New build (sort of)?

[banjopup]

Here is what I would like to do. I currently have a cyber-nc router which works pretty well. Because I am a cheapskate I would like to see if I can use the controller and motors (or at least the controller) to build and run a 5x10 plasma table. I have an ESAB Powercut 875 that I would be using on this machine. Any thoughts, advice, plans etc?

[Torchhead]

Originally Posted by banjopup Here is what I would like to do. I currently have a cyber-nc router which works pretty well. Because I am a cheapskate I would like to see if I can use the controller and motors (or at least the controller) to build and run a 5x10 plasma table. I have an ESAB Powercut 875 that I would be using on this machine. Any thoughts, advice, plans etc?

Is it a 4 axis controller? Will it run with a PC and MACH3? With a 5 ft cutting area (6 + ft gantry) you need two things for plasma: speed and acceleration. Those call for a lighter gantry (acceleration = force/mass). Every pound you take out of the equation buys you more acceleration. Every IPS?sec more acceleration you have the sharper the turns your machine can do. So big heavy gantries are great for routing and milling but need big heavy motors for plasma.

The downside of a light gantry is you get flex over the length. If you drive a 6 ft long lever from one end and do the acceleration you need in plasma then you can see inertial forces at work with some ugly cuts. The solution is to drive both ends of the ganty. You do that either mechanically with a cross shaft and one big motor or twin motors "slaved".

The MACH question has to do with the inevitable question about what you do about Torch Height on that large a cut surface. It's disappointing to find you saved money on the build only to find you can't take advantage of the cost effective THC options.


TOMcaudle
www.Candcnc.com

[banjopup]

Tom,

Sorry I haven't responded sooner. Thanks for the reply BTW. After doing some more reading on the site I have decided not to go the 'cheapskate route' (especially since my little router is doing a little paying work right now) but rather to build a new one.

I have Mach3 and BobCad (both of which I am still learning to use).

The build that dnelso has going on in the post about the two tables he is building (or did build) is the one I'd like to model mine after. I still need to pinch pennies everywhere I can of course.

Thanks,
Steve