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Well, I have wanted to get started on this for a while and figured starting a post would get me moving. My primary goal is high cut quality, but with an eye on budget since this is just a hobby for me. Some research has yielded the following options:1. Build from a kit - procut, shop droid, other?2. Start w/ a gantry - precision plasma, viper, procut, other?I am thinking about 2x4, since it has to fit in the garage for now, but may end up going with a 4x4. I plan on trading in my Supercut 50p for either a Power Plasma 50 or 60c. Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts/insight on direction.Thanks,JoeMIG and Plasma
Reply:PM sent
Reply:MoJoThere are plenty of DIY type plasma tables out the to give you all the info you need to build your own. Time and money are the 2 factors to think about. I have the time and hate to spend money for something I can do. I built my own and it works fine. There are good places to shop for components for your table. Here is the email address for the guy I buy my motors and electronics and Mach 3 software from. [email protected] He is on Ebay too under carolbrent (CNC stuff). I contact him directly as he has more then what’s shown on Ebay. One thing I like about Brent is I can tell him the different size motor and drivers I want and he works up a price for that I don’t buy a standard kit from the other venders. Biggest motor for X drive and medium for Y drive and smallest for Z drive ect. Pm if I can help.Have funTom[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdG9_ZQSxCg&list=UUrWyAGIpMmQfMwq0KTKpuRw& index=1&feature=plcp[/ame]Last edited by acourtjester; 11-12-2012 at 10:35 AM.Reason: added info
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterMoJoThere are plenty of DIY type plasma tables out the to give you all the info you need to build your own. Time and money are the 2 factors to think about. I have the time and hate to spend money for something I can do. I built my own and it works fine. There are good places to shop for components for your table. Here is the email address for the guy I buy my motors and electronics and Mach 3 software from. [email protected] He is on Ebay too under carolbrent (CNC stuff). I contact him directly as he has more then whats shown on Ebay. One thing I like about Brent is I can tell him the different size motor and drivers I want and he works up a price for that I dont buy a standard kit from the other venders. Biggest motor for X drive and medium for Y drive and smallest for Z drive ect. Pm if I can help.Have funTom
Reply:After reviewing what is out there, I am leaning towards this plan:http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-PLASMA-T...item3f1a251ca7Here is a video of the machine in action:[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyhV4oLOHEg[/ame]The only thing that concerns me is the direct drive. Thoughts?MIG and Plasma
Reply:MoJoAnother advantage in making your own is you can make adapters to mount a router for wooden projects. Machining aluminum and plastic parts too. An air scribe to make a plate marker. And if you have a problem down the road you will know where you bought the parts and how to replace parts.Last edited by acourtjester; 11-12-2012 at 09:06 PM.Reason: add info
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterMoJoAnother advantage in making your own is you can make adapters to mount a router for wooden projects. Machining aluminum and plastic parts too. An air scribe to make a plate marker. And if you have a problem down the road you will know where you bought the parts and how to replace parts.
Reply:air scribe aka etcher or engraver or plate marker.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:yes sir machine torch much better[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJfW0r8pbz4[/ame]
Reply:About how much does it cost to build one of these things? I never thought of doing anything like this. This would be way out of my league.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Reebs, I probably have around $ 6,000 in mine and I can handle a 5'x10' piece of plate.Although, I already had the powermax 1000. I am running a CandCNC bladerunner package. That comes with all the electronics and support.(providing you supply the computer).
Reply:Thanks lik2waterskiWow more than i thought. I don't even have a plasma cutter I was just curious.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Ok, the 60c comes with a machine torch, so if I go that route I am set. Thanks for the input on that Mick and Jester.I am going to go with the plans I posted above and work up a target build including materials and costs Reebs. I hope that I can come in at less than 3k for a 4x4 excluding the plasma cutter upgrade. I think thats a stretch.MIG and Plasma
Reply:I have much less then that in mine I did scrounge much of the metal. The electronics and motor and software cost me about $550. (SOFTWARE WAS Mach 3 License ) latter I added Sheet Cam for another $175. not including my plasma (I have a everlast PM256 Tig/plasma) works fine.I am starting on a slightly larger one now and will post pictures and information for those interested. First one is about 45” X 35” cutting area I want to have a 50” X 60” so I can put a ½ sheet of metal on it.
Reply:Why do you guys post this stuff? I never new this stuff even existed and I find my self looking on the internet reading info on DIY units!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Could someone post part numbers or contact info for a DIY CNC set up? I have to get it out off my system.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:I would put a suggestion in for Bulltear.http://www.bulltear.com/forums/showt...nd-Gantry-kitsI have a 4x8 build thread going in their forums.
Reply:There are many but here are 2 http://www.longevity-inc.com/forum/c...tting-methods/http://www.neo7cnc.com/diycnc.html this guy has a ton of info.Some underlying things to know the main difference in building a table is what size you want and what you are going to use if for. Size will determine by how big your project parts are going to be. A CNC table will do plasma cutting, aluminum mill, wood carving, plate marking, sign making, and many other things If you’re a doing yard or wall art maybe 2’ X 2’ is big enough. After you decide on your size you can move on to the motor drive system, bigger table needs bigger motors and drivers and power supplies. The rest of the electronics is generic, software can be free or up to some real money. You will need a draw program (google sketch up, auto cad, Turbocad, ect.) then a cam program (sheet cam, BOBcam, or others) and then software to run the table (Mach 3, linux cnc or others).All fun stuffLast edited by acourtjester; 11-16-2012 at 03:41 PM.Reason: add info
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterI have much less then that in mine I did scrounge much of the metal. The electronics and motor and software cost me about $550. (SOFTWARE WAS Mach 3 License ) latter I added Sheet Cam for another $175. not including my plasma (I have a everlast PM256 Tig/plasma) works fine.I am starting on a slightly larger one now and will post pictures and information for those interested. First one is about 45 X 35 cutting area I want to have a 50 X 60 so I can put a ½ sheet of metal on it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jason ListerI would put a suggestion in for Bulltear.http://www.bulltear.com/forums/showt...nd-Gantry-kitsI have a 4x8 build thread going in their forums.
Reply:ALRIGHTwhat size table did you get and what plasma cutter are you going to use???
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterALRIGHTwhat size table did you get and what plasma cutter are you going to use???
Reply:Re my last post, what do you think about this for option 3:http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x2-BENCH-TO...item3ccc86c1baThen selling it when I am done?MIG and Plasma
Reply:ProCut also has a bolt together kit for option 4:http://www.procutcnc.com/products.asp?cat=2It might be cheapest to start with that and combine the two sets of plans.MIG and Plasma
Reply:It’s good to have options to choose from.To get started faster it looks like the Ebay kit will be a faster one.I have a Longevity 80I and here is a small cut I did with it on my table. You would have more balls for a bigger table later with it then the 60C.You will still need software and computer to get going I bought a refurb from walmart for $100 with XP disk no monitor all you need.You can start out with the free versions of sheetcam and Mach3.Have funTomP.S. the metal look thicker in the Ebay table
Reply:Originally Posted by MoJo1917Re my last post, what do you think about this for option 3:http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x2-BENCH-TO...item3ccc86c1baThen selling it when I am done?Originally Posted by acourtjesterIt’s good to have options to choose from.To get started faster it looks like the Ebay kit will be a faster one.I have a Longevity 80I and here is a small cut I did with it on my table. You would have more balls for a bigger table later with it then the 60C.You will still need software and computer to get going I bought a refurb from walmart for $100 with XP disk no monitor all you need.You can start out with the free versions of sheetcam and Mach3.Have funTomP.S. the metal look thicker in the Ebay table
Reply:Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265That's a precision plasma machine. It ships from the same town. My suggestion before you build your own is to figure out your total cost. I have a plasmabot 4.0 kit that's a 5'x9 (way too big for me!)' and have a little over $3,000.00 invested. I should have built a 4x8 or 5x5 (5x5 probably what I needed). There is a lot of good forum tech support out there if you run into problems. It's really all about time, and the time it takes to build and figure out all your settings. CNC Plasma have come down in price since the first of 2012. You can get a 4x4 from Eagle Plasma at a good price, they also had a 2x2 that under $2,000.00 complete.Acourjester's CNC is as nice as anything you could buy. I also like that his machine is cross drive which saves you because you only need 3 motors instead of 4. This also keeps you from having any slave axis problems that some people have.I do like the Plasmabot 5.0 kit, I purchased the 4.0 because there were problems getting rails for the 3.0 kit.Do your home work and keep an eye on ebay for parts. You can find some good used linear actuators sometimes. Get something like this and you can be running pretty quick.http://www.ebay.com/itm/VELOX-CNC-Ro...item589420268f
Reply:The machine torch I have 2 Panasonic P-80 torch one I was just the head assembly and I was able to switch the cables from the Force cut 80I WSD-60P torch which had the euro connector. The other one was from Ebay see below but I needed to turn a dinse adapter so I could use it with my Everlast PM256.I also have a p-81 that I got when I got the 80I but there is a problem with it (wiring and I cannot get it to work right with the 80I. I will soonhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/P-80A-PANASO...item5d263e1042I got the 25' leads from this guygood price on consumables too.make sure you buy one with the pilot arc wiring on it panasonic is the only one for a good price on ebay.here is the head assembly http://www.ebay.com/itm/P-80-Plasma-...item27ab80f583 Attached ImagesLast edited by acourtjester; 11-18-2012 at 05:33 PM.Reason: added ifno
Reply:Thanks Mick I will wade through it.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:The good thing about using the plasmabot 5.0 kit is the option to use gear reduction. From what I understand this really helps when cutting holes.
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterThe machine torch I have 2 Panasonic P-80 torch one I was just the head assembly and I was able to switch the cables from the Force cut 80I WSD-60P torch which had the euro connector. The other one was from Ebay see below but I needed to turn a dinse adapter so I could use it with my Everlast PM256.I also have a p-81 that I got when I got the 80I but there is a problem with it (wiring and I cannot get it to work right with the 80I. I will soonhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/P-80A-PANASO...item5d263e1042I got the 25' leads from this guygood price on consumables too.make sure you buy one with the pilot arc wiring on it panasonic is the only one for a good price on ebay.here is the head assembly http://www.ebay.com/itm/P-80-Plasma-...item27ab80f583
Reply:Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265The good thing about using the plasmabot 5.0 kit is the option to use gear reduction. From what I understand this really helps when cutting holes.
Reply:I decided to go with a 3x4 table build, it seemed like the best compromise for me. Below is my initial estimate. Here are some questions that I have:1. It seems a little low to me, am I missing anything obvious? 2. Sean, why didn't you go with these electronics on your build - http://www.kelinginc.net/CNCNEMA23G540Package.html?3. Any suggestions for an open source CAM program? Attached ImagesLast edited by MoJo1917; 11-20-2012 at 06:37 PM.MIG and Plasma
Reply:If your looking for a free CAM program look at SheetCam. Works very will with many input drawing file types and post processes out to Mach 3 or other programs.If you knwo what electronics you need contact Brent I got a very good deal from [email protected] do not need the same motor and driver for all 3 axis, biggest on X, medium on Y, and smaller on Z.PM me if you have questions.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120If you mean CAD program, go here.......http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=188011Others may disagree but, my advice is, stay away from Bobcad.....they'll hound you till eternity if you show any interest....
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterIf your looking for a free CAM program look at SheetCam. Works very will with many input drawing file types and post processes out to Mach 3 or other programs.If you knwo what electronics you need contact Brent I got a very good deal from [email protected] do not need the same motor and driver for all 3 axis, biggest on X, medium on Y, and smaller on Z.PM me if you have questions.
Reply:I took some time off work this week to get started. The measurements on the plans weren't quite what I was expecting. The x axis rail measurement is 57.09" and the distance between the y rails is 59.77". So, the front and rear 2x2s are cut as close to 59.77" as possible. I plan on ordering the IVTAAG (x axis) a little long and trimming it to the exact final assembly size. I should have probably just gone with 60" instead of 59.77". I picked up my steel yesterday: Attached ImagesMIG and Plasma
Reply:Well looks like the snowball is starting to roll now the excitement increases and the smile gets bigger on your face. Plasma dust is on its way. Ha ha haHave fun and keep us posted
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterWell looks like the snowball is starting to roll now the excitement increases and the smile gets bigger on your face. Plasma dust is on its way. Ha ha haHave fun and keep us posted
Reply:Here is a set of drawings that I created LibreCAD to build to: Attached ImagesMIG and Plasma
Reply:Here are a few questions that I have after drawing this up:1. Is 8" enough room for the z-Axis? There should be more like 12" to the actual rail, but I plan on using 2" up for the slats.2. All the plans that I reviewed have a box with an inside measurement of 44x44" that the grate rests on. I expected the inside measurement to be 48x48". Do you lose n" of cutting that way?MIG and Plasma
Reply:From you drawing of the top it looks like you could make a box for you grate about 59” X 51” with you grate just smaller then that. My water table is 4.5” deep with 3” grate height my “Z” axis travel is 3.5” my torch position on the “Z” axis plate is adjustable. When mounting the torch I have about 1/4” travel below the metal surface and torch tip. This is so when using a floating head the torch touches the metal to locate it and zeros the “Z” axis for the start of cutting. The “Y” axis height on the table will give you the operating area of the “Z” axis.I think that is what you are talking about.
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterFrom you drawing of the top it looks like you could make a box for you grate about 59 X 51 with you grate just smaller then that. My water table is 4.5 deep with 3 grate height my Z axis travel is 3.5 my torch position on the Z axis plate is adjustable. When mounting the torch I have about 1/4 travel below the metal surface and torch tip. This is so when using a floating head the torch touches the metal to locate it and zeros the Z axis for the start of cutting. The Y axis height on the table will give you the operating area of the Z axis.I think that is what you are talking about.
Reply:Here are my revised plans: Attached ImagesMIG and Plasma
Reply:Since I am covering non-welding topics here and creating a lot of noise, I am going to close out this thread and open two new ones. One here to cover welding of the table and another one at cnczone.com for the CNC side of the build. I will include links to them both.MIG and Plasma
Reply:Here is the new link to my CNC build log:http://www.cnczone.com/forums/plasma...t_5_0_4x3.htmlMIG and Plasma
Reply:Here is the link to the weld-up:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=192111MIG and Plasma |
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发表于 2021-8-31 23:13:49