[danro]

Hi all I'm based in the south of England and looking to source some parts for my latest project.

I'm planning on building a small 4x4 table to cut steel with my plasma cutter.
As it stands accuracy is not terribly important, but would obviously be nice..

I'm happy with my plans for the gantry side of things, I'm going to be using linear bearings, but I'm unsure of the electronics side. So have a few questions

1. Why should we cut our own threaded bar for the drive of the X & Y?
2. What motors\servos (available in the UK) should I be looking at?
3. What software should I use?
4. I've heard of "drivers" for the motors - what are these?

These are my most pressing questions, at the moment, any help or advice anyone can provide would be greatly received and if those replies can include the reason why, such solutions are best, then I can learn as I go!

Many thanks in advance

Danro

[jimcolt]

Look at the site www.candcnc.com for some great advice and products that include drives, motors, electronics, torch height control, and software for do it yourself cnc plasma machines. They are not in the UK......but many from the UK are using them. If nothing else the site will likely answer a lot of your questions regarding the necessary components for a cnc plasma machine...



Jim Colt Hypertherm

Hi all I'm based in the south of England and looking to source some parts for my latest project.

I'm planning on building a small 4x4 table to cut steel with my plasma cutter.
As it stands accuracy is not terribly important, but would obviously be nice..

I'm happy with my plans for the gantry side of things, I'm going to be using linear bearings, but I'm unsure of the electronics side. So have a few questions

1. Why should we cut our own threaded bar for the drive of the X & Y?
2. What motors\servos (available in the UK) should I be looking at?
3. What software should I use?
4. I've heard of "drivers" for the motors - what are these?

These are my most pressing questions, at the moment, any help or advice anyone can provide would be greatly received and if those replies can include the reason why, such solutions are best, then I can learn as I go!

Many thanks in advance

Danro

[danro]

Thanks Jim

Surfin' the site now!!

Danro