[Weldtutor]

Simple construction methods without elaborate machining techniques, as well as "user friendly" electronic control components, are features I attempted to incorporate into this project.
Thanks CNC Zone & to the many who have posted information, plans, answered questions as well as given opinions.
The table top was first squared, levelled, & tack welded on the shop floor.
Legs (2" square tube), casters, & leg spreaders (1" std. pipe) were added.
Welding of these components was then completed.
More to follow.
Weldtutor

[Weldtutor]

Since first seeing John K's idea over 2 years ago, I have also been having 'Pipe Dreams' but of the plasma kind.
Jgro's plans were consulted, as well a reading & studying hundreds of posts here & on other sites.
The free plasma table plans by Mike Laws, available for downloading here at CNC Zone
were what finally gave the inspiration to attempt making the dream a reality.
Being a fan of KISS engineering I thought, with a few modifications 'I can build that.' I have a chop saw, a drill press, & a welder. If needed the big hammer as well as the disc grinder can be put into play.
Download the plans, print them out, study them, ask questions, make drawings, change the drawings, plan some more, ask, scheme, dream etc. Yes, 'I can build that.'
And so I started....................

[trubleshtr]

Off to a good start, have you decided on a plasma cutter model yet?

[Weldtutor]

Hi Trubleshtr
I plan to use a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51 plasma cutter. There are many good machines available from the various manufacturers. I had it narrowed down to a choice of 2 manufacturers.
It would seem to be a matter of indivual preference, based on needs, after doing a search of what the market has available.
Thanks for your interest.
Weldtutor

[GAWnCA]

Hi Trubleshtr
I plan to use a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51 plasma cutter. There are many good machines available from the various manufacturers. I had it narrowed down to a choice of 2 manufacturers.
It would seem to be a matter of indivual preference, based on needs, after doing a search of what the market has available.
Thanks for your interest.
Weldtutor

Has anyone ever made their own plasma cutting head, complete with electronics?

[Weldtutor]

Has anyone ever made their own plasma cutting head, complete with electronics?

The Yahoo plasma cutting group has some information available that you may find helpful.

If you are a member there, check the FILES section for Home Brew Plasma.

You will find a schematic, a video, etc.(flame2) Be careful!

[GAWnCA]

The Yahoo plasma cutting group has some information available that you may find helpful.

If you are a member there, check the FILES section for Home Brew Plasma.

You will find a schematic, a video, etc.(flame2) Be careful!

Thanks Weldtutor, I'll have to check that out. BTW do you happen to have the direct link?

[Weldtutor]

Thanks Weldtutor, I'll have to check that out. BTW do you happen to have the direct link?

This is the link. It may not open unless you have signed up as a member.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/p...omeBrewPlasma/

[Weldtutor]

The 1st photo shows the collars used to hold & allow for adjustment of the X axis rails.
In the 2nd, an angle mounting bracket has been welded to the collar. Slots in the brackets will allow for additional adjustment of the brackets & hence the rails. Brackets will be located at each of the 4 corners of the table top.

[trevorhinze]

Here are some photos that weldtutor resized for me. Hopefully they will serve some inspiration to anyone attempting to build their own plasma table. It can be done!

[Weldtutor]

Thanks for posting the photos Trevorhinze.
Your design is one that is very workable and should help others to take the starting plunge.
The earlier post of your partially built machine certainly was encouraging for me. The compact work area of 2' X 4' would be attractive for a lot of home shops.
Weldtutor

[Weldtutor]

The X axis mounting bracket that was in post #5 above, is seen here fastened to one of the table corners.

A shim was located between the table edge & the bracket to allow for additional adjustment of the axis rail during fabrication.

The table is also shown with the gantry positioned on the X axis rails.
WT

[Weldtutor]

Angle iron, 1/8" X 1-1/4" X 1-1/4" was used to hold the bearings for each axis.
The various sets were shimmed differently depending on the axis rail sizes.

X = 1-1/4" Nominal Std. pipe
Y = 1"
Z = 1/2"

The confused sales clerk at the sporting goods store told me the bearings were only for use with real inline skates!!! (chair)
Weldtutor

[mlaws1172]

LOOKING GREAT? It is cool to see all the new plasma being built. As these get built, we should compile pictures and plans in one place. It would give a lot of options for some one wanting to build a table.
Keep posting pictures.
mike

[Weldtutor]

Thanks for the comments Mike, & to others, feel free to add yours or ask questions.

By doing a search for "Free Plasma Table Plans" you will be able to download the plans that Mike has generously contributed. Or click this link-->http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...ma+table+plans
Weldtutor

[Weldtutor]

The control box pictured is from Trevorhinze plasma table in post #6.

Contents include Linisteppers mounted on the large heatsink, power supply unit, cooling fan, a nice air filter etc.

[Weldtutor]

These photos give an overview of what the table & gantry is starting to look like.

The 2nd. shows the back side of the gantry with the Y axis carriage sitting in place.

[pyaden]

love your design--how are you driving the x y axis do you have pics for that part

[Weldtutor]

love your design--how are you driving the x y axis

Hi Pyaden,
Thanks for your interest.
Glad you like the design.
The machine is working quite well for me.

The first photo is a close-up of the X drive motor & gearbox. The output shaft from the 'box transmits power to a cross shaft to drive both sides of the X axis.

Second photo shows one X sprocket in the foreground, with the opposite side sprocket in background behind the 'box.

Third is a close -up of the Y drive motor & gearbox mounted on the gantry.

Fourth is the drive side of gantry (y Axis)

Fifth is torch mount side of gantry.

Viewing of these, as well as the pictures posted earlier in the thread should give an idea of the location of the drives & their operation.
If you need more information feel free to ask.

[vcooney]

This may sound dumb to most of you guys...but how does the torch start and stop? Does Mach3 control that?

Vince