CNC Router Want to Add Plasma Head Questions and Help.

[Cartierusm]

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.

[jimcolt]

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

Originally Posted by Cartierusm 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.

[WSS]

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

[Cartierusm]

Ok good to know. The manual that came with the plasma cutter doesn't mention an optimal stand off height.