CNC Plasma Table - Build Log

[WebDog]

So some of you might have noticed a few threads about slow delivery on bumper kits and other products. This is mainly due to the fact that I do not have the in house capabilities to manufacturer the items in a timely fashion.

I decided to only way to fix the issue is to get the proper equipment in house, so I am building a CNC Plasma Table. Plans are to buy a 60 gallon Ingersoll-Rand continuous duty compressor and a 48" Box and Pan Brake.

I feel this is the only way to meet the demand and not rely on 3rd party vendors anymore. The other good news is a few items that have had price increases due to 3rd party vendors will probably see a price reduction as our costs go down.

Most of the products are already in CAD and ready to put into production, so it only made sense to get a CNC Plasma Table in house. I looked at TorchMate and as nice as it is it just costs to much. I found looking at cnczone.com the PlasmaBot kit, it comes with the motor mounts and carriers. It also told me mainly what I would need and where to get it from.

I ordered the kit and started buying the components, it feels like christmas in July.

I will post the total cost to build the machine once all parts are purchased.

Most the table build is going to happen on nights and weekend as I am still working during the day on orders, so this will not affect day to day operations.

This table will have a 4x6' cutting are with water table, right now it will be used with the PowerMax 30, I plan to upgrade to a PowerMax 65 as soon as funds permit.

Photos of the progress and parts:

Floor is not nearly level so blocks and shims are required to level table.

 

[2stix]

very cool man. business is growing nice. keep it up. now start saving the taco bell change and get a huge forming press.

 

[xcm]

BAD. ASS.
what format do my files need to be? =)

 

[WebDog]

DXF I think... Ill know later tonight as I am getting the computer setup since I am waiting on a few small parts to finish the table up.

Thinking about ordering the compressor tonight, Amazon Prime is 75$ more than northern tool, but it will arrive the 3rd, northern tool says 16 - 20 days delivery...

 

[stumpXJ]

I am in the middle of converting my mill to CNC, the CNC Zone has been a huge help. Good luck with your build.. im sure itll make life easier. What CAM software are you going to use?

 

[WebDog]

I am looking at SheetCam TNG as my converter and Mach3 as the cnc controller.
Still not sure how they do the touch and go part.

I talked to grainger today and they said UPS did pick the item up Friday but are going to send out a replacement overnight in-case they are lost. A + service.

 

[stumpXJ]

I use MACH3 now, loving it so far.. I have played with their (mach3) Lazy Cam, and some other stuff. Its a definite learning curve...

~ James

 

[WebDog]

Yup, I am hoping to get the machine on the mocked up rails tonight so i can put some power to the motors and see what happens.

Last night I got the water table done and welded, I have one small leak that I need to re caulk.

I also ordered the air compressor so hope to have some nice shop air later this week.

 

[jmaxj]

a friend just built one, its pretty dang cool i must say. but i can't justify me building one since i can use his

keep it up good luck with it! :thumbup:

 

[GrimmJeeper]

i can help you out with creating dxf files if you need it Max. Looks like a bitchin new tool for the shop, i can't wait to see the grand total.

 

[WebDog]

Well got the slats in and water table works awesome. Going to stay up late and see if I cant get the machine working under its own power by tomorrow.

All the components.

 

[WebDog]

i can help you out with creating dxf files if you need it Max. Looks like a bitchin new tool for the shop, i can't wait to see the grand total.

I can export DXF from my cad program, that I have no issues with. I just need to figure out the importing of it into the mach 3.

 

[bigalpha]

what are the slats about?

 

[WebDog]

That is the cutting surface.

 

[WebDog]

Lastnight I got the temporary gantry and side rails in place.

 

[GrimmJeeper]

Looks bad ass, can't wait to see it finished!

 

[WebDog]

Just got done with the first cut and OMG it works mostly. It seems to be losing some steps on the y? (gantry).

I figured why not start with something complex.

 

[crash02]

awsome!

 

[WebDog]

Think I got the lost steps issue figured out, I had 1/8 stepping and 75% power. I changed it to 1/2 stepping and 50% power, and got the design on the screen on the metal.

I also re-arraged the axis's so it cuts from the front of the table and is not reversed as before.

Top one is after the changes and the bottom one is the before.

 

[WebDog]

Did a lot of cutting today on 3/16 looked like 28 IPM was the best speed for the Power Max 30.

The edges are very good and better than the PlasmaCam with a Powermax 1250 but that is probably because my consumables are in better shape.

I mounted the control box and tidied the wires up a bit. So i broke out the good camera for some photos.

I will be designing and cutting some limit switch mounts later this week.