plasma cutter

[agjohn02]

they aren't hard to build if you're not being a jew about it.

thats the second time tonight i have heard doug refer to someone else as a jew

[robertf03]

they aren't hard to build if you're not being a jew about it. You could build a really nice cnc table for 1500

are you talking about actually making one from scratch, or is there some kit?

seems like there would be some microcontroller programming involved which would make it hard for most.

[agjohn02]

nah, search for logjam grant on pirate in the IH forum.

[robertf03]

nah, search for logjam grant on pirate in the IH forum.

i've seen that a while ago, but don't remember what he did

so how would you control the stepper motors on the x and y axis without some sort of microcontroller?

[agjohn02]

better yet, ill link it. this is a very long, entertaining read. somewhere in there he built his own CNC plasma table. this is what long, cold, dark winters will do to you...


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157086

[agjohn02]

he used a desktop or something

[Doug Krebs]

you can either use steppers or servos, either will need a controller (drive). Steppers are the cheaper route, which are fine for plasma's since they have no force put on them. Most people use servo's geared down for cnc routers for their power.

You can find free program's to control the drives.

If anyone is really interested I can give a couple links.

There are basically two parts tow cnc plasmas that are a pain. The drive system/controls and linear bearings of some sort.

My plan in the far future is to use rack and pinion for the x and y. If I decide on a z axis I'll use a short ball screw. I already have the servo's and I'd gear them down with a pulley before the rack and pinion.

Edit: there are comple drive systems with steppers/servos, drivers, and software.

[robertf03]

well a desktop would still play a big part in the whole deal.

I've thought about attempting it and I'd have the desktop converting the generic tool path to whatever info I need for the cnc table and serial linked to a microprocessor (atmel of some sort) controling the stepper motor interfaces and handling all the zero settings.

too many projects already

[AggieTJ2007]

you can make a pattern torch real easy and its a poor mans CNC

[CRaSHnBuRN]

okay, the one I'm looking at is the Mitech one listed in this thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458533 Yeah, i know its a cheapy, and maybe not as good as a name brand one, but even so, people seem to like it, and for around 500 on ebay, its hard to beat. I don't know, I may give it a try. As for the torch vs plasma thing, if I need a torch, just about everyone seems to have one, so I can borrow one of those if need be.

[Graystroke]

torches are cheap...I got mine for free. I did smoe work on his car and he worked commercial construction and they were replacing all of theirs. It's a victor 200 series. You can rent the bottles (the big ones) from Bryan Welding on 2818 for $9 a month. This was the route I went b/c I was graduating in less than a year and it was one less thing to move..I had plenty already!

[mudtoy67]

nah, search for logjam grant on pirate in the IH forum.

Look in General4x4 forum also. He does some crazy stuff. Did you see his battery charger powered welder booster?

[CRaSHnBuRN]

Grant is a nutcase. On the alaska 4x4 network they have thier own special section of the forum for the crazy stuff he creates

[jerryg79]

Grant is a nutcase. On the alaska 4x4 network they have thier own special section of the forum for the crazy stuff he creates

He's not nearly as crazy as steve, that guy makes tig welders out of aluminum foil on the Nebraska Offroad Site.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

He's not nearly as crazy as steve, that guy makes tig welders out of aluminum foil on the Nebraska Offroad Site.

Yeah, well Jimmy's uncle has a pocket knife

Anybody come across good deals on these things? I have been contemplatin one for a while but don't have access to my research right now.