits" on the market? Any expectation of time for the "debugging" of the system (gantry)
Reply:Thats nice man cant wait to see it in a couple of weeks
Reply:Originally Posted by Tensaiteki .....For the drive system/torch height controller, I am using a PlazPak1A from CandCNC (http://www.candcnc.com/). It is an integrated system built around Gecko drives running two 740 oz-in steppers (no encoders) for the X-axis, a 740 oz-in stepper for the Y-axis, and a 620 oz-in stepper for the Z-axis (torch lifter).Currently it is being controlled by Mach3 but I want to change it over to Linux EMC2 as soon as I can since I utterly despise Mach.I'm afraid I don't understand your question, what do you mean "bringing everything into the same plane"?
Reply:Originally Posted by BlauSchuhBy the same plane I mean assuring that the table/rails/etc are all mounted correctly so that everything is in the same horizontal plane. In other words, you set your plasma tip 0.001" above the workpiece in one corner, and then jog the gantry to the opposite corner and its still at 0.001" +- . For plasma this probably doesn't matter that much I guess... a few hundredths probably has no impact on the final cut.
Reply:I'd like to see some close ups of the linear rails and racks.  I think you used racks anyway....  How do they compare to belt or screw driven?My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI'd like to see some close ups of the linear rails and racks.  I think you used racks anyway....  How do they compare to belt or screw driven?{continued form previous post}Skeletons leaning against the wall. I think I'm going to save the big aluminum one and hang it up somewhere:A little less than a day-and-a-half's work all done with the same (first) set of 65 amp consumables:That picture shows 282 parts representing 682 pierces. I went on to cut with that same set of consumables for almost two more weeks before finally changing them out (last week), and they might still have some life left in them anyway.Visit Tensaiteki.com
Reply:So what's the boss think now?Do you filter the water before it returns to the tank?Last edited by Boostinjdm; 08-07-2011 at 07:01 PM.My name's not Jim....
Reply:that sucker    has to  be making   its money back in  truck loads   ,        to bad it isnt urs   ,    but then again   u did build it   all    , so u could build ur own    someday as well !         very nice craftsmanship    and nice job !>Innovations are what i leave behind for History
Reply:Has the boss run the numbers to see how long it's going to take the table to pay for itself? How were yall cutting those parts to begin with?Powcon 400SM2-PD60 wire feedersMiller XR controlAlumapro push/pull gunSpeedglas 9100xBFH
Reply:And some people buy plasma systems based on being able to buy consumables at "a lower price'!  Hypertherm nozzle and electrodes are not as cheap as most to buy.....buy considering how many parts they can cut...they are generally far less expensive to use.Nice looking machine....good looking parts as well. I have seen part skeletons used as fences and railings.....some look pretty nice!Jim Colt  Hypertherm Originally Posted by Tensaiteki{continued form previous post}Skeletons leaning against the wall. I think I'm going to save the big aluminum one and hang it up somewhere:A little less than a day-and-a-half's work all done with the same (first) set of 65 amp consumables:That picture shows 282 parts representing 682 pierces. I went on to cut with that same set of consumables for almost two more weeks before finally changing them out (last week), and they might still have some life left in them anyway.
Reply:those skeletons would make some  pretty unique doors/gates. just an idea. Great work, I want one. VERY badly.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger