Something worth looking into

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I came across this a while ago and forgot to post it here.  I think its worth the effort to support what this guy is trying to do and I hope that others feel the same.http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...asma-machine-p
Reply:I know a guy who built a three axis router for wood. I think that the work envelope is 4 feet by 4 feet.  It did not look all that complicated.   Five axis sure adds layers of complexity.   Would require some work to prevent the electronics from going crazy due to the electromagnetic interference coming from a plasma cutter.When it comes to projects like this, you have to want to do the project for fun or learning or something.   If you are more interested in the end result than the project, buy a commercial unit, it will be more reliable and perform better.I don't have space for anything like that, although my inner engineer seems to want to build something fancy.  I have been researching air powered blacksmith hammers.  I designed a power feed with closed loop control for my woodworking friend's bandsaw, just because I got interested in the subject.  I don't think that it will ever be built.Perhaps I should partner with somebody on a project, or just start the power hammer.  My inner engineer is calling, it seems.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Interesting but I am not sure what it could be used for.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by rafergusonI know a guy who built a three axis router for wood. I think that the work envelope is 4 feet by 4 feet.  It did not look all that complicated.   Five axis sure adds layers of complexity.   Would require some work to prevent the electronics from going crazy due to the electromagnetic interference coming from a plasma cutter.
Reply:A buddy of mine produces CAD files on his computer, and then takes those files to a local shop, which laser cuts the stainless per the CAD file.   He does not see a need to own his own plasma or laser cutter, when cutting prices are reasonable.  He does his CAD work in Rhino.I had some plasma cutting work done a couple of years ago, was not a big expense.  I know a guy who has a water jet shop, his charge for cutting things is not prohibitive.  He can even work with sketches and digitize them.The problem with cutting tables, besides the expense, is the space that they take up, maintenance, etc.     If it was something that you used every day, or even a couple of times a week, I am sure that it would pay for itself.  For most of us, it would not be worth it.The CAD tools for your computer vary in price, but many cost less than $1000, they would produce files that a cutter could use, whether your own or that of a local shop.I would think that the smart money would be to buy the CAD programs for your computer, learn to produce cutting files that the local shop could use.   That would be a smaller commitment of time, money, and space.   If you got to the point that you were going to the outside shop twice a week, might be time to buy your own cutter.  If you had that much work you would not have time to build your own cutter.....RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge