View Full Version : My dirt cheap torch table
massajamesb 09-03-2006, 06:36 PM I finally got some pics together of my cheapo cnc oxyfuel table. Be forwarned, there is nothing special about my table. It is of the simplest design I could come up with, I have a total of 550 bucks in it. I am going to build another Y axis piece, so I will have Zaxis eventually. I use this to build chassis and suspension pieces, so I was in a bit of a hurry to get it together. She aint gonna win any beauty pageants, but I get consistent parts, rapids upwards of 300 IPM ( useful when a plasma is attached), and NO MORE HAND TORCHING. I will probably use this machine to build the parts for my next table, but it works for now. I am running
Software:
Deltacad for drawing freebie
Quickstep3 for controller software 55 bucks
Breakout board
Hubbardcnc off Ebay, has built in relays for torch 55 bucks
Motors and drives
Gecko 201 (had Hobbycnc, saving them for something else, though they did work)on X and Y 105 ea x2
Keling Inc 425 ozin parallel bipolar motor dual driving X 45 bucks
Powermax II 200 ozin parallel bipolar driving Y 25 bucks
Linear motion is provided by
www.vxb.com bearings, bought 32 cheapies for about 10 bucks
www.surpluscenter.com all the roller chain, sprockets, idler sprockets, etc. 100 bucks
Ebay power supply. 15 bucks
Ebay machine torch 50 bucks.
all the metal was courtesy of my shop neighbor, who is a metal recycler.
The only other thing that put me over 550 bucks was my flea market computer, 15 bucks.
Again, I know she aint much to look at, but I stay too busy to put too much time into building it exactly how I wanted it. I am trying to get everything running perfect in Quickstep3, so I can post up some parts.
I am really just posting this up to show everyone that you don't have to have a huge budget to build a working machine. Paint will probably never touch it, I don't even have a great slat support system. But, again, it cuts the same part everytime, exactly like I drew it. Slag is minimal, as I am getting heat, tip size, and travel speed learned little by little. Hope some one enjoys it as much as I do.
It must be noted that the arc'd cut shown was the result of the preheat and flame pics shown, the kerf is about .07. Only problem was, I ran out of oxygen while cutting. You can see that in the piercing pic.
motomitch1 09-03-2006, 06:57 PM Thats a really nice low budget torch table.
massajamesb 09-03-2006, 07:26 PM Thank you. It doesn't take my breath away when I look at it, but, hey, I can't complain!
Weldtutor 09-06-2006, 07:53 AM I finally got some pics together of my cheapo cnc oxyfuel table. It is of the simplest design I could come up with,
Great project Massajamesb.
Congratulations, all of your study has paid off for you.
Thanks for sharing the photos & build details!
Beetman05 09-06-2006, 02:01 PM Nice job Massajamesb and thanks for sharing pictures.
Beetman05
massajamesb 09-06-2006, 02:12 PM Thank you Beetman. Your table is was the deciding factor in going with roller chain, and I will say that the end result was quite satisfactory. Although, I will have to say, I hope to build one as nice looking as yours next. I may still "pretty" mine up as I go along, but right now my time is slim, so a chance to build a plasma table as nice as yours is off in the distance . I am happy to say that my table has been running 4-5 hours a day with no problems, other than I still need to build a better slat support system. I appreciate all the help other Zone members have given, as it has all been instrumental in the planning and assembly of my project.
massajamesb 12-05-2006, 10:37 PM Here is an update on the machine. I can't leave well enough alone, so I took all the chain off and went with timing belt and pulley, and then gear rack and spur gear. I have also built a Z axis, but it is not on the machine yet. Here are a couple videos of the machine running a part file.
No, it is not pretty yet. Although, the one I am building at the moment is..... :)
now I just gotta put that new Thermal Dynamics torch on!;)
Weldtutor 12-06-2006, 07:50 AM Here is an update on the machine. Here are a couple videos of the machine running a part file.
You are "moving" right along with the machine modifications.
In the video doing the tracing, is the pen floating, or spring loaded, or in a fixed Z position?
Congrats on the new moderator position. :cheers:
Is there a source for that great new avatar? :confused: It looks great!
massajamesb 12-06-2006, 01:23 PM :wave: You are "moving" right along with the machine modifications.
In the video doing the tracing, is the pen floating, or spring loaded, or in a fixed Z position?
Congrats on the new moderator position. :cheers:
Is there a source for that great new avatar? :confused: It looks great!
Thanks Weldtutor. I have you to thank, along with several others for the knowledge I have gained.
I am building a Z and should have it on quickly.
Now if I could just figure out what I am supposed to moderate.....;)
If you want, just right click on the avatar, save to computer. Freebie.
accuratemike 12-08-2006, 07:34 PM I bumped into the pics when I saw your thread at the top of the page. You didn't tell me they were up! Since 9-06! Welcome to the dirt cheap oxy/fuel torch table club (I think we are in a small one). I use mine as much as I can. (sometimes I just think of things to do with it) .
For those who don't remember mine:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6923
Enjoy dirt cheap oxy/fuel torch table-ing :)
MIKE
massajamesb 12-08-2006, 09:18 PM yeah, I have some chassis tabs I cut in my profile.
Thanks for your help along the way, I still envy your machine!
The dirt cheap club is small, but as this hobby grows, so will the club.
Thanks again, Mike.
Happy holidays!
Dale Heart 12-24-2006, 08:31 PM I look at this in (rude comments removed) unlimited admiration for your ability to get that thing to cut. Oh man I'm laughing. Good job.
massajamesb 12-24-2006, 09:05 PM Thanks, I think?
It looks completely different now, thank God. I had to clean it up a little to prevent getting tetanus. :)
I am building a much nicer and larger machine now. I know it's nothing special,even now, compared to some who have an unlimited budget or a industrial size machine, or both.
Glad I could give you a laugh, Dale.
millman52 12-25-2006, 03:06 AM If it's cheap, it's for me. Even better if it's free!!!!!
massajamesb 01-14-2007, 08:10 PM Here is a set of brackets I burned the other day, the hole is 2" in diameter, and the plate is 1/2" thick. I dipped them in my muriatic acid tank, and then accidentally left them outside uncovered, so I started grinding the resulting rust off. I took a pic right before I got done grinding.
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I sold my "john holmes" style oxyfuel machine torch to a fellow Zone member,
I sold the oxyfuel torch because I picked up another plasma, this one specifically for this machine (Cutmaster 50). Not three weeks went by before I needed to burn some thick plate cleanly, :) Live and learn, I guess.
Here is a peek at what is to come so I can quit using my plasma hand torch!
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The Z axis is ready to go, just waiting on a driver board to come in.
Hopefully the "Candcnc fairy" (can I say that jokingly? Sorry, Tom:D) will be depositing a ATHC under my pillow in a couple weeks, with OOPS (UPS :D) delivery service bringing the new Dell loaded with Xp right after that.
I got Les at Sheetcam to write me a post for Quickstep, so that makes life so much better. I like the combo so much, I might just leave it alone.
I also went ahead and picked up the "Pulsepacer" for Quickstep.
For anyone considering it, buy it. It is worth it, period.
All the more reason to put the ATHC and new Dell on the new machine I am building, and load it with Mach!
More to come.
Pyrotechnical 01-16-2007, 07:05 AM My setup originally was chain driven, it is now rack and pinion with timing belts and pulley for gear reduction. I just don't like spending money I don't have to, and I built my table on a strict budget. My table looks nothing like my old pics on here, it is completely different now.
Pics???
massajamesb 01-16-2007, 07:46 AM old or new?
Pyrotechnical 01-16-2007, 10:46 AM New please!
I'd like to see pics of your updated drive system in particular.
massajamesb 01-16-2007, 11:15 AM New please!
I'd like to see pics of your updated drive system in particular.
Umm... Ok. I don't have any of the machine with the new carriage on it, but I have some from when I switched to rack drive and timing belt reduction.
My camera is not the greatest, but here you go.
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The table usually has all the slats in place for the cutting bed, but I had to remove a few for some other work I was doing. These pics are actually a few weeks old, at least. I didn't even know I had them until the other day.
Again, the carriage is different that that. My cheesy oxyfuel torch holder is gone, and in its' place is a Z axis for plasma, so what you see in this picture is a bit misleading.
I have some video of it running just like this somewhere in the 200-250 IPM range, but it wont upload here, pm me if you want the video. It is nothing special, just running a dry part verification really fast.
Is this what you were looking for? I can take some better pics after all this ice down here thaws, allowing me to get to the shop.
Pyrotechnical 01-16-2007, 11:35 AM Those are good enough to give me the general idea, thanks.
Where'd you source the rack hardware, and how much did it run? In your "Dirt cheap" thread there was a breakdown of roughly what the original version cost.
I like the dirt cheap approach as a way of learning what works and what doesn't without spending big bucks, or starting such a big/expensive project that it doesn't get finished.
massajamesb 01-16-2007, 12:04 PM Ok, I have been asked to tally up where my machine is now, cost wise.
Here goes:
Cad is the same, so that is free.
Got a copy of Sheetcam 150 dollars
I still use Quickstep, although I now use the pulse pacer, software was originally 55 dollars, and the pulse pacer 70, so 125 there.
My motors are the same, so 25 bucks for Powermax II and 45 for the Keling,
I bought a Z motor off Ebay for 15 bucks, so 85 in motors
My breakout board is the same, 55 bucks there.
Two Gecko 201's, 105 each, so 210 there (2 201's for 210? :) )
I have reused all of my original bearings, so that is still 10 bucks.
I replaced all the chain drive with spur gear and rack from Carr Mcmaster.
I think the rack was 28 bucks for each 4 foot length, so 3- 4 foot pieces, and three 20 tooth gears at 15 apiece = 120 for rack, and 45 for gears.
I will say here that the chain did work just fine, and I would have no problems using chain again, but I have what I like to refer to as mechanical ADD or ADHD, meaning I can't leave something alone long enough to let it work. This was really the reason I switched, I just wanted to see how it would work.
I purchased a small lead screw off Ebay for 10 bucks for Z
I made my own Z mount, although I don't like my original design after seeing someone else the other day. I guess I will have to change that up, now!
My computer was a 15 dollar flea market special, running Windows 98.
same power supply, 15 bucks.
sold my original oxyfuel torch, paid 50 for it. Bought a new one for 125.
I now have a 900 dollar plasma cutter to add,
and I just got a brand new machine torch off Ebay for 120 bucks, with tips and all. A day or two after that, I got another machine torch off Ebay for about 20 bucks. So now I either have a spare, or one to sell.:)
I have been talking to Torchhead about the purchase of a ATHC, though I think I will buy it for my next machine instead of this one, since I can't run Mach on the computer at my shop. I will have to upgrade.
So, after it is all said and done,
150
125
85
55
210
10
165
10
15
15
50
=
890 bucks after adding Sheetcam (150), a pulse pacer (70), Z leadscrew and nut (10), Z motor (15), and spur gear and rack (165),
then I sold the old torch, and bought
plasma 900
two plasma machine torches 140
new oxyfuel torch 125
so there is an additional 1165.
Total spent, not counting two Hobbycnc boards, the cost of the original chain, trips to the ER, one count of tetanus (J/K :D) and the slats for the metal, some random electrical crap,
2055 for a fully functional plasma/oxyfuel cutter.
I liked 550 a lot better :D
Did I miss anything?
EDIT: yes, I forgot, the timing belts and pulleys from Hubbard cnc on Ebay were 50 bucks, and I bought a StepmasterNc 1 axis board for my Z.
Total of 2160, then.
Pyrotechnical 01-16-2007, 09:27 PM Thanks for the update.
grinder_gary 02-04-2007, 09:44 PM Jame,
Do you use a relay and a valve to operate the cutting gas on your torch or do you do it manually. I am just wondering if it is easy to set up something to start the cut without having to lean over the table to start a cut in the middle
Gary
massajamesb 02-04-2007, 10:52 PM Jame,
Do you use a relay and a valve to operate the cutting gas on your torch or do you do it manually. I am just wondering if it is easy to set up something to start the cut without having to lean over the table to start a cut in the middle
Gary
Yes. I have a 12volt dc air solenoid and a relay built in to my breakout board. I use pin 14 (M07-on, M09-off) to activate the cutting oxygen.
My Oxygen regulator has a 1/4"NPT female outlet, I got a brass pipe tee and threaded it into the regulator. One side of the T goes straight to the Pre-heat side of the torch, and it is regulated there with a knob, like a normal torch. The other side of that T goes into a 12 volt solenoid, and the outlet of that solenoid goes to the cutting oxygen port of the torch.
My code looks like this in Quickstep4 (Mach would be similar, M code is dependant on the pin output) when cutting a normal part. I make sure the torch is away from the part to be cut by sending it home(X0.0 Y0.0) at the beginning of every job, so I can light it. From there it goes to the lead-in coordinate and preheats, then pierces. At the end of a cut, I program a 1 second pause to keep from damaging the cut edge while it is still molten and to let all the cutting oxygen bleed off.
G00 X0.0Y0.0 (light the torch manually)
G00 X0.1 Y.1 (edge of part)
G04 sec=10 (pause in seconds for preheat, in this case 10 seconds)
M07 ( pierce and cut)
G01 X(whatever)Y (whatever)
M09 (torch off)
G04 sec=1
G00 X0.0 Y0.0
Note that this does not include any Z function, but if you have Z on your machine, then you will know what actions it needs to take.
I know this is a bit more than you asked for, but it should help those out there who are having a bit of trouble "seeing" how it works.
The same breakout board I use is available here:
http://stores.ebay.com/HUBBARD-CNC-COMPONENTS_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d999QQftidZ2QQtZkm
I notice that he doesn't have the one I bought for sale up right now, but I am sure if you send him a message, he might procure one. Tell him I sent you!
Gary, if you (or any other Zone member) need a solenoid, PM me, I will get you set up with the neccesary parts or info.
For anyone interested, here is a part for you. This is a set of motor mounts for a S10 truck, if you want to put in a small block motor. THis is a .zip file
This is originally set up for plasma, though oxyfuel would be similar.31009
grinder_gary 02-05-2007, 07:09 PM Thanks for all the information. Lots more than I expected to get and so helpful. I did PM you with a request fro model or make.
Gary
massajamesb 02-16-2007, 10:01 PM Finally brought the camera home from the shop. Here is a couple of things I have been up to.... Should have some video or video links up soon....:)
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Weldtutor 02-17-2007, 09:09 AM I switched to rack drive and timing belt reduction.
(Re. Jan 16 post)
In the top photo, what sort of bearing arrangement is used, for the shaft supporting the larger timing pulley & the pinion gear?
It appears simple & effective.
Thanks, WT
massajamesb 02-17-2007, 06:46 PM What are you referring to in the pic?
EDIT: Now I see what you are referring to. I bought some 1/2" bronze flange bearings from www.SurplusCenter.com that I inset into the 1/4" plate everything is mounted to. The shaft went through the large pulley and into a spur gear.
Only thing is, I (guess what) changed it, to where there is actually a 11 gauge box around the pulleys, etc. If I think about it I will post up a picture sometime this week.
Weldtutor 02-17-2007, 07:44 PM 1/2" bronze flange bearings
Thanks, that answers the question.
massajamesb 02-20-2007, 06:55 PM http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q101/massajamesb/plasma%20video/th_Picture014.jpg (http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q101/massajamesb/plasma%20video/?action=view¤t=Picture014.flv)
My buddy Randy is a Batman freak. I thought I would share these.
1/4 plate with the TD plasma, 45 IPM
topcat662 02-27-2007, 11:49 AM Cool table! I'm in the process of building one myself. How do you like the software you mentioned? I'm having a hard time trying to decide which software to use myself. I appreciate seeing your machine and look forward to hearing about your opinions on the software! Thanks ahead of time,
Eddie
massajamesb 02-27-2007, 12:20 PM Cool table! I'm in the process of building one myself. How do you like the software you mentioned? I'm having a hard time trying to decide which software to use myself. I appreciate seeing your machine and look forward to hearing about your opinions on the software! Thanks ahead of time,
Eddie
First off, welcome to CncZone, hope you enjoy the site and helpful people.
:wave:
I love the software I use, it is simple and easy to use. I can go from a simple drawing to a cut file being processed within a minute. The Batman file in the above mentioned video took about 5 minutes to draw, and about 45 seconds later I was cutting it.
There are other software programs available that have a lot more "niceties" than the combo I use, but there are a lot of those features I wouldn't even use.
Start up a build thread on your table, so others can see it as well. Good luck!
topcat662 02-27-2007, 04:41 PM Thanks for the welcome and the info! I will post a thread on the construction as soon as I see if it works ok! Did you use the 4 Quickstep with PulsePacer Attachment. If so I was wondering if it would replace the controller that I built from the hobby cnc kit I bought.(just seems easier if possible). I have the kit with the three 200 oz motors. Thanks again for the info I really appreciate it!
Eddie
massajamesb 02-27-2007, 05:10 PM Thanks for the welcome and the info! I will post a thread on the construction as soon as I see if it works ok! Did you use the 4 Quickstep with PulsePacer Attachment. If so I was wondering if it would replace the controller that I built from the hobby cnc kit I bought.(just seems easier if possible). I have the kit with the three 200 oz motors. Thanks again for the info I really appreciate it!
Eddie
No problem.
I do have the pulsepacer, however it does not "replace" the motor drivers, the pulsepacer generates the step timing, whereas normally the computer processor has to do that. It allows for a higher step rate, smoother running motors, and much higher RPM's.
You can buy version 3, which just runs from the normal processor, or version 4, which uses the Pulsepacer. If you have the funds, get the pulsepacer. The version 3 is pretty nice for the price, but the difference between the two is night and day.
You will have to modify your Db25 cable to use Quickstep with most boards, as the pinouts are set and not changeable. I did use my Hobbycnc boards with Quickstep originally, and was very happy. I did, however, wind up using Gecko 201's in the end, 1 for X, and 1 for Y.
I also use Sheetcam for G code, and all the nice stuff it does for plasma users.
topcat662 02-27-2007, 09:00 PM Thanks again!
It's great having a place like this to get advice. In case you didn't notice I'm quite new to the whole cnc game. I've built many tools before for my shop (english wheel, helve hammer) to name a few but get confused when it comes to electronics.
My greatest challege in the shop is cutting out metal for brackets and some body panels that I build, and I thought the cnc plasma cutter would make that a bit easier.
I don't quite have the extra funds but would rather get a program that might make it easier for me. I saved quite a bit on the table, it was a leftover from an intel chip maker, the linear bearings were a trade from a friend for making a motorcycle gas tank for him. The steppers and controller are the 200 oz kit from hobby cnc. My plasma cutter is a miller spectrum 375. I know it's not quite ideal for this but I had to work with what I had. This whole table won't be for production work, just hopefully to make life easier (and more accurate) for some pieces. I was also very interested in your torch holder, I think that's thre route I'm going to have to go too. I was thinking about incorperating some springs to let the torch move up when the metal moves. Hopefully it will all come together and work out well. I will be happy to post pictures of the whole shabang as soon as it gets done.
Thanks again for all the advice,
Eddie, Fast Eddie's Hotrods
massajamesb 02-27-2007, 09:25 PM Glad I could help, any other questions, etc. just give a shout to me or any of the other helpful members online here.
There have been a few of the spring suspended THC's made, some on this forum have some good pics of them. I have thought about that, but am weary of any drag on the material. I really am happy with just having a "Z" movement, even though it doesn't automatically move the torch up and down if the material warps.
Most of the stuff I cut is thick enough I don't have to worry about it :)
Good luck!
EDIT: I should also mention that for what you are going to be doing, you will probably be happy using the Miller you have. If you are only going to be cutting out parts here and there, try the demo download of Quickstep available on his website, you can load G code into it and test it out.
massajamesb 04-05-2007, 11:30 PM 34893
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Here are some updated photos of my 4x4 table. It will soon be mothballed in the corner, as my 5x10 table is almost complete except for the electronics side of it, I will probably have pics of it up soon.
EDIT: built the 5x10 framework and sold it soon after this post.
i can't find the plans or info on the begining cheap plasma metal cutter. I need to get one put together as fast, cheap, and easily as possible. I can't spend the $2,000. I'm only able to spend up to $1,000. Help plz
first post up there. I've been reading for about 4 hours, but I still might of missed somethin. cheap, simple, and easy is what i need, thanks
massajamesb 04-30-2007, 06:15 PM i can't find the plans or info on the begining cheap plasma metal cutter. I need to get one put together as fast, cheap, and easily as possible. I can't spend the $2,000. I'm only able to spend up to $1,000. Help plz
Welcome to Cnczone :wave:
Ok, you must first realize that about 1000 of my 2000 dollar amount was the plasma I now use
The original table itself, along with electronics, computer, etc. was 550 bucks. That was everything but a plasma.
It was a simple square table built out of 2x2x1x4 box tube, total measurements were actually 5'x5' to give me a 4'x4' cut area. The gantry was originally 1.5x3x3/16 rectangle tubing, and I used simple cheap skate bearings for movement. It was also originally chain driven.
I didn't really have any plans, though I suppose I could get some up, if wanted or needed. PM me if you really need some plans that badly, though there is a list on the first page of this thread of what I used....I can also give links to where I got everything, if my original links aren't up anymore.
My original 550 dollar build used oxyfuel instead of plasma, and I already had the tanks, regulators, etc. All I did was get an inexpensive oxyfuel machine torch to use instead of my hand torch, which I could have used, but didn't want to.
millman52 05-01-2007, 04:14 PM Jout, Not to discourage you at all. It may be possible to build a table for the $1000.00 The "needing it as quickly as possible" usually means spending money because you don't have time to shop for those "great deals", Or scroung high & low to save a buck.
James, Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you pick up lots of your build materials salvage from a local scrap yard?
Great way to save money but then again you'll spend time looking & then cleaning, straightening etc.
Then the (EASY) part. I guess that depends on ones own definition of what's easy. & the tools you have at your disposal to use.
Again I really don't want to discourage anyone & will to the best of my ability try to help in any way I can.
I would advise you to speend more like 40 or even 80 hours of reading before you begin spending money.
How large of a machine do you think it will take to meet your needs? What are you going to be cutting? Steel? Al? Stainless? How thick? If much more than 11 gauge steel, how are you going to load sheets on your table? You really need the answers to these questions before you start buying things too.
massajamesb 05-01-2007, 05:36 PM Jout, Not to discourage you at all. It may be possible to build a table for the $1000.00 The "needing it as quickly as possible" usually means spending money because you don't have time to shop for those "great deals", Or scroung high & low to save a buck.
James, Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you pick up lots of your build materials salvage from a local scrap yard?
Great way to save money but then again you'll spend time looking & then cleaning, straightening etc.
Then the (EASY) part. I guess that depends on ones own definition of what's easy. & the tools you have at your disposal to use.
Again I really don't want to discourage anyone & will to the best of my ability try to help in any way I can.
I would advise you to speend more like 40 or even 80 hours of reading before you begin spending money.
How large of a machine do you think it will take to meet your needs? What are you going to be cutting? Steel? Al? Stainless? How thick? If much more than 11 gauge steel, how are you going to load sheets on your table? You really need the answers to these questions before you start buying things too.
Yes, Millman, you are right. I got the material to build it from the scrap yard. I was lucky in that all the tubing was thick wall, clean, and straight. Let's just say I keep a good friendship going with the owner, if he needs work done on a trailer, etc. I take care of him. In return, I get the metal I need cheap or free.
I probably saved 100-200 bucks in my build by using scrap or factory seconds. *shrug* If I wasn't such a cheap S.O.B. then I would have bought all new material.
I did learn my lesson on a few things, and I bought a couple of things twice. Add 1 part cheap S.O.B. to 1 part learning experience, stir vigorously.:) I built my machine to see if it could be done cheaply, and produce an acceptable product. It did then, and still does.
There is a lot of good that can come from patience, and when it comes to parts for a lowbuck cnc build, you must have a lot of patience. You are sacrificing needing the machine right away in return for saving a buck on a motor or what-have-you.
This is not to say a inexpensive machine can't be built, but moreover that you will in essence get what you pay for. Don't need an industrial table? Only going to (initially :)) use it once or twice a week? Don't mind learning a lesson or two? Enjoy the hobby? Build a small machine on a budget, and don't feel bad about it.
If this is your primary income, or will be running non-stop all day, then it is a investment, and should be built as such. You will depend on this to make money and feed your family? Build it right the first time and don't feel bad about it.
I built mine cheap, because I didn't forsee myself getting rich, retiring, or running it more than 5 hours a week. I was wrong ;) (well, at least about the run time:))
I put a few more bucks in it, and it runs when I want it to, the way I want it to. That was all I wanted to begin with.
Now if I weren't so hooked on anything/everything CNC, I might have a life again .........:rolleyes:
Yea, I do realize it'll take time. But I've also wasted too much time reading uneeded material. I've done well over 40-80 hours of reading, my head hurts, and I've landed here. =_= This forum seems to have the most info that I've found yet(everyones also not tryin to make a buck off of ya here) Fortunately (maybe not so furtanety for him :P ) massajamesb has givin me much of his undeserved time workin with me to get this thing done the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way possible. I'm saving time and money by learning from his(and maybe whoever elses) mistakes. I do appreciate all the help so far this forum has given me, and I'll deffinately get this thing posted once its done! =) And of course, I'll be askin questions untill then! =)
massajamesb 05-09-2007, 04:13 PM 37095
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37097Muhahahahah! (or insert equivalent evil laugh here).
Time for something new!
Nothing like a whole bunch of 2x6x1/2" C channel to brighten a rednecks day.:D
and so it begins, a new build........
Weldtutor 05-09-2007, 06:41 PM and so it begins, a new build........
I wonder what will evolve from this start. :confused:
That steel looks like what I get from my supplier.
Is that a 49-51 "Big M" flathead in picture 3?
massajamesb 05-09-2007, 07:01 PM I wonder what will evolve from this start. :confused:
That steel looks like what I get from my supplier.
Is that a 49-51 "Big M" flathead in picture 3?
Yup, 51 Merc. You can see the old front end standing up behind the C channel in the second pic.
Got a whole bunch of work in that one.
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Weldtutor 05-09-2007, 08:43 PM Yup, 51 Merc. 37113
Thanks for the photo of the radical piece of classic iron & a coupe no less!
Way before my CNC days (had to tuck that in to keep the post legit) I had a
'51 sedan with suicide doors, shaved all 4 handles, nosed & decked, flathead V8 with a flakey overdrive.
It was the only vehicle I ever twisted out 3 U-joints in 1 day. It sure would peel the rubber off it's 7.10 X 15" tires, with wide whitewalls.
Do 17 year olds still do those things at lunch time, in front of the high school?
Moved on to a '37 Plymouth coupe powered by a flat 6 from my oval track car, full race cam, Dodge K truck dual intake & exhaust manifolds. This one I channeled 7", mostly because the custom car magazines of the day said it was not possible, due to the semi-eliptical rear springs.
Thanks for the memories!:)
massajamesb 05-09-2007, 09:14 PM The owner of this coupe also has a 38 Ford he is bringing by for a laundry list of work.
If you look close, you will also see a 69 Chevy SWB pickup next to the Mercury, for a bit of work too.
If you were to open the bay door and look to the right, you would see a 47 Chevy 2 door, and a 55 or 56 Cadillac 2 door as well.
rustamd 05-14-2007, 09:22 PM Do 17 year olds still do those things at lunch time, in front of the high school?
Not here, they get arrested and suspended from school for few days for doing something like that, at least did when i was in HS :cool:
millman52 05-18-2007, 07:44 PM James, Making any headway on the design of your new machine?
massajamesb 05-18-2007, 07:48 PM Some. I hurt my neck this last Wednsday falling off a ladder at my shop, so I have been out of the loop a bit. Most of what I have done is a bit of CAD work, but all of it was done under the influence of Hydracodone and Percoset, probably not gonna use much of those drawings.....:D
millman52 05-18-2007, 08:01 PM Sorry to hear of your accident. A fwe weeks back I got my feet tangled in a waterhose outside & fell. I was lucky not to get hurt at all. It was one of those falls that felt like my feet went straight out & somehow I landed flat on my back. Da** it felt like I had been body slammed like a wrestler. I was lucky it happened in the lawn & not on the driveway.
massajamesb 05-18-2007, 08:04 PM Well, that sux in itself!
I am alive, and even halfway kicking. I have been confined to the couch for the last few days, and I am going stir crazy. If I don't get to burn some metal soon, I will go out of my mind.
At least I have gotten caught up on all of my soaps......:D
massajamesb 06-05-2007, 04:20 PM Well, this doesn't have jack-diddly to do with my new or old plasma, but I am pretty happy, nonetheless.
A fellow member sold me a metal lathe at a price I just couldn't refuse, and since I have been wanting one for a while now, that cinched the deal.
Not real sure on the manufacturer brand, there are no tags or plates that identify the darn thing. Anybody got a clue?
Included with my new toy was a tool rest, a number of live and dead centers, a plethora of drill bits, several large and small drill chucks, a couple small boxes of carbide cutting bits, a couple cutting and slotting carbide pieces, and a whole mess of gears, along with a 4 jaw chuck and 3 jaw chuck and a nice work rest.
A special thanks to my friend Dan Dimock for the nice lathe!
38605 38606
38607 38608
38609 38610
grinder_gary 06-05-2007, 07:27 PM Massa,
Nice find. That should keep you busy or more busy now that you have another tool to play with. :banana: Keep your feet on the ground and your hands away from them turnin things:confused:
GG
massajamesb 06-05-2007, 07:57 PM Well, to top it off, I may have an order for 300 plasma cut parts, if the time budget I am working with will work for the customer. So, if I wasn't already busy enough.....
not to mention my 52 Chevy coupe is sitting outside my door now :D
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