I've been wanting to build a cnc plasma for about 5 years but it just hasn't been possible (built a house etc first).

Well I've just discovered that I have many of the parts sitting in my server room from a robotic tape library that we dont use anymore. So my goal is to pillage the parts from that guy to build the table.

My starting machine is a Adic Scalar 1000.

This machine has a 5'x2' XY gantry that I will modify to 5'x10'. It has 2 Advanced Motion Controllers and 2 Brushless servos with optical encoders. It's belt driven currently. (I would like to retain this if possible as it will make the build alot easier.)

Anyway here are some pics of the donor hardware.

The motors are Hathaway motors but I dont know what size they are.

http://lh6.google.com/lucentglow/RwWxM7Rp1uI/AAAAAAAAElY/brZAURsNwiQ/s800/DSCF2927.JPG

http://lh4.google.com/lucentglow/RwWxQbRp1wI/AAAAAAAAElo/xS73TPkhaEA/s800/DSCF2941.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/lucentglow/RwZYRbRp16I/AAAAAAAAEnU/c2XPGjPNXHY/s800/DSCF2962.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/lucentglow/RwWxirRp15I/AAAAAAAAEm0/w2NfNpG60tI/s800/DSCF2965.JPG

Mess of existing computer stuff to controll this thing. (not sure what all i can use for the table)
http://lh5.google.com/lucentglow/RwWxSrRp1xI/AAAAAAAAElw/J6aYqgSl72k/s800/DSCF2952.JPG


Anyway this seems like a good base to build from. I have 2 of these units. 1 is still in production and this one just sits there in the way.

Do you all have any recommendations? It also has power supplies etc so I should be good there.

Any idea on what size those motors are? They are about 3-4" in Dia.

Will the belt driven setup work ok for a start? I would like to start with what I have then modify it later if I need to.

Here is a link to some more pictures.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lucentglow/AdicScalar1000Parts

Thanks, I think this will be a fun project.

this does look like it would be a good starting point for a cnc plasma. however, i just took the plunge into my first one as well.....only thing i would say is that without knowing what size motors you have, keep everything that will be moving as light as possible and don't expect a speed demon. anyway, good luck and i'll be keep up with it as you go along.

The machine is pretty fast right now(still runs) and considering its actually gotta move the tape puller arm (pretty heavy actually) up and down fighting gravity. I figure in a week or so I will bring the cabinet home and pull it apart finding out what i really have and what I need to buy.

I'm planning on buying a hypertherm or thermal dynamics cutter that might ge me 1" max cut.

I have an elcheapo plasma cutter but it uses HF to start the arc and I've read that this will really interfere with the electronics.

Is there a max length anybody recommends running for a cogged v-belt on a table?

Thanks

Here is (1) example of a notched belt machine. Your "donor machine" looks like the belt is a continuous loop. The one shown here is a single length stretched out & anchored on each end. The stepper then travels the length of the belt.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=131260&postcount=18

If memory serves me Weldtutor actually used chain drive. I posted the above link because it was the first example I could find. I think you can find others.

Take time to browse all the different table builds at: Plasma, EDM and other similar machine Project Log Also check out all the router tables. Lots of great ideas there too.

OK a small update. I ordered the plasma torch today. I got a Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101. Now I'm on the hunt for the 2 belts I need and I need to order some SkyKo P100's for the drivers. I also started cleaning up the shop to make some space for this thing.

Another update. (no pics yet) I started taking the machine apart last night and I have 2 Celectica power supplies. 1 is 48v and 1 is 24v. Evidently Celectica bought Ascent Power and sells these units now. I haven't been successful in finding any documentation on the units because when i go to www.ascentpower.com I get an ITN website and the celestica website doesn't seem to informative just sales related.

Also found my sync belts from McMaster Carr. I'm thinking I will do a 5x10 table since I already have a 5' wide gantry and I have to extend the runners up the table anyway.

One question. Has anybody ever tilted their table on an angle to save some floor space? I've been thinking about this and the only downside I've found is the motor might have to work a little hard to move the cutter up the table. Also you couldn't do a standard water table but I think you could do a waterfall type solution where the water was pumped to the top then ran down covering the back with a small sheet of water.

Anyway just ideas I'm throwing around.

Also ordered my Pixies from Skyko which is one large link in the chain.


Thanks!

Well here is my start for the table. I am going to draw up the base this weekend so I can order some steel.

Powersupplies, Drivers, Motors and gantry system.
http://lh6.google.com/lucentglow/RzTTStVnn2I/AAAAAAAAE28/rTvHVoZRnQE/s800/DSCF3594.JPG


I have to find a replacement for the Y axis guide rail since that one is only 2 ft long.

Here are some pics of the Y I have to refabricate.
http://lh4.google.com/lucentglow/RzTSONVnnBI/AAAAAAAAEwM/vLK8vaTuKlE/s400/DSCF3541.JPG

The gantry again
http://lh6.google.com/lucentglow/RzTSrtVnnbI/AAAAAAAAEzc/2XKbgJ0WmtY/s400/DSCF3567.JPG

Anybody know where I might be able to find some slotted steel similar to the Y Axis rail I already have to replace?

More pics here http://picasaweb.google.com/lucentglow/CNCTable

Thanks!