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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Plasma, EDM / Waterjet Machines > Waterjet General Topics > CNC Router Want to Add Plasma Head Questions and Help.
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    947

    CNC Router Want to Add Plasma Head Questions and Help.

    I've got a home built CNC Router that I've had for years and works perfect and is real accurate. Now I just bought a NON-HF start Plasma Cutter and thought I would make an attachment for the router. Now never used a CNC plasma cutter I thought I'd ask if there is anything I missed when setting this up?

    I figure since my table is wood just get a piece of 1/16" plate steel to cover the wood table up when cutting with the plasma, then add a 1" high steel grid to hold the material above the table.

    Then add a relay to the BOB as I did to turn on my spindle to turn on the Plasma.

    Other than that is there any other precaution or modification I need to make?

    Also what is a standard height I should have the torch above the work piece?

    And where's a good spot or general idea of AMPs I should run for thickness of material and Inches Per Minute on the CNC?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    2247
    If you have a 1" high grid, and then a 1/16" pice of steel with wood underneath......you will be burning the wood with the hot spray from the plasma.

    As far as stand off height.....each plasma is a bit different. You would have to read your plasma system operators manual for that info.

    Jim Colt


    Quote Originally Posted by Cartierusm View Post
    I've got a home built CNC Router that I've had for years and works perfect and is real accurate. Now I just bought a NON-HF start Plasma Cutter and thought I would make an attachment for the router. Now never used a CNC plasma cutter I thought I'd ask if there is anything I missed when setting this up?

    I figure since my table is wood just get a piece of 1/16" plate steel to cover the wood table up when cutting with the plasma, then add a 1" high steel grid to hold the material above the table.

    Then add a relay to the BOB as I did to turn on my spindle to turn on the Plasma.

    Other than that is there any other precaution or modification I need to make?

    Also what is a standard height I should have the torch above the work piece?

    And where's a good spot or general idea of AMPs I should run for thickness of material and Inches Per Minute on the CNC?

    Thanks.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    924
    A water table insert might be beneficial, perhaps (if you have the room) you could build a separate plasma table and move your gantry back and forth.

    Our table has 1/8" plate 9" below the cut surface and it is warped beyond recognition. I have 4 by 8 sheets laid in the bottom and have huge gaps were they overlap which allows hot stuff to make its way to the ground in spots.

    WSS

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    947
    Ok good to know. The manual that came with the plasma cutter doesn't mention an optimal stand off height.

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