CNC plasma cut

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I rewired my CNC Plasma table this week shielding and grounding all cables, shielding the computer and controller as well.  I was finally able to do a complete cut without having to restart due to lost steps from the plasma starting and stopping.  This is the first completely successful cut done in one operation. I am very pleased and feel I can now start doing projects without worrying about ruining material.This object is 12" tall for your reference. Plasma cutter is Longevity LS 160P multifunction welder with 60 amp torch.Gadget Attached Images
Reply:cool!Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Where did you get the CNC plasma table from?Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:I built the table from plans. It was designed for a router but I modified it to use router or plasma. Table size is 25X37".  The trick to make plasma work consistently was shielding and grounding of all devices and cables. This wasn't mentioned in the plans since it was for a router.Gadget
Reply:AhhhhMiller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:Nice.  Do you have a THC on your table?
Reply:awesomehttp://www.aloumac.ca/
Reply:Looks as if it's working out very well Gadget--- Glad for you--- Wish I had the know-how to build such a table.
Reply:Can you expand a little bit on the table itself?
Reply:Jeep07,I do not have thc on the unit. I modified my torch for non contact start and have a controller run by the CNC to start and stop the torch. It works out quite well. I set the torch height to about .080  and it seems to work well  and has enough clearance for warpage.Nomand,The table was built with plans from http://www.solsylva.com/  The plan kit comes with 4 plans included. I built the second on the list at the web site. It is made from common lumber and hardware store materials. The feed screws are threaded rod.  It took awhile to build it and about equally long to get it fine tuned (no help figuring out the issues, learned by trial and error)I started this project with absolutely no knowledge of CNC or CAD/CAM. Learned it all on the fly, I am betting anyone here can do the same.Estimated total cost is under $900.00. I am using all freeware software with exception of the Corel Draw.I can take some photos if anyone wants to see them.  I also have some video links on the Longevity section of this forum if you want to see the unit in action. The videos were taken before all the bugs were out of the system and the speed was not what it is capable of now.Gadget
Reply:Pretty neat setup
Reply:Originally Posted by Gadget...I can take some photos if anyone wants to see them...
Reply:Originally Posted by seamusYes, please.
Reply:Originally Posted by GadgetJeep07,I do not have thc on the unit. I modified my torch for non contact start and have a controller run by the CNC to start and stop the torch. It works out quite well. I set the torch height to about .080  and it seems to work well  and has enough clearance for warpage.Nomand,The table was built with plans from http://www.solsylva.com/  The plan kit comes with 4 plans included. I built the second on the list at the web site. It is made from common lumber and hardware store materials. The feed screws are threaded rod.  It took awhile to build it and about equally long to get it fine tuned (no help figuring out the issues, learned by trial and error)I started this project with absolutely no knowledge of CNC or CAD/CAM. Learned it all on the fly, I am betting anyone here can do the same.Estimated total cost is under $900.00. I am using all freeware software with exception of the Corel Draw.I can take some photos if anyone wants to see them.  I also have some video links on the Longevity section of this forum if you want to see the unit in action. The videos were taken before all the bugs were out of the system and the speed was not what it is capable of now.Gadget
Reply:The CNC frame was made from 2x4 lumber. The table top is MDF but is removeable for plasma cutting I made an open metal subframe to hold the metal for cutting.  The torch is mounted to the Z axis.  The motors and controller were purchased as a kit from www.hobbycnc.com. The X, Y, and Z axis control the movement of the torch. The computer software can control the plasma start and stop with a separate relay board that cost around $20.00.  The computer control software is emc2 distro of Ubuntu linux. This also controls the X, Y, and Z movements.Hope this helps,Gadget
Reply:Links to video'splasma cutting  [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n33VturzbjA[/ame]toolpath test with pen on Z axis  [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sltz0zIjYLY[/ame]more pen movement tests portable table installed here  [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBxp1xxoxZc[/ame]Cutting 1/4" plate before I got the speed set right (too slow here)[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCAeKfK40pg[/ame]Good view of table, computer, plasma cutter. White frame is metal, blue is lumber[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtyKqbDii0[/ame]Gadget
Reply:I find this stuff facinating. Some time ago I had the same idea but as usual never materialized...It seems like there is always something more urgent... Just to understand - did you find actual use for this machine? Sounds like a silly question even to myself, but... I saw Longevity contest, nice fish... - But this is not what this machine is actually for, isn't it?I remembered my favourite on WW - "Gates with dogs" - this is where CNC is very handy - from simple home project to a product...So, where is your use for this machine?....
Reply:I have a couple of irons in the fire to make this pay for itself. It is mostly hobby but it looks like I can pick up pocket change when I retire soon. The first consideration was really just something to play with when I retire. You can't have too many toys.Gadget
Reply:How is the cut quality? Are they pretty clean if the machine is adjusted accordingly or is there alot of debris hanging off like when my unstable hands try and take a stab at something that isn't in a straight line? Miller Syncrowave 180SDMillermatic 175
Reply:Originally Posted by KubsHow is the cut quality? Are they pretty clean if the machine is adjusted accordingly or is there alot of debris hanging off like when my unstable hands try and take a stab at something that isn't in a straight line?