Plasma Shop Layout

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Plasma Shop LayoutWould appreciate any input as to my proposed layout for my plasma shop I am planning. I need knowledgeable, experienced input so that I can layout my electrical based on something other than my guesses as to what would and would not work.This whole plasma shop thing seems to be more complex than laying out a wood shop.  I will be a one man shop, me ! ! !No fork lift.At this point I am thinking mostly metal art and small projects for individuals.There are several large plasma/water jet & laser cutting operations near me that tend to serve the PetroChem Industry here.I am thinking, beyond metal art I can offer accessibility . . . the big guys really have no desire to do small one time jobs for anyone. Their bean counters have set the minimum price bar too high.Any suggestions would be appreciated . . . Thanks,Steve in Louisiana with the GATORS. . .  Attached ImagesPLASMA SHOP - LAYOUT.pdf (46.3 KB, 126 views)Millermatic® 251
Reply:In the process of building a plasma table.  If I could, I would put it close to my office area as it is air conditioned and that is where I would put the computer and have a window and a slide out drawer for the keyboard.  That way the computer would not be out in the shop area and have to have a separate cabinet.  Just a thought.............
Reply:Originally Posted by 1ShotIn the process of building a plasma table.  If I could, I would put it close to my office area as it is air conditioned and that is where I would put the computer and have a window and a slide out drawer for the keyboard.  That way the computer would not be out in the shop area and have to have a separate cabinet.  Just a thought.............
Reply:I wouldnt have the welder and welding table against the office wall..  I might would move a work table against the office wall.. Then move the welder and welding table along the wall the drill press is on.. maybe try the get another toolbox set back around the plasma table for misc wrenches, consumables, maybe some deburring tools and such.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:You need a way to get sheet & plate--easily onto the table, then easily take it off the table.Look at what others do for comfortable, safe, sheet & plate handling.Blackbird
Reply:Your layout looks good. I would wait till I had the table setup before running the electric. That way you can put the receptacles were you need them, so you don't have cords running all over. I was in one shop they had power cords dropped down from the ceiling to power most of the things in the shop kept the power cords off the floor.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:The most flexible power receptacles that I have seen were based on outlets hanging from flexible cable.   The flexible cable was secured to the ceiling, where needed.  One could easily move a piece of equipment without touching the wiring or turning off power, just get on a ladder or manlift, cut the cable tie holding the cable in place, and then resecure the cable in the desired place, at the desired elevation.   If they hit the cable with a manlift or a forklift, it just moved aside, no damage done.  They even did this for benches on the shop floor.More expensive at first, but probably saved money in the long run.  This might be especially helpful in a new shop, where one might be changing the layout.  It might be nice to have power outlets 7 feet in the air, just above your head, no cables to trip over.  Reach up and plug or unplug.I am rethinking my shop electrical and air right now, to get cords and hoses off the floor.RichardLast edited by raferguson; 06-01-2013 at 11:36 PM.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge